Attacked by a Dog at a Holiday Party in Virginia
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and gathering with loved ones. However, what happens when the festivities take an unexpected turn, leaving you injured and traumatized? One unfortunate scenario that can occur is being attacked by a homeowner’s dog at a holiday party. In such cases, understanding your rights and knowing when to seek legal assistance, such as hiring a Virginia dog bite lawyer, is crucial for recovering compensation for your injuries.
The Unforeseen Incident
Imagine attending a festive holiday gathering, surrounded by friends and family. Laughter fills the air, and the atmosphere is brimming with warmth. Suddenly, the mood shifts as an unfamiliar dog, agitated by the bustling environment, lunges at you without warning. The once joyous occasion transforms into a nightmare as you grapple with physical injuries and emotional trauma.
What to Do After the Attack
- Seek medical attention. First and foremost, if you’ve been injured, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention from a professional to protect your health. If you plan to make a personal injury claim, your medical records will document the serious nature of your injuries. If you do not seek medical treatment for your injuries, the defendant and his/her insurance company may try to claim 1) that your injuries were not serious, or 2) that you were not injured in the attack.
- Report the incident. When an animal attacks a person, that animal has become a potential threat to the health and safety of the public and must be reported to animal control. Further, animal control will need to conduct an investigation into the incident as well as quarantine the animal for rabies. The animal control investigative findings will become crucial evidence in your personal injury case.
- Consider contacting a lawyer. Having an experienced professional to advocate for your needs could mean a larger settlement for you and your family. A successful settlement can cover your medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, plastic surgery, permanent injuries and disabilities, and losses from a wrongful death.
Claims Against Friends and Family
It’s important to recognize that homeowner’s and renter’s insurance exists precisely for situations like dog bites, even when the responsible party is a friend or family member. Filing a claim or lawsuit against someone close doesn’t necessarily mean tapping into their personal assets; instead, it typically involves the insurance policy that they have in place for such unforeseen incidents.
Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance are designed to provide financial protection in scenarios where liability arises due to the actions of the insured, including incidents involving their pets. Therefore, pursuing a claim is often a way to access the financial resources set aside for such situations, minimizing the impact on personal relationships and ensuring that necessary compensation is obtained through the appropriate channels.
Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer
If you find yourself grappling with injuries and financial burdens after a Virginia dog attack, don’t hesitate to contact attorney Richard Serpe. The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC can guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your pain and suffering.