
You should notify the insurance company of the dog owner after a dog bite in North Carolina. Generally, the dog owner’s liability insurance will provide coverage for your injuries.
You can find out more about what you should do after an animal attack from a Rutherfordton dog bite lawyer. An attorney can explain each step you should take and provide support as you seek compensation from the liable party.
Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite to Your Insurance?
The liable insurance company, the dog owner’s insurance (generally their homeowner’s insurance coverage) will need to know about your dog bite
Your health insurance will likely cover the initial costs of your medical treatment, not including copays or deductibles. However, the dog’s owner may have to cover these expenses in the long run, potentially paying back any funds provided by your health insurance company.
The animal’s owner may also have to cover any other expenses associated with the attack. An attorney can help you get fair compensation for your losses after a bite.
Do You Have to Tell Your Insurance if Your Dog Bites Someone?
You will most likely need to inform your insurance company if your dog bites someone on your property. Notifying the company right away can allow them to prepare for a claim against you. You should provide information about the alleged victim, the circumstances of the bite, and eyewitnesses.
What Else Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
The steps you take after an animal attack can directly influence your ability to seek compensation for your losses. Legal professionals recommend that you:
Report the Attack to the Relevant Authorities
You should notify animal control and the local health department after any attack by a dog. The dog will have to go through a quarantine period to check for rabies. You may also require rabies treatment as a preventative measure.
Reporting the accident creates an official record of what happened. Your attorney may use the information in this record while working on your legal claim.
Get Medical Care
Make sure that you get immediate medical treatment if a dog bites you. Dog bites can result in deep injuries, nerve damage, and infections. Getting fast medical care can improve your chances of making a full recovery.
Gather Evidence if Possible
You should collect as much information about the dog bite as possible to share with your attorney. You may get contact information from witnesses to the attack, take pictures of your injuries, and write down everything you remember about the events leading up to the bite.
Contact a Lawyer
You can rely on a personal injury lawyer to help with all your legal needs after an animal attack. A lawyer can take charge, give you information about your next steps, and answer your questions.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (828) 286-3866
How Do You Get Compensation for a Dog Bite in North Carolina?
You’ll likely need to file a claim against the dog’s owner to get compensation for your losses after an animal attack. Owners face strict liability laws if they allow their dog to run at large or if they have a dangerous dog and it attacks someone.
Your lawyer may also work to show that the dog’s owner behaved negligently in order to secure compensation for your losses. In some cases, lawyers bring claims against the owner’s insurance policy. In other situations, your lawyer may help with a lawsuit against the owner of the animal.
What Type of Compensation Do You Get After a Bite?
You may have a chance to get compensation for all of your losses after an animal attack. The dog’s owner may have to pay for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, emotional suffering, and other losses.
Your health insurance company may request that you pay back any money it paid towards your initial medical expenses after the resolution of your dog bite claim. Your lawyer can give you more information about how this process may work in your situation.
Talk to Us After an Animal Attack
You can learn more about what to expect after an attack and your legal options for securing compensation from our team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC. We’ve served over 10,000 clients, and we’re ready to provide the professional support you need after an attack.