3 Costly Mistakes In Your Dog Bite Claim
Getting bit by a dog isn't exactly a pleasant experience. It can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. Regardless of whether you were walking down the street or in your own yard, no one deserves to have a dog run at them and attack them. If you were the victim of a dog bite, here are a few things to avoid that jeopardize your claim for compensation.
Failing to Take Pictures of the Injuries
One of the main things you want to do after being bitten by a dog is to take pictures of the injuries. Having pictures taken right after the accident occurred will show the insurance company just how bad the attack was. You don't want to wait a week and take pictures. At that point, your injuries will have started to heal and it won't be a true depiction of what occurred on the date in question. By showing just how vicious the dog was, it will help to improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
Waiting to Get Checked Out by a Medical Professional
Regardless of whether you think your injuries are serious or not, you need to get into the doctor or clinic to have them checked out. You never know just how bad your injuries are until they have been inspected by someone who can examine them fully and make sure it isn't worse than what you thought. By documenting your injuries and getting them treated properly, you can make sure you get the compensation you deserve for all of your injuries. What might not seem so bad in the beginning can turn into something worse within a couple of days.
Jumping the Gun on a Settlement Offer
Insurance companies will often try to offer you a settlement right away to get the case done and over with. Unfortunately, the settlement amount will often be for less than what you deserve. While you might need the extra cash to pay for your medical bills and lost wages, that doesn't mean you should accept being shorted on the claim amount you deserve. You are better off letting your lawyer negotiate with the insurance company to get you the money you deserve.
By not making one of the mistakes above, you can make sure you get the compensation you are entitled to receive. For more information about personal injury cases, contact a professional like those at Swartz & Swartz P.C.