Middletown Dog Bite Lawyer

Middletown Dog Bite Attorney

Experiencing a dog bite can turn an ordinary day into a chaotic, unexpected experience. The aftermath can be difficult to manage, especially when suffering from physical injuries or emotional distress. As you start to receive treatment as part of the recovery process, the mounting medical bills can add to the stress. If any of this is currently happening to you, it’s time to get in touch with a Middletown dog bite lawyer for legal assistance.

At Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., we understand the specific challenges dog bite victims face. Our years of experience in this field have provided us with the most efficient tactics to navigate medical claims, deal with insurance companies, and manage the legal complexities of a dog bite. Regardless of how severe the impact of the dog bite was, we are standing by, ready to investigate the circumstances of what happened and inform you of what legal steps you can take next.

What Can I Be Compensated For as a Dog Bite Victim?

If you have been bitten by a dog in Middletown, Connecticut, you may be wondering what you can be compensated for as part of your recovery. Because the aftermath of these incidents can be so wide-ranging, with endless amounts of injuries and damages to calculate, the only way to get a true sense of what could apply in your case is to share your story with an attorney. The most common categories of compensation for dog bite victims include:

• Medical Expenses: The actual bite of the dog likely caused some form of injury, whether it was just a small indent in your skin or was intense enough to bruise and draw blood. The cost of any and all medical expenses associated with the incident are eligible for compensation in a claim, regardless of the severity of the injury or the extent of the cost. For example, if you suffered deep puncture wounds, you may have required stitches, antibiotics, and possibly surgery to prevent infection and repair the damage that was caused. In addition to reimbursement for medical costs incurred prior to a settlement, you could also receive compensation for future expenses. This happens in scenarios where someone needs long-term rehabilitative services.
• Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: As part of the dog bite recovery process, many victims find themselves unable to work. This can lead to financial stress, as many people are not prepared to miss work. This is why compensation in dog bite cases also includes lost wages. For example, if you had to take off two months to heal from an injury related to the dog bite, you have the right to seek reimbursement for all of the wages that you would have earned during that period.
  Sometimes, a dog bite injury is so severe that it prevents you from being able to perform your job. This could be for an extended period of time as you recover or permanently. Because this can be a financial hit, the courts can also consider how much the incident has impacted your ability to make a living.For example, a delivery driver who suffered permanent damage to their leg might no longer be able to fulfill the physical demands of walking on the job.
• Pain and Suffering: Many people are surprised to learn that dog bite compensation can also include the psychological damage that endures. Because many dog bite victims suffer from various levels of anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you have the right to work with your attorney and try to quantify what type of mental impact the experience has had on your life. It’s true that calculating pain and suffering can be more difficult than some of the more traditional damages. This is because pain and suffering damages are not always directly tied to a specific financial cost. However, the court will still consider the severity of the injury, how long you’ve been in recovery, and the emotional toll of the attack when determining compensation.

FAQs

Q: What Proof Is Needed for a Dog Bite?

A: To prove you were involved in a dog bite, you will need to provide evidence that the incident occurred and demonstrate the extent of your injuries. This will typically include a combination of medical records, photographs of the bite wounds, and any clothes you were wearing that became damaged. You also need to demonstrate how the dog owner failed to control their dog, such as ignoring previous warnings about their dog’s behavior or violating Connecticut dog laws.

Q: How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?

A: Many dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they do not collect payment upfront but will only be paid if they win your case. Their funds would come from a predetermined percentage of the final settlement. This can be an attractive arrangement for those who are worried about affording an attorney. To ensure you find an attorney that meets your budget, be sure to ask about costs and payment structures during your first consultation.

Q: How Serious Does a Dog Bite Have to Be to Sue?

A: A dog bite does not have to be at a life-threatening point for you to file a lawsuit. Even minor bites require medical attention, which is why everyone should consult with an attorney to seek their opinion on what legal moves you should make. While the severity of your injury is a key factor in your claim, you may be overlooking legal violations by the dog owner or aspects of your injury that could strengthen your case.

Q: Can I Sue If a Dog Bites My Child?

A: Yes, you are still able to sue in scenarios where the dog bites your child. Minors are legally protected from harm caused by another’s negligence, which in this case falls on the dog’s owner. Cases involving children sometimes result in higher compensation, as the long-term physical and emotional impact of these attacks on children can be much greater. Consult with an attorney before moving forward.

Contact Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. Today

If you or someone you know has recently been attacked and bitten by a dog, contact our firm today. We understand the physical and emotional toll that personal injury cases can have, which is why our Middletown personal injury attorney is ready to meet and learn more about how we can help you earn the compensation you deserve.