Washington D.C. Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog and animal bites can leave physical and emotional scars. Are you the victim of a dog bite in Washington, D.C?
The team of dog bite injury lawyers at Goldberg Finnegan offers free case reviews and can help to determine if you are eligible for compensation.
There are no upfront fees and we are ready to help with your claim today.
For more information, call us toll free at 301-589-2999 or reach us online 24/7 via our free website contact form.
What Should I Do After Being Bitten By A Dog?
If you can, positively identify the dog and its’ owner. If you are one of the 800,000 Americans who are bitten severely enough to require medical attention, go to the Emergency Room.
When you seek medical attention for your dog bite, inform the doctor you see that you intend to take legal action against the dog owner.
Federal law says you have a right to a copy of your medical records. Make sure you ask for a copy of them before you leave the emergency room.
Call Animal Control and report the bite, as well. Make a report to the police about the attack. When you report the bite to Animal Control and to the Police, ask for the report number and find out when you can obtain a copy of the report. In most cases, it is within 48 hours. There may be a small charge for these reports. Do not worry if you have not been able to obtain these reports. While it is easier to take action if you have them, it is still possible to obtain civil remedies against the dog owner without them.
However, obtaining them now will make things easier when you take action against the dog’s owner.
It is important to document what happened and report it to the authorities as soon as possible so that the dog may be picked up and tested for rabies. If the dog cannot be found, you will need to take the vaccinations for rabies.
The other reason to report the attack is to document it for a civil suit. If the attack is well documented, with pictures taken by a doctor, police officer, or animal control officer, it will make recovering civil damages to pay for your doctor’s bills, loss of work time, and pain and suffering easier.
In addition, in Washington, D.C., the law provides for a fine of up to $10,000 for someone who allows a dangerous dog to roam loose. By reporting the bite, you increase the likelihood that the owner will be held responsible for the actions of his or her dog.
How Can A Lawyer Help Me?
Dogs bite 4.7 million people a year. If you are one of those people, you are entitled to civil remedies that include payment of doctor’s bills, money for pain and suffering, and the assurance that the dog that attacked has been vaccinated for rabies so you do not have to be given those shots. This law firm can help you obtain the civil remedies you are entitled to.
At the law offices of Goldberg Finnegan, our injury attorneys have many years of experience and a proven record of success. We can review the details of your incident and if you have a case, we can guide you through each step of the litigation process—keeping you informed along the way.
Contact Our Washington D.C. Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Knowing who to contact after an animal bite can be a big decision.
At Goldberg Finnegan, we have been in business since 1999 and have an experienced team of lawyers and support staff to help ensure that your best interests are protected.
To learn more about your legal options and how you can pursue a claim for compensation, contact us today by calling 301-589-2999. You can also reach us online via our free website contact form.