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Every year, tens of thousands of people are injured in animal attacks. Although most victims are not seriously hurt, some are, and a number are even killed. The following information will answer some of the more frequently asked questions about such injuries.
What Should I Do?
If you have been attacked by an animal, the first thing is to seek medical care for your injuries. Almost as important is to get information about the animal and, if possible, its owner. If you have been attacked by a wild animal or an animal that you cannot identify, your doctor may insist that you get protective rabies shots, a painful experience.
If you have been attacked by an animal that belongs to someone, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Make sure that you can identify, for example, the dog that attacked you. Also, get some basic information about the owner of the dog, such as his name, address, telephone number, and insurance information. Act much in the same way as you would after having a traffic accident with another driver. Call an New York Injury attorney so your rights can be protected.
Making a Claim
Making a claim for injuries caused by an animal attack is usually a matter of contacting the insurance company of the animal’s owner. Although the insurer will likely try to convince you that you do not need an attorney, don’t listen to that bad advice. It is in the insurance company’s best interest to talk you out of getting legal help, so be sure to consult with a New York attorney to protect your rights. You are ALWAYS entitled to talk to a lawyer and, in the end, you will recover more money, not less, with the help of a qualified attorney.
Don’t’s
If you are contacted by an insurance company after an animal attacks you, DON’T do any of the following:
* DON’T talk about or put in writing any details of the attack.
* DON’T discuss payment for your injuries.
* DON’T sign any release.
* DON’T permit yourself to be photographed or tape recorded.
* DON’T discuss who is responsible for the attack.
* DON’T DELAY! Call our office immediately.
Stephen Bilkis & Associates, with convenient locations throughout the New York Metropolitan area, can provide you advice related to animal bites–whether you are the dog owner or the injured party. Without an attorney, you may not be protecting you and your loved ones or know all your rights.