The Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Dog Bite Case

Las Vegas is one of the most populous cities in Nevada, United States. It is known for its fine dining and pulsating entertainment scene, but it is also home to many residential communities where dog ownership is shared. While most dogs are well-trained and non-aggressive, bites and attacks still occur. 

Victims of dog bites often face physical injuries, emotional trauma, and potential legal battles to seek compensation for their injuries. Seeking legal help for dog bites in Las Vegas can significantly improve the outcome of a claim. 

However, inevitable mistakes can weaken a case and reduce the chances of receiving fair compensation. Understanding these mistakes can help you handle the legal process effectively and avoid jeopardizing their claims. So, here are the common mistakes you make that can adversely affect the dog bite claim. 

1. Failing to Seek Medical Attention

One of the most critical mistakes a dog bite victim can make is not seeking immediate medical care. Bite wounds can lead to infections or complications, such as rabies or nerve damage. Some bites appear less severe, so you may think medical attention is not needed, but the infection might take some time to show symptoms.  

Also, medical records serve as essential evidence in a legal case to demonstrate the extent of the injury and link it to the attack. If you do not have any medical records but try to file a claim, the opposing party can more easily argue that the injury was exaggerated or unrelated. So, you should not avoid seeking medical attention even if the bite seems minor to protect your health and legal rights. 

2. Not Reporting the Incident to Authorities

Another frequent mistake victims make in dog bite cases is failing to notify local authorities of the bite. In Las Vegas, victims should contact animal control or law enforcement immediately after a dog attack. Reporting the incident is mainly for two primary purposes: it creates an official record that documents the specifics of the attack, including the time, location, and the parties involved, and it can reveal if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior or previous incidents.  

These records are important for understanding the dog’s background, as they can significantly impact the case and the compensation amount. Without a formal complaint, proving liability becomes more challenging. 

3. Admitting Fault or Downplaying the Attack

Victims sometimes make statements that can be used against them later by the defendant. Apologizing on the spot, admitting to provoking the dog, or downplaying the severity of the injury can weaken a dog bite claim. This will be the greatest mistake you make.  

Insurance companies and opposing lawyers may use some simple statements you say, like “I am sorry” or “I am fine,” to argue that the victim contributed to the attack or that the injuries are not as severe as claimed. Therefore, you should never admit fault; the dog bite lawyer will investigate the case, gather evidence, and determine the fault. 

4. Not Gathering Evidence

Substantial evidence is key to proving liability in a dog bite case. After a dog bite, victims should collect as much information as they can from the scene, such as pictures of their injuries, photos of the dog, any CCTV footage if available, and contact details from the witnesses and the dog owner.  

Because the opposing party or the court solely relies on the evidence to decide the liability and compensation. So, gathering evidence from the spot is very important. Also, you should keep a record of all medical treatment and related expenses. Failing to collect all this information can make it harder to build a strong claim. 

5. Delaying Legal Action

Every personal injury case has a statute of limitations. This means you should file a claim within the time limit. This varies state by state and is different for each case. Nevada has a statute of limitations for lawsuits involving dog bite claims, which is two years from the date of the incident. If you wait too long to make a claim and miss this time period, you may forfeit your right to compensation.  

Even if you try to file a claim after this time period, the court will dismiss the case. Therefore, if you file a claim immediately after the incident, the evidence will be fresh, and witnesses will come forward to report the incident, which will help you win the case. If you delay filing a claim, it may become more difficult to find witnesses, obtain new evidence, or link the injuries to the attack. 

6. Handling the Claim Without Legal Representation

Usually, after filing a case, the insurance company directly reaches out to the victim and offers low compensation. But that will be a lower offer than you actually deserve. Without legal guidance, they may accept this low offer without understanding the full extent of their damage and their legal rights.  

An experienced attorney can assess the case, gather intricate evidence, negotiate effectively, and protect the victim’s rights throughout the legal process. They can also help them receive fair compensation for all their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, etc. If you handle the claim without legal representation, you may not get compensation for these losses. 

Conclusion

Personal injury cases can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. Especially, cases involving dog bites can be especially complicated. So, when filing a dog bite claim, avoiding these typical mistakes can increase the likelihood of obtaining fair compensation for all your economic and non-economic damages, as well as other losses.  

Building a solid dog bite case and holding the defendant accountable after a dog attack requires the early intervention of a dog bite lawyer and adherence to protocol. So, hire a dog bite attorney to handle the case. The attorney will take care of all the processes, from gathering evidence and negotiating to going to trial if needed to receive fair compensation. If the lawyer handles the legal process, you can focus fully on your physical and mental recovery without any stress. 

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