What should the first step be when you are bitten by a dog? Most people often disregard such incidents as minor flukes, but it’s important to remember that dog bites are common and can be harmful. According to the United States Center for Disease Control, one in every five victims require medical attention when attacked by dogs. If you are a part of this equation, you may be considering suing the dog owner for compensation. However, before you can do that, it’s imperative to know what to consider. Here are five things you can put into account before suing the dog owner for injury.

1. What’s Your Relationship with the Dog’s Owner?

Most of the dog bites occurring within a community usually happen around the victim’s home. Additionally, the biting dog is often a pet to someone who is well-known to the victim. In cases where children are involved, it can be understood if your first reaction is seeking legal action. However, before doing that, ask yourself what your relationship is with the owner of the dog and determine whether it’s a good idea to salvage the relationship you have with them. If not, you should reconsider your decision to sue as this could end up damaging your relationship in an irreversible manner.

2. Which Dog Attacked?

History is important when it comes to determining whether or not to sue for a dog bite. When dogs have an established recording of biting, a good number of courts often decide that it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure other people are not hurt by their dogs. This can work in your favor as the victim if you are looking to prove that you didn’t provoke it and the owner did not take any measures to prevent the attack.

3. Consider Context and its Significance

When a dog is well-cared for, it becomes safe, faithful and reliable. Naturally, they are also territorial, that is why they are sometimes placed to protect property. With that in mind, you need to remember that it can be difficult to sue if you entered a property with malicious intent. Therefore, if you are in another person’s home and you are attacked by a dog, you need to prove that your intentions were honorable.

4. What are the Damages?

Compensation awards for dog bites usually cover a variety of expenses which the victim may incur. A claim that is deemed valid often goes past the immediate injuries you may have sustained. Therefore, it’s advisable to discuss your options with an attorney. You can visit 866attylaw.com to get the information you need on personal injury and learn about some of the things you can seek compensation when you are attacked by a dog.

5. Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

If you are confident your case merits going to court, you can talk to a personal injury lawyers. Attorneys in this field know how to handle these kinds of cases and will establish a plan that will work to your advantage.

Conclusion

Dog bites may seem minor, but you need not let yourself be fooled. These kinds of incidents often leave lasting physical and mental scars which could permanently affect you. Consider the pointers highlighted above to determine whether or not you have a valid claim.