3 Benefits Of Hiring A Dog Bite Attorney
Dogs are, of course, known throughout the United States as "man's best friend", an animal famous for its friendliness and loyalty. That said, there are times when a dog may show a different, much more aggressive, side and suddenly bite someone. While not all bites cause injuries, if you are the victim of a serious dog bite that has caused one, you may have considered hiring an attorney who specializes in dog bite cases to represent you as you file a claim against the dog's owner. Keep reading below for just three benefits of doing so.
Proving Related Complications
A dog bite itself may not seem serious at first, even if it hurts. But over time, a bite may result in more serious medical complications that can be simultaneously painful and expensive. In these cases, it is best to contact a lawyer who can work with you to prove that said complications are indeed the result of the initial bite. Proving this on your own can be near impossible, often simply devolving into a case of "he said, she said" in court. On the other hand, an attorney can build a convincing case with the help of medical professionals testifying on your behalf, leaving no doubt that the dog bite is to blame for resulting medical issues.
Proving Liability
Another major aspect of dog bite cases is that of liability, which is more complicated and nuanced than it may seem at first glance. However, a knowledgeable attorney is capable of working with you to ensure that the liable party is charged appropriately. For example, a lawyer may discover during the collection of evidence that the dog's owner actually had knowledge of the dog attacking others in the past and was negligent in not taking the necessary, subsequent precautions. This is just one instance in which an attorney can define a case in your favor.
Defending False Charges
It may be that the dog's owner seeks to pin liability on you, claiming perhaps that you were on their property illegally, or that you provoked the dog in a way that caused it to attack in self-defense. Without the aid of an attorney, it may be unlikely that you can argue against these charges successfully in court. Conversely, an attorney that is familiar with charges commonly brought against victims of a dog bite can work effectively to have these charges dismissed and your claim reviewed fairly.