If your pet causes an injury to someone, it’s essential to know who is liable. The responsible party, in this case, may not be you. However, if the other party was negligent, the dog owner could be liable for the dog’s actions. In such cases, the owner can be held liable for the emotional distress caused by the dog bite.
Taking photos of the owner and the dog before seeking medical treatment
If your pet injures someone, you may want to take photos of the owner and the dog before seeking treatment. It can help you reimburse veterinary costs and provide witnesses who can state the attack. Photographs will also help you document the attack scene and the injuries sustained.
Suppose your pet injures someone in a public place; take pictures of the dog’s face and location to document the full extent of the injuries. You should also get a copy of the police report. Sometimes, the victims don’t realize how bad the dog’s bite is until hours later, so getting the medical attention you need as soon as possible is essential. If you have a camera with you, take pictures of the dog’s face, neck, and other areas of the attack and the dog’s owner.
Filing an insurance claim
If you or your dog causes an injury to another person, filing an insurance claim may be a good idea. This will prevent your loved ones from having to foot the bill yourself. However, filing a claim does require you to be on top of deadlines and coding procedures. If you fail to follow these guidelines, your claim can be rejected by the insurance company.
Many factors will affect the outcome of your insurance claim. First, you must notify your insurer that you have a pet. If you don’t, the insurance company may refuse to pay for the incident, leaving you on the hook for the expenses. You may also have to pay higher premiums for a new policy.
Insurance companies usually look for reasons to deny your claim. They might claim that your pet was not properly restrained. However, you can use a restraint device to ensure your pet is appropriately restrained. Also, many insurance companies do not cover dangerous dog breeds, such as Pitbulls or Rottweilers.
You can also file a claim if your pet causes damage to someone else’s property. Liability coverage is often included in renters’ insurance policies. This will cover your costs up to the limit of your policy. This coverage also includes your pet’s veterinary bills.
Filing an insurance claim if your pet damages someone’s property may be your best option for compensation. If your dog causes injury to someone else, your homeowners or renters insurance policy may not cover the damage. However, if the other person is at fault, you can file a liability claim with their insurer. However, you’ll have to pay a deductible first.
The most common pet injury is a dog bite. This injury is disproportionately dangerous to children and can cost you thousands of dollars in legal expenses. If your liability covers dog bites, you’ll likely be covered for the medical costs as well as the legal fees of the other person. If not, you’ll be responsible for the rest of the expenses.
Obtaining damages for emotional distress caused by a dog bite
Obtaining damages for emotional distress caused by dog bites may not be as straightforward as you think. It is not always possible to receive damages for emotional distress caused by a dog attack because pain and suffering must be directly related to physical injuries. The good news is that a dog bite injury can cause significant emotional distress even after the attack is over and that suffering can be compensable in some cases.
If you feel you have suffered emotional distress because of a dog bite, it is essential to document your emotional damages. This may mean seeking mental health treatment. Keeping a journal can also be helpful, as you can document negative emotions about scars and your inability to find work or continue your education.
Dog bites can cause severe emotional distress, and many people become afraid of dogs after an incident. Having a pet is excellent for your mental health, so losing it is especially difficult. If you have lost your pet due to a dog bite, you may be able to recover emotional damages related to the loss of companionship.
In addition to monetary damages, dog bite victims may be eligible to recover medical expenses. Dog bites can leave you with a bruise, cut, or wound that may require stitches or reconstructive surgery. As a result, dog bites can result in a hefty bill for medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
Dog bite laws differ between states. If you or a family member has suffered from the attack, you can file a lawsuit against the dog owner for the damages. However, there are many factors to consider before filing a lawsuit. Many cases settle out of court without the need for litigation.
Dog bite lawsuits also allow victims to seek property damage damages. This can cover clothing and property, as well as vehicle damage.
Avoiding a lawsuit if your pet causes injury to someone
You don’t want to risk being sued by your pet, but there are some ways to mitigate your risk. First, ensure you have the right insurance coverage for your dog. Many homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies cover incidents involving your dog. If you own a business, you must find a commercial general insurance carrier to cover any liability related to dog bites.
Who should you contact?
Dog bite injuries can be severe and require an experienced attorney to pursue your case successfully. Joe I. Zaid & Associates, our dog bite attorneys in Texas and across the nation, will provide the confidence and expertise you need to pursue your claim. You deserve financial recovery for all your damages and injuries, and we can take care of the legal aspect of your case while you focus on recovery.