West Ashley Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bites and injures you, and you are worried about what will happen to the animal. In all likelihood, the dog’s owner — not the animal — will be punished. Along with this, a West Ashley dog bite lawyer can help you hold the pet’s owner accountable for your injury-related losses.

The Thumbs Up Guys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward want you to pursue damages if a dog bites you due to no fault of your own. We have recovered millions of dollars in damages in personal injury lawsuits and are here to help you with your case. Schedule a consultation with our West Ashley personal injury lawyers.

What to Do if a Dog Bites You 

Do your best to remain calm in the moments after a dog bites you. This puts you in a great position to treat your injury and avoid doing anything that can hurt your chances of getting compensation from the dog’s owner. Here are tips to help you deal with your dog bite:

• Get medical care. Call 911 if you are seriously hurt, and medical professionals will arrive at the scene to treat your injury. 
• Clean your wound. If possible, apply mild soap and water or an antibacterial cream or lotion to your wound and cover it with a bandage to reduce the risk of infection. 
• Contact the authorities. Notify Charleston County Animal Services or the Charleston Police Department, and they can investigate and let you know if the dog that attacked you has a history of biting or rabies. 
• Get the dog owner’s information. Ask this individual for their contact information, as you will need it if you want to pursue damages from them. 

In addition to these things, meet with a dog bite lawyer serving West Ashley to review your legal options. The Thumbs Up Guys will provide tips and recommendations on what to do if you get hurt from a dog bite. Request a consultation with our attorneys.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?

A dog owner is typically at fault if their pet bites someone. It is reasonable to expect an owner to take care of their dog and make sure that their pet behaves responsibly. However, if their dog attacks you and you suffer an injury, you can seek damages from the pet’s owner. 

You can ask for damages through an insurance claim. If you do, you can provide photos of your injury and other proof that shows how badly a dog hurt you. Regardless, an insurance company prioritizes its client’s best interests, and it is likely to dispute your claim. 

If you are wondering if you need a dog bite lawyer in Charleston, consider what can happen if you choose not to hire one. A liable dog owner or their insurance company will contest your claim to the fullest extent. Alternatively, your attorney offers fierce and compassionate legal representation to help you get maximum compensation. 

Damages You Can Recover in a West Ashley Dog Bite Lawsuit

In a dog bite lawsuit, you can request economic and non-economic damages. A West Ashley dog bite attorney can explain these damages in depth. They can build an argument designed to compel a judge or jury to award you damages for many reasons, such as:

Medical Expenses 

It would help if you had surgery and other treatments for your dog bite injury. Yet, these treatments are expensive, and they can put a major dent in your budget. As part of your lawyer’s efforts to help you get the best case results, they can pursue damages for your current and future medical bills. 

Lost Wages

Let your attorney know if you miss work after a dog bites you. Your lawyer will ask you to provide pay stubs and other proof that highlights how much income you are losing. They can use your evidence to show a judge or jury that you deserve damages for your lost wages.

Pain and Suffering 

The severity of your dog bite injury and other factors can determine if you will be awarded damages for pain and suffering. It is difficult to figure out how much these losses are worth. Your lawyer considers your case carefully, ensuring you can provide proof that explains why you deserve damages for pain and suffering and other subjective losses. 

Many pet owners take dog bite prevention to heart, but some are lax. If a dog owner is negligent and their animal attacks you, take legal action against them. Have a dog bite attorney serving West Ashley represent you, and they can pursue fair compensation on your behalf. 

Our West Ashley Dog Bite Lawyers Make It Easy to Get the Compensation You Want

After a dog bites you, the pet’s owner could say you are fully responsible for the costs to treat your injury and other losses you incur. If this happens, the owner may be trying to put you on the hook for their negligence. At this point, partner with a personal injury lawyer to request damages.

The Thumbs Up Guys fight for the injured and help you get your life back on track as you deal with the aftermath of your dog bite injury. Tell us about your injury case, and we will assist you in any way we can. Contact us today to get started.