Being attacked by a dog can be scary, frustrating and downright annoying. While no one expects to have a dog come out of nowhere and attack them, it can happen at any point in time, regardless of where you might be. Dealing with a dog bite claim can take a lot of time and patience. You want to make sure you do everything you are supposed to in order to prevent any delays or losses in your settlement. To make sure you get the money you deserve, consider the following information.
Get in to a doctor to get checked out right away.
After getting bit by a dog, you need to get into the emergency room or your family doctor right away to get checked out. Firstly, you need to have all of your injuries properly documented by a medical professional. Secondly, you need to get checked to determine whether you need rabies vaccinations or other medicinal treatment. They might need to do a rabies test on the animal first to determine whether you need the shots or not. If the dog isn't available for testing, you might have to get the shots as a precaution. By documenting everything, the insurance company won't be able to discount your injuries.
Consider how much your injuries have cost you.
Just because the insurance company comes out with what might seem like a large settlement offer, that doesn't mean it is actually going to cover all of your injuries. You have to factor in the amount of money you lost from not being able to work, your gas going back and forth to doctor and specialist appointments, wear and tear on your vehicle from all of the added trips, pain and suffering from rabies shots and other special vaccinations, the cost of your medical bills, prescriptions and extras and much more. Don't ever jump at the first settlement offer. Take your time and make sure you have everything in order first.
Avoid trying to handle everything on your own.
Even though you might think you know everything you need to about handling your personal injury claim, you need to have someone who knows all of the ins and outs of dealing with dog bite claims. There is a lot that goes into it, so you need someone who can make sure you aren't taken advantage of and shorted on your settlement amount.
Dog bites are painful enough, let alone having to go through a series of shots as a precautionary method for rabies. Make sure your claim is handled properly and you aren't shorted on the amount of money the insurance company gives you.
To learn more, contact a lawyer like Heather Sadler Jenkins LLP commercial law.
Share6 August 2015
