Most people tend to see their dogs as members of the family and incapable of biting someone for no apparent reason. While that may be true in many cases, the fact is that a typically docile dog can cause a lot of damage with a single bite. When attacked by a dog, it pays to retain the services of a personal injury lawyer in Silverdale and follow the advice provided to the letter. Here is what the legal counsel is likely to suggest.
Confirming the Ownership of the Dog
Always find out who owns the dog. Depending on where the event took place, the owner may have insurance coverage that will take care of all medical and other expenses related to the event. Having that information handy could be the first step in bringing the matter to a quick resolution.
File a Report With the Local Jurisdiction
Even if the event seems to be minor, it pays to file a report with the local jurisdiction. An official report on record will come in handy if the dog should attack another person in the months or years to come. The presence of a report on file may also serve as an incentive for the dog owner to be more cooperative when it comes to settling the matter.
See a Doctor
Always have a medical professional check and treat the bite even if it does not seem to be anything serious. What may not appear to be a big deal today could lead to a great deal of infection after a few days pass. Prompt attention by someone who knows how to properly assess the severity of the bite will minimize the potential for complications later.
Let the Lawyer Do the Talking
It may seem cold to have a personal injury lawyer in Silverdale contact the dog owner, but this approach does tend to keep the situation from spiraling out of control. The lawyer will already have copies of the report filed locally as well as the medical records. If there were any witnesses to the bite, the lawyer will also have their testimonies on file. Armed with that information, it will be easier to negotiate with the owner and the insurance company.
Anyone who has been bitten by a dog recently should meet Anthony Otto today. Doing so ensures the legal rights of the victim are protected and paves the way for a peaceful resolution.
