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Contact Us NowFallbrook is a pet-friendly place, and it is not at all unusual to see dogs on leashes at local businesses or area preserves. Unfortunately, any dog has the potential to bite should they become threatened or surprised. In most dog bite cases, the dog’s owner is liable for compensating those injured through their homeowner’s insurance policy.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, contact a Fallbrook dog bite lawyer from Lathrop Law Firm for help pursuing compensation for the costs and impacts of your injury. A dedicated personal injury attorney could collect evidence, negotiate with insurers, and ensure your claim is filed on time so you receive the compensation you deserve.
Filing a claim after a dog bite could allow you to seek compensation for both the monetary costs and the psychological impacts you have suffered as a result of your injury. Economic damages refer to compensation for the financial impacts of an injury, such as medical treatment, wage loss, or even lost earning capacity if the bite results in permanent injuries that impair your ability to work.
Non-economic damages involve compensation for the psychological or emotional impacts of an injury. This might include payments for your pain and suffering or loss of the enjoyment of life. During an initial consultation, a Fallbrook attorney could further explain the damages you could expect to collect through your dog bite injury claim.
Dog bite claims are typically filed against the liability coverage of the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. When the insurer receives the claim, they will review it to determine liability and its value. They can then either accept the claim, deny it, or offer a settlement for less than the claim’s stated value. An experienced dog bite lawyer could handle negotiations with the involved insurer to ensure you are compensated fairly.
If the insurer fails to compensate your claim, it can be filed as a lawsuit in civil court. Such lawsuits must be filed within California’s personal injury statute of limitations, which is usually two years from the date of injury. Your lawyer will then begin preparing your case for trial, even while continuing negotiations. If a settlement cannot be reached by the scheduled trial date, your case will be presented to a judge or jury.
At the conclusion of your dog bite injury claim, your Fallbrook attorney could help you settle any medical liens placed on the award by your healthcare providers or insurers and receive the compensation from the settlement or verdict.
While many people encourage those who have been injured to “save money” by managing their case without legal counsel, professional guidance is important to the outcome of your claim. A lawyer could gather evidence, hire experts to help value your claim, and present your case in court while you focus on your physical recovery. Our Fallbrook dog bite attorneys work on a contingent fee basis, meaning they do not receive payment for their services until you receive compensation.
It is not unusual for those who have suffered dog bite injuries to be told by well-meaning loved ones that their injuries are not serious enough for a personal injury claim. However, if your injury required you to seek medical treatment, miss work, and suffer pain, it may be beneficial to file a claim with the help of a Fallbrook dog bite lawyer.
Our team understands that every case is important, and our goal is to give every client the individualized attention they need to bring a successful claim. To learn more about your legal options, contact us for a case evaluation.