The vast majority of dog bites and animal attacks are relatively minor, often with no need for specific medical treatment. However, there are a significant number of these types of cases that can result in severe and debilitating injuries.
Dog bites are often more significant for children, but both children and adults can experience long-term physical damage due to these types of attacks. Scarring is common with the more serious attacks. To complicate the recovery, there is often a psychological aspect, resulting in trauma or, in some cases, Post-traumatic stress disorder.
Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Dog owners are responsible for the behavior of their pets in Minnesota. Unfortunately, without an experienced personal injury attorney to represent your best interests, it is very likely that the insurance company or the individual makes a very low offer, hoping you accept.
Once you have accepted the settlement offer, you cannot add to the claim. As insurance companies are aware of this, they often rush to make an initial offer, hoping the overwhelming medical bills, stress and the challenge of dealing with the aftermath of the attach prompts you to accept.
In choosing an experienced personal injury attorney, you have a legal expert who can assess the settlement offer and provide you with insight into the long term issues you may be facing. The attorney can also negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf for a fair settlement.
If a settlement is not possible, the personal injury attorney can move the case through to litigation. In a Minnesota court, the attorney can present expert witness testimony, medical evidence, witness accounts of the attack, and even information on the past history of the dog or animal.
Attacks by dogs and animals are significant when injuries occur. When in doubt, consult with an attorney and get the facts of the case before any agreement on the settlement is reached.
