Collierville Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs of all breeds are trainable but can act in unpredictable ways, causing injury. When a victim suffers an attack, it can yield life-changing repercussions. When a dog attacks a person, they can suffer severe injury and permanent scarring.

The costs to treat these injuries are extensive, and you need compensation for the medical expenses and future losses you will suffer. You must meet with a Collierville personal injury lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, to ensure you receive the payment you need for these injuries and losses. 

Dog Bite Injuries in Collierville

One in every 69 people in the United States will need medical attention for a dog bite annually. The most prevalent dog bite injury is infection since animals carry diseases that can seriously harm humans. Even minor injuries can result in a condition that can lead to other complications. Other physical dog bite injuries include:

• Loss of limb
• Torn muscle tissue
• Skin wounds 
• Damaged nerves
• Broken bones
• Disfigurement

There are also emotional and psychological injuries you will suffer that do not have tangible documentation like:

• Low self-esteem or self-worth due to a permanent scar
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Depression 

The worst injury is the death of a child or adult from a vicious dog attack. Once a dog begins to attack a person, it is difficult to stop them. 

Let a Dog Bite Lawyer in Collierville Handle All Communication

Obtaining justice should not be challenging, but it is since insurance companies are looking out for their best interests and not yours. They will work to shift the blame and can accomplish this by getting recorded statements from you, which will often happen immediately after the accident. Do not make any statements to the insurance adjuster unless you have a legal obligation. 

You should seek legal assistance from a Collierville dog bite attorney within a week of the accident because that is when the process moves the fastest. When you retain a lawyer, we will handle all communications with the insurance company and other relevant parties. You will have protection against any sneaky tactics the insurance company will try to deploy. 

Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Cases

Time is essential to a successful dog bite injury claim because you do not have much time to waste. A statute of limitation is the timeframe you have to file a lawsuit against a negligent party. Personal injury cases have a one-year statute, including dog bite cases. 

Once the deadline passes, you have no legal options for compensation and lose out on your chance at recovery from your injury and losses. Do not wait too long to speak with a Collierville dog bite lawyer and start an insurance claim. 

Benefits of Having a Dog Bite Attorney in Collierville

A Collierville dog bite lawyer will launch an investigation into the accident by collecting evidence and looking at the incident from an unbiased standpoint. You need someone who will be honest and look at all aspects of the case to find the best strategy. The evidence we will track down is witness statements, police reports, security videos, and all other pertinent items. 

Many accident victims are apprehensive about seeking and continuing medical treatment. As a society, we all have responsibilities, and they often supersede medical needs. Additionally, you may be unable to pay for proper medical care, but you must get it. Our client’s health is the main priority, and we will refer you to doctors that will get your health in order. 

Documentation Is Key

While your dog bite lawyer in Collierville will evaluate your tangible losses through medical documents, there are many other losses you will suffer that go beyond those. You must document everything about your condition, primarily how it affects your daily life. Keep a pain notebook that details your daily pain level and how much you can and cannot do. 

All documentation you provide, and we recover, will serve to calculate your current and future losses. Your medical prognosis will be vital, especially after a dog accident with permanent injury or scarring. We want the most accurate calculation to ensure you do not see any unexpected losses in the future. 

Settlement vs Trial

Dog bite injuries often result in permanent and lifelong injury, which means the settlement process is longer than in other personal injury cases. A Collierville dog bite lawyer will attempt to settle before trial through various legal actions. If we cannot settle, we will prepare for trial. 

A trial is intimidating for all personal injury victims, and Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC is here to guide you every step. We have vast experience in trial and settlement negotiations and understand our clients need reassurance before stepping into a courtroom. 

The One-Bite Rule

One complication of a dog bite injury claim in Collierville adds an element of proof to your injury claim. Under this law, plaintiffs need to show the defendant was the owner or keeper of the dog, and it caused them injuries. The final element is the defendant knew or should have known of the dog’s predisposition to attack or harm others. 

The one bite rule gives dog owners an out when it comes to legal claims. Children in Collierville are at the highest risk of dog bites because they are unaware of the dangers and consequences. Even so, there are ways to fight these defenses and get the payment you need for injuries. 

When your Collierville dog bite lawyer proves the dog owner is negligent, they must pay for your damages. Do not fret if it is a friend’s dog since the payment will come from their homeowner’s insurance policy. A dog owner or keeper will not typically pay out of pocket, barring extenuating circumstances. 

Speak with a Collierville Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs can seem friendly and cuddly, but they can attack anytime for any reason. You need a law team who will utilize expert investigators and medical specialists to determine your case’s value and build a solid argument. 

Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, has a track record of success and fearless advocacy. While a dog is scary and vicious, we will use the same tenacity in the courtroom to secure compensation. We know the aftermath of a dog bite is a challenging time, and our Collierville dog bite lawyer will walk you through the entire legal process and keep you abreast of any changes or developments.