Dogs can be excellent companions to have around in many places, including work. Unfortunately, it's hard to predict how other people's pets will behave, and that could lead to serious consequences.
Even though it's not common for a dog owner to take their pet to an office, these accidents can also happen in other industries. Those working in the delivery sector, for example, are exposed to dog attacks frequently.
Those who get bitten by a dog while at work may be entitled to compensation. Whether they file a workers' compensation claim or a third-party one, it's essential they seek justice for what happened.
This page covers everything victims should know about a personal injury case involving a dog bite. The sooner they take action, the more likely they will be to get justice for what happened.
Can Victims File a Workers' Compensation Claim for a Dog Bite?
Usually, victims can get workers' compensation benefits after dog bites. They must prove they got attacked while they were on the job.
If someone gets dog bites on their day off, for example, they won't be able to recover benefits.
What about workers who get bit while on someone else's private property? It depends on the case. Certain employees need to be inside someone else's property to work, such as construction workers, postal workers, and delivery drivers. They get granted an "implied invitation" that allows them to be there.
If they get bit while working on someone else's property, they could receive workers' compensation benefits to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.
It's important to note that the victim must let the employer know about the attack as soon as possible. If they don't file a claim within 30 days of getting the dog bites, they may lose their right to get any workers' compensation benefits.
Sometimes, the employer will not cooperate with the workers' compensation claim. In these cases, the victim should seek help from an attorney.
It's important to note that victims can't file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer for a dog bite. Instead, they can file a claim against the company if they think it's liable for the dog bite incident. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can share insight on how to negotiate a dog bite settlement in TN.
What If the Victim Wants to Sue the Dog's Owner?
Technically, the victim can file a personal injury claim against the dog's owner, whether it's through their homeowners' insurance or other related policy. Usually, homeowners' insurance protects owners against any liability from dog bites.
As with workers' compensation claims, victims should file their claims as soon as possible and seek help from an attorney, if possible.
Which Damages Can Victims Recover from a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
Usually, if a dog bit someone while on the job, they may recover the following damages:
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium
Disability
Pain and suffering
Medical bills
How much a person earns from their personal injury case depends on different factors, including the severity of the injury, the circumstances surrounding the incident, how much money the insurance company is willing to pay, etc.
What Should People Do After Experiencing Dog Bite Injuries?
The process of dealing with a dog bite incident depends on its circumstances. Even though most cases are unique, here's a guide to what victims should do:
First, the victim should seek medical attention to deal with their injuries. Even if it seems like the dog attack did nothing, there may be injuries that the victim won't notice right away. Talking to an expert ensures that the victim gets enough treatment and a correct diagnosis to show the insurance company later.
Once the victim is free from any immediate danger, they should start gathering as much evidence as they can about the case. This includes photos and videos of the injuries, medical reports, witness statements, and more. In this step, it's important to get the dog owner's information to contact them later.
Regardless of the severity of the incident, the victim should report the accident to their employer. This will help establish an official record of the bite, which can help when pursuing a workers' compensation award.
Finally, the victim should talk to experienced Nashville dog bite attorneys to evaluate their next steps.
How Much Time Do Victims Have to File Dog Bite Cases in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, victims have one year from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline would mean forfeiting the right to earn compensation.
Regardless of how minor the dog bite was, victims must file the claim as soon as they can. The sooner they get their legal process started, the more likely they will be to get full compensation.
Why Should Victims Hire a Lawyer in These Cases?
Hiring a lawyer is essential to ensure the victim gets compensated accordingly for any work-related dog bites. Accepting workers' compensation without consulting a legal expert can leave the victim without enough money to seek medical attention, get mental health counseling, or pay for other expenses.
Every dog bite case is different, so having an experienced person helping will make all the difference when negotiating with insurance companies.
Bottom Line
Dog ownership in the U.S. has been increasing over the past years, so it's no surprise that some people are even more exposed to incidents than before. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also answer questions like Who gets pet custody in a Tennessee divorce?
Filing a dog bite claim can become overwhelming quickly, but hiring a lawyer could ease the situation a bit. Getting compensation for a dog bite injury, no matter how minor it was, ensures the victim can move on with their lives and recover without having to pay out-of-pocket for medical bills or other related expenses.
At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, there are many former insurance workers who know all the tricks these companies use to get the victims less money than they deserve. By understanding how these companies work, the victim will get a much better chance of getting all the benefits they need.
Those interested in hiring a dog bite lawyer in Tennessee should seek a free consultation with the firm today. These experts are more than happy to go through any case with their potential clients.
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