5 Common Mistakes Dog Bite Victims Make That Hurt Their Case

People who get bitten by dogs often hurt their own cases by making simple mistakes that could have been avoided. These mistakes can weaken evidence and reduce compensation.

Boerne, Texas, is in Kendall County, which is northwest of San Antonio. People know the community for its German heritage, its historic Main Street, and the trails along Cibolo Creek. Boerne is a popular choice for families since it has a small-town vibe and lots of outdoor space. 

When a person gets bitten in the community, a Boerne dog bite injury lawyer can help victims understand how their actions at the time will affect their case. Here are five mistakes that can cause problems later on.

1. Skipping Medical Care

Some bites seem minor and easy to handle at first. However, when an infection shows up, that calm feeling fades. 

Bacteria that cause swelling and pain are usually found in the mouths of dogs. There is also a risk of rabies and tetanus.

Going for medical treatment means you get medical records that link your injury to the bite. Without them, insurance companies might doubt your story.

What you should do instead:

• Go to the doctor or urgent care immediately after the bite.
• Do everything the doctor tells you to do for each treatment.
• Keep copies of your medical records.

2. Failing to Report the Bite

Many victims don’t report the bite because they feel awkward. Some people think it’s not needed.

A report is formal proof, which also tracks the dog’s history. Without it, the owner might subsequently deny everything.

A better approach:

• Call animal control or the police in your area.
• Get a copy of the report.
• Check to see if the dog has been vaccinated.

Reporting also keeps other people safe from future attacks.

3. Skipping Evidence

People forget small details when they are in pain or shock. Those little details become big issues later.

Memories can get blurry, and witnesses may disappear. Only proper evidence can show what truly took place.

Always collect:

• Pictures of the wounds and the scene.
• Names and numbers of witnesses.
• Information about the time and place.

Write your narrative on the same day, and your future self will thank you for it.

4. Talking to Insurance Alone

Insurance adjusters seem nice, but the truth is, they want to save money for their company. As a result, they may ask questions that are just casual. 

How you answer these questions might negatively affect your claim. In such situations, even simple comments you make can be twisted by the adjusters to your detriment.

To keep yourself safe:

• Do not make recorded statements.
• Do not make guesses about who is at fault.
• Let your legal counsel manage contact with the adjuster.

The above steps often impact the results for your good.

5. Waiting on Legal Help

Medical bills, scarring, and emotional suffering are all parts of dog bite cases. A lot of victims miss those damages when calculating their damages.

Settlements that happen quickly typically don’t take future care into account. You can’t reopen the claim after you sign it. That’s why you need legal support to keep the negotiations fair. 

Some common losses that people forget are

• Therapy for anxiety and fear.
• Costs of scar treatment.
• Days off work.

Key Takeaways

• Your claim is backed up by medical records.
• Reports stop people from denying what happened.
• Pictures are powerful tools of evidence.
• Insurance is not your friend.
• Legal counsel prevents short payments.