What Part Does A Lawyer Play In Dog Bite Cases?
Dog bite injuries are far too common, yet most people don’t know what to do if or when it happens. The physical, emotional, and financial scars can change anyone’s life in an instant. Knowing how you can be compensated and having a San Jose personal injury attorney to back you up can help get you through this devastating situation.
What Kind of Damages Are Involved In A Dog Bite Case?
Attacks happen for varying reasons, no matter how friendly most dogs are, only to cause damages deeper than a puncture wound. The facts surrounding the incident and who is liable will determine the type of compensation and how much you could be entitled to.
Damages are classified according to:
Economic Losses – Objective and measurable losses including medical costs, life care, lost income and reduced future earnings.
Non-economic losses – Intangible losses extending to the victim’s family, such as punitive damages, emotional distress, pain and suffering.
In cases where the victim doesn’t survive the attack, family members left behind may be entitled to receive compensation for additional damages with the help of a wrongful death attorney.
Who Is Held Liable for Damages Caused By A Dog Bite Injury?
Dog bite cases aren’t like most other personal injury cases in terms of the relationship between the bitten individual and the liable party, given the dog owner turns out to be a neighbor or close friend. Victims would usually opt to not seek damages in these situations for fear of causing economic hardship to people they know.
Most dog bite cases, however, upon being reviewed by a personal injury lawyer, find that the responsible party has insurance to sufficiently cover the damages. Canine professionals, breeders, veterinarians, landlords, pet stores and business owners often carry insurance policies.
The type of insurance available to pay for losses may be in the form of homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, a personal umbrella liability policy providing more provisions than the first, an auto liability insurance for dog attacks linked to cars, or a separate dog owner insurance policy. It’s important to note that not all claims are covered by insurance. Examples would be dog bites due to intentional acts, i.e. abuse or battery, and when the liable party is uninsured who is then sensibly the sole source of payment.
A San Jose Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Your Case
Every dog bite case is different, and our personal injury attorneys in San Jose are here to help. We’ll back you up with our 75 years of combined experience and expertise to get you the justice and damages you deserve. Contact The Law Office of Farling, Hecht, & Davis LLP online here or give us a call at (408) 295-6100 to see how we can help you and your case.