Getting attacked and bitten by a dog from nowhere can be quite a traumatizing experience. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries from such an event, you might want to consider taking legal action against the dog’s owner. This is where a personal injury lawyer can come in handy and help you get the compensation that you deserve.
What Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Do?
The consequences of being attacked by a dog can be pretty severe. You may suffer from physical injuries, emotional trauma, and even financial losses.
The laws vary from state to state when it comes to animal attack cases. A dog bite lawyer will be well-versed in your condition’s laws and can tell you what your options are. They can also help gather evidence and build a strong case so that you have a better chance of winning in court.
In general, a dog attack lawyer can help you in the following ways:
– Review your case and give you an honest assessment of your chances of winning
– Collect evidence and witness testimony
– Handle all the legal paperwork
-Represent you in court
– Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
The cost of hiring a dog bite lawyer will depend on a few factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the amount of damages you are claiming, and whether or not your case goes to trial. In most cases, lawyers will work on a contingency basis, which means they will only get paid if they win your case.
On average, seeking legal help for a typical dog attack case in Canada can set you back around $5,000 to $15,000. However, if your case is more complex or goes to trial, you can expect to pay more.
What is a No Win, No Fee Promise
Some dog bite lawyers may offer a ‘no win, no fee’ promise, which means you will not have to pay anything upfront. Instead, they will take a portion of the compensation you receive as their payment. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to come out of pocket for any legal fees.
Do keep in mind that the percentage you will have to pay your lawyer when it comes to contingency fees will depend on the province you live in. For instance, in Ontario, the maximum percentage a lawyer can charge is 33.3% of the total amount of damages awarded.
When Should You Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Ideally, you should hire a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the attack so that they can begin working on your case right away. This will give them more time to collect evidence and build a strong case for you.
The court system can be quite complex and confusing, so it’s best to have a professional on your side who knows what they’re doing.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you or someone you know has been injured in a dog attack, here are the things you must do first:
– Collect evidence of the attack, such as photos or videos of the incident
– Get the contact information of any witnesses
– Seek medical attention for your injuries
-Report the incident to the police
Once you have all this information, call a dog bite lawyer and schedule a consultation. They will be able to give you a better idea of what your legal options are and how to proceed with your case.
What to Look for in A Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
When choosing a dog bite lawyer, you must pick someone who has experience handling these cases. They should also be familiar with the laws in your province and be able to give you sound legal advice.
Another thing to consider is whether or not the lawyer offers a free consultation. This will allow you to meet with them, get a feel for their personality, and see if you would be comfortable working with them.
You should also ask about their fees and how they will be paid. As we mentioned earlier, most dog bite lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case.
Finally, choose a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Questions to Ask During a Dog Attack Lawyer Consultation
When you’re looking for animal attack attorneys to hire, it’s always best to prepare some consultation questions to ensure that the lawyer will be a perfect fit for you. Here
are a few examples:
– How many dog bite cases have you handled?
– What is your success rate?
– How long do you think my case will take to resolve?
– What are the likely outcomes of my case?
– What are my chances of winning?
– How much will it cost to hire you?
Hiring a dog bite lawyer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Just make sure you take your time, do your research, and ask plenty of questions. This way, you can feel confident that you’re making the best decision for your case.
The Bottom Line
Severe dog bites can be debilitating and prevent you from living your everyday life. Fortunately, getting a dog bite injury can be grounds for filing insurance claims or lawsuits. Therefore, it’s recommended to seek legal help if you or someone you know has suffered from a dog bite injury. Getting an attorney to handle your dog bite injury case is one way to go through the entire legal process without any issues while securing your chances of getting the settlement.
At Halifax & Nova Scotia Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have years of experience handling various injury cases. Dog bite injury cases are not new for our lawyers, so you can rest assured they can take your case with efficiency to get you through the legalities seamlessly. If you or someone you know suffered from a personal dog bite injury, we invite you to give us a call or visit our website and schedule a free legal consultation with our team today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The owner of the dog is typically liable for any injuries their animal causes. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
For instance, if the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property or provoking the animal, they may not be held liable.
The amount of money you can sue for will depend on the severity of your injuries and the damage caused. For instance, if you suffered minor injuries and only needed a few stitches, you would likely not be able to sue for very much.
However, if you were permanently disfigured or required surgery, you could potentially sue for much more.
It can be challenging to win a dog bite case, as you will need to prove that the owner was negligent.
For instance, if they knew their animal was aggressive and did not take steps to prevent it from biting someone, they would be more likely to be held liable.
The statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit varies from state to state. However, in most cases, you will have one or two years from the attack to file a claim.
However, it’s always best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible so they can advise you on the specific deadlines in your state.
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