When dealing with an insurance company following a dog bite, you want to get a fair settlement as quickly as possible. It may feel easier to accept a settlement offered by an insurance adjuster, but the fact is that they have their own tactics and strategies that you should avoid. Here are some tips to negotiate a dog bite settlement. First, you must remember that the adjuster will attempt to make you say things you don’t really want to say.
Next, you need to get all the paperwork together. A dog owner’s insurance company will likely require more documents than a regular homeowner’s policy, so it’s essential that you have these documents on hand. Even if the dog owner tries to avoid the liability by refusing to settle, the insurance adjuster will not be able to give you a fair settlement offer until you provide them with the appropriate documentation.
Next, you need to gather evidence. This should be accompanied by witness statements. If you have the dog owner’s testimony, include details about whether you restrained the animal or whether it was on a leash when the attack occurred. Often, the witness statement will make or break a dog bite settlement. Make sure the witness statement is accurate and complete so that you can get the best settlement. After all, you need to make sure the dog owner agrees to pay for your medical bills.
You should also explain exactly where you were and what you were doing at the time of the incident. In addition, you should emphasize that the dog attack happened without any provocation. For example, singing along to a CD player or carrying a fragrant take-out meal do not count as provocation. Therefore, if you believe that you were partially or fully at fault, you’ll have a higher chance of getting a settlement than if you were completely at fault.
Whether the insurance company agrees to your claim depends on the type of insurance company you’re dealing with. Most insurance carriers pay judgments quickly and efficiently. If they refuse to pay, however, you may have to take collection action. Aside from this, you must avoid accepting a settlement offer that’s too early. Otherwise, you may end up with a lower settlement than you deserve. However, there are some ways to speed up the process of negotiating a dog bite settlement.
The first step in negotiating a dog bite settlement is to hire a personal injury attorney. While it may seem like an unnecessary step, it will be a significant benefit. If you hire a lawyer, the insurance company is likely to offer you a better settlement than you could on your own. Moreover, a lawyer has the experience and skill to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, resulting in a faster and more fair settlement. For experienced personal injury attorneys, visit this website.
A dog bite settlement will take anywhere from two to four months to resolve. This may take longer if the dog owner is a minor, incapacitated adult, or is incompetent. The timeframe to recover compensation varies by state, but in general, the process can take anywhere from two to four months. The insurance company is unlikely to offer a reasonable settlement before it has been determined that the animal caused the injury.
