You may be eligible for compensation for your losses and injuries if you were attacked by a dog. You could still be allowed to file a civil lawsuit against the dog’s owner even if you’ve previously filed criminal charges against them. If you lose the criminal case, you can still file a civil lawsuit because the requirements of proof are different. A civil suit is a legal procedure that allows you to hold someone legally responsible for the harm and suffering that they have brought upon you. But you need the correct attorney if you want to file a civil lawsuit. The ideal dog bite lawyer will satisfy the requirements listed below.
Knows Your State’s Laws
State laws governing dog bites differ greatly. Many states, including Colorado, have strict liability laws, which means that when a dog bites, the owner is almost always held accountable. However, proving culpability may be more difficult in some areas. You need a lawyer with experience managing cases in your state if you want to make sure you receive the greatest settlement for your case.
Most of the time, if a lawyer works in a particular state, it indicates they have passed the state’s bar exam and, consequently, are familiar with its legal system. However, some states provide reciprocity, which entitles a lawyer who completes the bar exam in one state to an automatic license to practice in a nearby state. Make sure they have experience practicing law in your state to ensure you’re getting the greatest legal representation.
Knowledgeable About Dog Bite Cases
You should confirm that your attorney has particular experience in dog bite cases in addition to making sure they have experience practicing law in your state. A lawyer with experience knows how to counter common arguments made by the lawyers for the dog owner. They also have access to a network of reliable expert witnesses, which can be crucial for proving the connection between your injuries and the dog attack as well as the pain and suffering you would likely endure as a result of your injuries.
Additionally, skilled dog bite attorneys are aware of how to assess your wounds, losses, and pain and suffering to secure the most favorable compensation for your circumstance. A novice lawyer, on the other hand, might overlook some of the harm the attack caused you. Dog attacks can result in physical impairments, but they can also bring about a great deal of anguish and suffering, depression, PTSD, or a lifelong dread of dogs. You need a lawyer who knows how to bring all of these circumstances to the court’s attention because they can all have a significant impact on your life.
Excellent Reputation With Professional Organizations
There are many lawyers available, so to be sure you’re picking the dog bite lawyer Denver, seek lawyers who are active in professional associations and who have received favorable reviews from independent organizations. The attorney you choose should ideally be a member of both the county and state bar associations. Additionally, they ought to belong to national organizations like the American Association for Justice and state organizations. You might wish to look at websites to find out more about potential lawyers. Some websites offer profiles and customer satisfaction scores that can aid in your study.
Works On An As-Needs Basis
Once you’ve reduced the number of potential attorneys to a manageable number, you should investigate their client fees. The majority of top-notch dog bite attorneys take contingency cases. They begin with a free consultation during which they offer you an idea of the likely course of your case. If your case is compelling, the attorney will frequently agree to represent you on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t be charged anything until you receive compensation.
