Here are three things not to do after a dog bite injury. If you have sustained a dog bite injury in Arizona, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused all at the same time. How you handle your reaction to a dog bite injury, however, can have a significant impact on your ability to recover as well as your potential for filing a personal injury claim. Here are three things you should never do immediately after a dog bite injury.

Sign Any Statements with the Other Party

The other party may attempt to get you to sign a statement that you won’t pursue a legal claim, for example. If this is seen as a valid document, you may lose your rights to filing a claim. The other party may wish to limit his or her liability by attempting to settle with you privately, but it is strongly recommended that you consult with an Arizona personal injury attorney first to make sure that you are receiving a fair settlement. It may be necessary to file a case.

You may think it’s a good idea to cooperate and put this issue behind you, but you could be compromising access to a fair settlement amount. Don’t make this mistake. An attorney can tell you more about whether any offers are reasonable. You should never agree to anything until you’ve had the opportunity to talk it over with your lawyer.

Fail to Get Medical Attention

You might blow off the whole exercise as an accident, but it is important to get medical attention regardless. You need to be aware of how the dog bite injury could seriously impact you and ignoring medical attention means that it might even develop into an infection. Do not hesitate to get medical advice from a professional as soon as possible even if you do not believe that the injury will be significant. You will also want it on the record that you got medical advice and followed the doctor’s orders.

Wait Too Long to File a Claim

If another individual’s dog bit you and left you with serious injuries, you do have a limited amount of time in which to file a legal claim. The owner of the dog can be held responsible in court, but only if you act relatively quickly and consult with an Arizona personal injury attorney. Don’t hesitate to get all of the facts so that you can make an informed decision about your future.

 

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding Three Things Not to Do After a Dog Bite Injury, or any other personal injury, please feel free to contact Brian T. Allen at  480.461.5335,  log on to udallshumway.com,  or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.