Pursuing a dog bite settlement after a family member’s dog bites you or your child requires several considerations beyond those involved in dog bite cases involving strangers. You may be concerned about damaging the relationship with your loved ones or potentially causing them financial hardship. But, with the right approach, you can resolve your family’s dog bite case amicably without significant direct costs for your loved ones.
Let’s explore dog bite cases involving family members and our tips for ensuring the ideal result for dog bite victims without damaging your relationships.
The Data on Dog Bites at Home
Data from the National Library of Medicine shows most dog bites occur at a family home, and most attacks involve a dog known to the victim.
Meanwhile, research from the American Veterinary Medicine Association indicates that children are the most likely victims of dog bites and that these attacks often lead to serious dog bite injuries that require extensive rehabilitation and treatment, with significant associated medical costs.
With this type of dog attack becoming so common in recent years, there are clear guidelines to follow after a dog attack involving a family member’s dog. Adhering to these guidelines can help protect the dog bite victim’s rights to compensation while safeguarding your relationship with the dog’s owner during the legal process..
Tips for Communicating with The Dog Owner
After a dog bite incident, and once the dog bite victim has undergone treatment, you can begin the steps to coordinate your communication with the dog owner alongside your dog bite attorney.
As one of Pennsylvania’s foremost dog bite lawyers serving families, Jeffrey Penneys has helped thousands of clients sensitively handle dog bite claims involving family and friends. Below are a few recommended communication steps in the initial phases of the bite settlement process.
Explain the Nature of the Injuries and the Financial Burden
In communicating with loved ones after their dog bites you or your child, ensure they first understand the potential medical cost associated with dog attack treatment. Even relatively minor dog bites can require costly medical care, and you’re due compensation to minimize the financial impact of the attack.
Work with Your Bite Lawyer to Explain Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage relating to dog bite claims in the family home can become complex due to the potential damages, liability coverage elements, and the filing process built into the policy.
Help the dog owner understand that their home insurance coverage will likely cover the cost of the settlement claim. The typical insurance policy covers liability costs between $100,000 and $500,000.
Detail Their Insurance Options After a Dog Bite In the Home
One of the most common concerns for families facing dog bite attack claims is whether they will still have access to home insurance after the claim is complete. In most dog bite cases, your family member can renew their insurance policy after the insurance claim. Their premiums may rise when the insurance company reassesses their risk profile, but they will maintain liability protection in the future.
How to Protect the Dog Bite Victim Throughout the Process
The dog bite victim is the priority as you move forward in setting the case. The victim’s medical needs and long-term comfort should be the top consideration as you address the impact of the injury with the dog owner.
Arguments and tense discussions after a family dog bite can be particularly difficult for child dog bite victims, who may feel a sense of responsibility as relationships strain during the settlement phase of the process. Take the following steps to prioritize the dog bite victim as you work with your dog bite lawyer and your family through the settlement.
Analyze the physical and mental impact of the dog attack
The mental aspect of the attack and its ramifications are critical, especially in cases involving children. Consult with a local child psychologist to help child dog bite victims handle any potential feelings of anxiety and fear resulting from the event.
Carefully collect and store all financial and medical documentation
Carefully record all appointment details, doctor’s notes, and information on medical payments. This process will help safeguard your dog bite claim and help ensure the victim receives a fair settlement within a shorter timeframe.
Your dog bite attorney can help guide you on the most valuable evidence for the claim and will submit documentation according to the guidelines set under your family member’s insurance policy.
Check-in with dog bite victims regularly and respond quickly to any physical or mental health concerns
The weeks and months after the dog bite incident are critical to the victim’s recovery. In supporting child dog bite victims, check in regularly to assess their physical and mental state. Is their behavior changing? Are they experiencing new physical symptoms? Note any observations and call local medical professionals at the earliest possible time after changes.
Call Pennsylvania’s Top Dog Bite Lawyer for a Free Case Review
Dog bite cases involving a family member’s dog require dedicated experience in Pennsylvania dog bite law, a sensitive communication style, and a proven background in successful insurance settlement negotiations.
Jeffrey Penneys is a proud advocate for Pennsylvania dog bite victims and works with families to help ensure dog attacks involving family dogs are resolved amicably and with the victim receiving a fair settlement for the extent of their injuries. You can review his past dog bite case settlement record to explore his expertise. When your family chooses Jeffrey Penneys as your attorney, you’ll begin with a free, no-obligation consultation and 24/7 dog bite legal services, with unrestricted access to decades of dog bite law experience.
Call 215-771-0430 or complete the online form to review your family’s dog bite claim options.