According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year. Unfortunately, many of these victims are children who are unable to recognize the imminent danger an aggressive dog may pose or the warning signs the dog is giving.
Real Dog Bite Personal Injury Litigation Results in Dallas
Recently, the dog bite lawyers at our personal injury firm resolved a matter in litigation where a small child here in Dallas was severely injured when a Pitbull mix attacked the child. The child was left permanently impaired and unable to play his favorite sport, basketball. The insurance company denied any responsibility stating that the boy was solely at fault because he was trespassing on the dog owners property.
This was a wrongful denial, because the child had been invited to the property.
At Genthe law we knew the denial was wrong so he filed a lawsuit to initiate litigation against the insurance company. After retaining a private investigator and obtaining google map photos we were able to discover that the dog was severely neglected in the backyard.
After interviews with neighbors we discovered that the dog was known to bite other children, which was contrary to what the owners had stated. It also turned out that the dog owners were local repairmen and the child had a go-kart that they were fixing for him.
The owners had told the child to come back and pick up his fixed go-kart, and the child followed their instruction. When the child entered the property and went to knock on the door he was attacked by the dog. Despite the knowledge of these facts the insurance company maintained a denial of the case. Only when it became clear that we were headed for trial did the insurance company pay enough to compensate the child for his injuries.
How can a dog bite impact your finances?
Oftentimes after a dog bite the victim needs to go to the hospital. Going to the emergency room can be expensive, especially if surgery or significant treatment is needed. The victim frequently gets stuck with E.R. bills, radiologist bills, and additional physician bills.
Victims are frequently unable to work for a period of time after the attack and accumulate lost wages. Many victims also have significant scarring that is a constant reminder of the traumatic event and the victim may want these scars medically treated or reduced to minimum visibility. Victims deserve to be reimbursed for these types of incurred expenses.
Why should you use a personal injury attorney to help you fight insurance companies?
Simple. Most insurance companies will outright deny your claim stating that there is no evidence that the dog or the owner did anything wrong. Victims are then left to deal with medical bills, scarring and disfigurement, and psychological injuries such as PTSD. Don’t let the insurance companies do this to you. You may be entitled to reimbursement for your medical bills, proper treatment for help dealing with scarring and disfigurement, and compensation for pain and suffering.
If an insurance company has denied your dog bite claim, don’t be discouraged as this is common for insurance companies to wrongfully deny claims. If you or a loved one has been injured during a dog attack in Dallas or the surrounding areas contact us for a free consultation.
