How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Dog Bite Cases

Been attacked by a dog and wondering if you need legal help?

Getting bitten by a dog is one of those traumatic experiences that can completely turn your world upside down. The physical pain is bad enough, but then you’re hit with medical bills, time off work, and the stress of figuring out what to do next.

Here’s the problem:

Most people have no idea how to handle a dog bite case. And without the right legal guidance, you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table or missing important deadlines that could affect your case forever.

The right lawyer can make all the difference.

With 4.5 million dog bites happening annually in the US, these cases are more common than you’d think. But finding the right dog bite lawyer who knows how to handle your specific situation? That’s where things get tricky.

What you’ll discover:

• Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Dog Bite Case?
• What Makes a Great Dog Bite Lawyer?
• Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer
• Red Flags: Lawyers to Avoid
• Understanding Legal Fees and Costs

Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Dog Bite Case?

Not every dog bite requires a lawyer. If you got a tiny scratch that needed a Band-Aid and you’re feeling fine, you probably don’t need legal representation.

But here’s when you absolutely should contact a lawyer:

• Serious injuries: Any bite that required stitches, surgery, or ongoing medical treatment
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement: Especially on visible areas like your face, hands, or arms
• Lost income: Time off work due to your injuries
• The dog owner is being difficult: Refusing to take responsibility or their insurance is giving you the runaround

Think about it this way…

The average dog bite settlement in 2023 was $58,545. That’s not pocket change. And considering that 18,917 people needed reconstructive surgery after dog bites in 2022, these cases can get complicated fast.

What Makes a Great Dog Bite Lawyer?

Finding the right attorney isn’t about picking the lawyer with the biggest billboard or the flashiest website. You need someone who understands the specific challenges of dog bite cases.

Here’s what separates the best lawyers from the rest:

Experience with Dog Bite Cases Specifically

Dog bite law is different from other personal injury cases. The best lawyers have handled dozens of dog bite cases and understand the unique medical, legal, and insurance issues involved.

Why does this matter? Because dog bite cases involve specific state laws about strict liability, one-bite rules, and breed-specific legislation that can dramatically affect your case.

Medical Knowledge

Great dog bite lawyers understand the medical side of these injuries. They know which wounds are likely to get infected, when plastic surgery might be necessary, and how to properly document your injuries for maximum compensation.

Track Record and Negotiation Skills

Look for lawyers who can show you real results from dog bite cases they’ve handled. Not just any personal injury cases — specifically dog bite cases.

Most dog bite cases settle out of court. That means your lawyer’s ability to negotiate with insurance companies is crucial to getting you fair compensation. Insurance companies know which lawyers are serious about taking cases to trial if necessary.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer

Want to know if a lawyer is right for your case? Ask these questions:

“How many dog bite cases have you handled in the last two years?” You want someone who regularly handles these cases.

“What’s your typical settlement range for cases like mine?” A good lawyer should give you a realistic range based on your injuries.

“How do you handle medical experts?” Dog bite cases often require medical experts to testify about your injuries.

“What’s your strategy for dealing with the insurance company?” Every insurance company has different tactics. Your lawyer should have a specific plan.

“How long do these cases typically take?” Experienced lawyers can give you a realistic timeline.

Red Flags: Lawyers to Avoid

Not all lawyers are created equal. Here are warning signs to watch out for:

They Promise Specific Settlement Amounts

Any lawyer who guarantees you’ll get a specific amount is either lying or doesn’t understand how these cases work. Honest lawyers will give you realistic ranges, not exact promises.

They Want Money Upfront

Most legitimate dog bite lawyers work on contingency fees. If they’re asking for money upfront, that’s a red flag.

They Don’t Specialize in Personal Injury

Would you want a divorce lawyer handling your dog bite case? Probably not. Look for lawyers who focus specifically on personal injury law.

Poor Communication

If they don’t return your calls promptly during the consultation process, how do you think they’ll handle your case?

Understanding Legal Fees and Costs

Here’s how most dog bite lawyers charge for their services:

Contingency Fees

Most dog bite lawyers work on contingency, which means they only get paid if you win your case. The typical contingency fee ranges from 33% to 40% of your settlement.

Here’s why this is good for you:

• No upfront costs
• Your lawyer is motivated to get the best possible settlement
• You don’t pay anything if you don’t win

Case Expenses

Even with contingency fees, there might be case expenses like medical record fees, expert witness costs, and court filing fees. Make sure you understand who pays these costs and when.

How the Right Lawyer Maximizes Your Settlement

A skilled dog bite lawyer doesn’t just file paperwork. They build a comprehensive case that addresses all your damages:

They make sure all your injuries are properly documented and that future medical needs are included in your claim. If you missed work or will have reduced earning capacity, they calculate these losses accurately.

Quantifying emotional trauma and pain is tricky, but experienced lawyers know how to present these damages effectively. Good lawyers think ahead — if you’ll need ongoing medical treatment or therapy, they include these future costs in your settlement demand.

Timing Matters: When to Contact a Lawyer

Don’t wait too long to contact a lawyer about your dog bite case. Here’s why timing matters:

Evidence can disappear: Witnesses forget details, surveillance footage gets deleted, and medical records can be harder to obtain over time.

Statute of limitations: Every state has deadlines for filing dog bite lawsuits. Miss the deadline and you lose your right to compensation forever.

Insurance tactics: Insurance companies often try to get quick, low settlements from victims who don’t have legal representation.

The sooner you contact a qualified lawyer, the better they can protect your rights and build a strong case.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right lawyer for your dog bite case can literally be the difference between getting fair compensation and walking away with nothing.

With insurance companies paying out $1.136 billion for dog bite claims annually, there’s clearly money available for legitimate cases. The question is whether you’ll get your fair share.

Most dog bite lawyers offer free consultations. That means you can speak with experienced attorneys, understand your options, and make an informed decision without risking any money.

The right lawyer will:

• Understand the complexities of dog bite law
• Have a proven track record with similar cases
• Communicate clearly about your options
• Work on contingency so you don’t pay unless you win

Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Get the legal help you deserve and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.