Most often, dog bites are caused by a relative's dog, a neighbor's dog, or a friend's dog. You may be reluctant to sue your relative (neighbor, friend), even if you suffered serious injury in a dog attack. You're worried that the money will come out of your relative's own pocket. You're worried if you pursue an injury claim against them, it'll damage your relationship. What should you do?
WILL THE MONEY YOU SEEK COME OUT OF YOUR RELATIVE'S OWN POCKET?
If the dog owner has homeowner's or renter's insurance, then their insurance company will cover your injury claim. The reason that your relative got the insurance in the first place is to protect them from having to pay out of their own pocket for just this type of situation. Yes, their insurance premium will go up, but that is a minor consequence compared to the major impact the dog bite has had on your life. If it was your dog that attacked someone, wouldn't you absolutely be more concerned that your insurance company pays for their injuries, their medical bills, including any plastic surgery or psychological counseling they need, and their lost wages, than whether your premiums are going to increase?
WILL AN INJURY CLAIM DAMAGE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR RELATIVE?
There is no reason for your injury claim to damage your relationship with your relative, neighbor or friend. The matter will be handled between your lawyer and their insurance company. If your relative/neighbor/friend cares about you, he or she will want to see you fully compensated for your dog bite injuries.
BOTTOM LINE
If you are the victim of a dog bite, obtaining full compensation you for all of your losses, both economic and emotional, should absolutely take priority over any concern that making an injury claim will harm your relationship with the dog owner. The dog owner should want his insurance company to fully pay for your injuries. If he doesn't, he's not a relative/neighbor/friend worth having.
Call the attorneys at McGee, Lerer & Associates if you are the victim of a dog attack. Our lawyers specialize in dog bite cases. We know the tremendous damage that a dog attack can cause. We know the importance of having your dog bite injuries evaluated by a plastic surgeon, and we can arrange a cosmetic surgery consultation on a lien basis, which means that you pay nothing up front. You pay only after the case resolves. Our attorneys also know the importance of making psychological counseling available to you. Psychological counseling can also be arranged on a lien basis.
McGee, Lerer & Associates - Los Angeles dog bite attorneys (800) 999-9948.