Mistakes that Cost Dog Bite Victims a Settlement

Dog bite settlements account for the loss of work, trauma, and cost of medical care associated with your dog attack. Unfortunately, many dog bite victims find small mistakes during the case filing process prevent them from recovering fair compensation for the devastating impact of their injuries. 

There are strict laws governing injury cases and the insurance claims filing process, and only by abiding by the rules and understanding each party’s role in the settlement negotiation can you recover your rightful settlement amount. 

To help guide you as you begin the dog bite settlement negotiation, let’s explain the mistakes that can prevent you from achieving fair compensation for your dog bite injuries. 

Refusing Medical Attention

While you may believe you’re not severely injured, the only way to determine the damage caused by the dog bite is with a medical examination. Diagnostic tools such as X-rays and blood tests can identify broken bones and infections resulting from a dog bite. 

If you refuse medical attention after the attack, the insurance company may claim your injuries are not severe and deny your claim.

Trying to Settle the Claim with the Owner Directly

Tension is high after a dog bite. You may act out of character and try to approach the dog owner regarding the incident. The only information you’ll need initially from the dog owner is their name and contact details. From this point forward, it’s better to allow an experienced dog bite attorney to handle the communications so you can focus on your injury recovery. 

Failing to Take Photos

Take photos of your dog bite wound both before and after medical care. These photos help show the initial impact and severity of the attack. When photographing the bite wound, try to show damage to the clothes you were wearing and the location of the dog bite. 

If you cannot take photos yourself, ask a friend or family member to take a picture to record the bite marks on your skin.

Discussing the Attack on Social Media

The information discussed during an injury case is sensitive, and any discussion outside of the proper legal channels may impact your case for compensation. The other party’s lawyer will be researching your social media. The insurance companies will also try to find any evidence that your claim may not be as severe as your initial statement described. 

Speak only with your dog bite lawyer about your case and don’t even refer to the attack on social media for the duration of settlement negotiations.

Accepting the Initial Settlement Offer

The initial settlement offer is usually a bargaining strategy by the insurance company to test the waters. In most cases, a higher amount will follow in negotiations. Speak with a dog bite lawyer about the offer before acceptance. You might consider the dog bite settlement questions we highlighted in a recent post to help provide structure to your meeting with the dog bite lawyer. 

Your legal representative will have experience with similar cases and use their dog bite case knowledge to determine both the value of the offer and the potential for a higher settlement, given your injuries and financial damages.

Not Following the Statute of Limitations

The Statute of Limitations for Pennsylvania dog bite claims is two years. From the 2nd anniversary of your dog bite attack, you will no longer be able to file a bite claim against the owner. 

Due to the ticking clock enforced by the Statute of Limitations, you should speak with a dog bite attorney as soon as possible to allow ample time for settlement negotiations.

Take the Best First Step in Your Dog Bite Case – Call Jeffrey Penneys for a Free Consultation

By speaking with a qualified and experienced dog bite attorney in the days following your dog attack, you can prevent many missteps that have cost other victims a settlement. Jeffrey Penneys is known for his pinpoint client communications and exceptional background winning tens of millions in case settlements for dog bite injury victims throughout Pennsylvania. 

During your free dog bite case review, Jeffrey Penneys will explain your rights under Pennsylvania law and help you begin to analyze the next step in filing a dog bite injury claim. 
Contact Jeffrey Penneys any time, 24/7, via 215-771-0430 to learn more about the potential value of your dog bite case settlement.