In the United States, dog bites are all too common. It’s so common that over 800,000 Americans report needing medical attention for a dog bite annually.
A dog bite can cause severe injuries that require medical attention. These medical costs can run into the thousands, but not everyone has that money. This is where a personal injury attorney comes in. They base their careers on personal injury cases like dog bites, so they will be able to assist you.
If you need to choose a dog bite lawyer, keep reading. Here’s what you need to know to make the right decision.
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Ask Around
When choosing a dog bite lawyer, the first and easiest way to find one is to ask around. Ask your friends and family if they have a lawyer they can recommend. If a dog has bitten anyone you know, ask who they used for their dog bite compensation claim. If their experience with their lawyer was positive, they’ll happily pass along their contact details.
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Check Online
If you know no one who’s been bitten and nobody has any recommendations, turn to the internet. Reading online reviews is a great place to start when you’ve found a few options for lawyers. See if their company is listed on Google and whether clients have left reviews.
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Ask for References
Once you’ve found a personal injury attorney, you can contact them for a consultation. Some firms charge for the consultation, so ensure your lawyer offers them free of charge.
During this consultation, you will have the chance to discuss your dog bite claim. You can ask them any questions about your dog bite compensation claim.
If you like what you hear, you can ask for references that you may contact. If that lawyer is good at his job, his previous clients should confirm that.
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Talk Money
In your free consultation, you may also want to enquire about fees. Legal representation costs can be expensive. Find a lawyer who works under a contingency fee agreement, meaning they will only get paid if they win your dog bite case.
Your lawyer will receive an agreed-upon percentage of the amount recovered from the settlement. If the case is lost, you have no financial responsibility. Comparing lawyer fees will give you an idea of the average costs.
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Check Their Case History
Finally, before you choose a dog bite lawyer, check their case history. Not all lawyers handle dog bite cases, so find one specializing in them. This way, you know you’re getting the best expertise possible. A lawyer with experience with dog bite injuries will have a wealth of information that could help your case.
Choose a Dog Bite Lawyer Like a Pro
If you’ve been bitten by a dog and your injury is severe, you should always contact a lawyer. Dog bites requiring medical attention can cost more than you can afford, so seeking compensation through a lawyer is recommended.
Remember to choose a dog bite lawyer carefully. You may want to check references, experience, fee structure, and any online reviews before you decide.
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