What To Do If You Get Bitten By A Service Dog

Service dogs are trained to provide assistance and support to individuals with disabilities. However, like any other dog, service dogs can also bite under certain circumstances. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being bitten by a service dog, whether you provoked the dog or not, it's important to know what steps to take next. As you read on, you'll learn whether you can file an insurance claim, sue for damages, and what kind of compensation you may be entitled to.

Can You File an Insurance Claim?

In most cases, the owner of the service dog will have liability insurance that covers injuries caused by their dog when they are out in public. You can usually file a claim with the owner's insurance company to cover medical expenses resulting from the dog bite. It's important to document the incident by taking photos of your injuries and obtaining witness statements if possible. If there are conflicts with filing an insurance claim, including the service dog's owner or their insurance company not being cooperative, it's wise to call a dog bite attorney for legal guidance.

What If You Provoked the Dog?

If you provoked the service dog in any way before being bitten, it could affect your ability to file a successful insurance claim or lawsuit. Provocation can include actions such as teasing or hitting the dog, distracting the canine or its owner, or invading its personal space. If it is determined that you provoked the dog before being bitten, you may not be able to recover damages for your injuries. Furthermore, you could face legal repercussions yourself, so it's wise to never admit fault in a dog bite case and to hire an attorney if you are being accused of provocation of a service dog attack.

Can You Sue for Damages?

In some cases, you may be able to sue for damages resulting from a service dog bite, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work for treatment and recovery, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. To have a successful lawsuit against the owner of the service dog, you will need to prove that they were negligent in controlling their dog or knew about its aggressive tendencies.

Can You Get Compensation for Medical Bills?

When it comes to compensation for medical bills resulting from a service dog bite, you may be entitled to coverage for emergency room visits, doctor's appointments, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other necessary treatments. It's important to keep detailed records of all your medical expenses related to the dog bite so that you can accurately calculate how much compensation you should seek.

Can You Receive Pain and Suffering for a Service Dog Bite?

Pain and suffering resulting from a service dog bite can also be factored into your claim for damages. This type of compensation is meant to cover physical pain as well as emotional distress caused by the incident. Pain and suffering damages are typically calculated based on factors such as the severity of your injuries, long-term impact on your quality of life, and psychological effects such as anxiety or PTSD.

If you have been bitten by a service dog, it's important to take action promptly in order to protect your rights and seek fair compensation for your injuries. Whether you decide to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action against the owner of the service dog, having an experienced attorney on your side can greatly increase your chances of success. Remember that every case is unique, and outcomes can vary depending on various factors, such as provocation and negligence. Call our team of legal specialists at Maxwell Law Firm to discuss your case today.