A sudden dog bite can easily turn your simple, everyday routine into a complete disarray. Imagine you are just enjoying your morning routine by having your usual tranquil jog around the park on a slow morning, or maybe having a quick chat with a friend along the walkway, and then suddenly a dog becomes aggressive and bites you.
The physical pain is just gruesome, and everything seems to happen so fast. Other than the physical pain, you are left with the debilitating emotional shock from it all. Sooner or later, you will even have to deal with the legal system, and you can really get burnt out and frustrated with the long process. It is not that easy to deal with the intricacies of cases like this, especially if you are not in the right headspace.
How Do I Find the Right Lawyer for a Dog Bite?
In these situations, it is normal to feel lost and unsure where to turn. The average person isn’t educated or experienced on legal matters and the laws in their state..
If you are unsure of the best way to move forward, you need a reliable partner to turn to for help. A Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in New Jersey is going to be your best partner to sort out the situation for you and figure out the smartest, most strategic ways to move forward.
With their expertise, they can help you identify the best approach or the most feasible avenue for compensation. Surely, you will have many questions along the way. They are the ones who can provide the clearest answers for your information and even for your further protection. Here are three primary ways a dog bite attorney can support you:
Negotiation for Fair Settlements
Insurance companies will always try to settle claims quickly and in the cheapest way they can. They are keeping their business afloat, after all. But that does not give justice to you at all, and having a lawyer can prevent them from taking advantage of you in this case.
Your lawyer can notice and immediately counteract when adjusters try to downplay the severity of your situation and injuries. They expertly take charge of the communication and coordination to ensure insurance companies put much attention to what needs to be heard.
Gathering Critical Evidence
A strong case requires a strong set of evidence, so you need rigid documentation. Your lawyer can make sure you readily have the medical reports, witness statements, clear photographs, and other proof. They also make sure these are organized because this matters a lot in court in order to secure the compensation. They also consult experts who can assess your medical condition and account for your long-term and short-term needs.
Filing a Lawsuit
If a negotiation with the insurance company fails, the lawyer will file a lawsuit against the dog owner since they are the ones who are responsible for the dog bite. And the best lawyer will gather accurate and relevant evidence to build a strong case in order to win the case.
In filing a lawsuit, you need to draft a complaint outlining the damages that the victim received and claims to further cover your medical bill that the victim spent. Then, they will proceed to discovery, where both sides make statements, questions, depositions, etc., to pinpoint who is liable for the dog bite incident.
Also, the lawyer must seek valid testimony from the eyewitnesses who saw that incident. However, there is a possibility that the accused will request a trial if no verdict is agreed upon in the court or the accused will ask for a trial. Although most cases end before trial, a competent attorney gets ready for court if needed.
Choose the Right Legal Professional
Facing such an ordeal all by yourself can become overwhelming, and if you do not get help early on, you might risk being burnt out to even finish the process. A dog bite lawyer can make things more bearable so you can focus on your well-being and healing.
Professional legal support is one big step towards compensation you rightfully deserve. Seeking a professional in legal matters regarding a dog bite incident will help protect your rights and possibly get compensation.
Final Thoughts
In traumatic situations like a dog bite or something similar, you need a professional who understands not only navigating the legal system but is empathetic to your pain. Choosing the right professional will save you time and headache in the long run.