Suffering a dog bite injury is a traumatic experience. The physical and emotional pain, scarring, medical bills, and lost wages are overwhelming. When a dog attack leads to serious injuries, retaining an experienced dog bite lawyer is crucial. Start by researching dog bite attorneys located in your state and immediate area. Local lawyers will have in-depth knowledge of applicable state laws and experience with judges and procedures in the court jurisdictions where your claim will be filed. Look for lawyers and law firms concentrated on representing dog bite victims, not general practitioners.
Verify relevant experience and results
Find out how many years the lawyer has focused on dog bite cases, typical settlement amounts won, and success at trial. Attorney websites usually provide details on experience, sample case results, and client testimonials. Look for a substantial case volume and a track record of large verdicts and settlements. Less experienced lawyers may lack the skills to maximize compensation. Check whether the lawyer has sufficient resources to thoroughly pursue a dog bite claim. Multi-attorney firms with investigators, paralegals, medical experts, and other support are best equipped. A respected lawyer rated highly by clients indicates a positive reputation.
Discuss the investigation process
A thorough investigation lays the groundwork for a strong claim. Ask what investigative steps the attorney takes in a typical dog bite case. These include collecting common injuries from a dog bite, medical records and bills, identifying previous bites by the dog, getting police reports, locating eyewitnesses, and inspecting the scene for negligence conditions. Vet records may also be obtained. Dog bite cases sometimes end up going to court. Ask about the lawyer’s litigation and trial experience. Have they taken past dog mauling cases to jury verdicts? Do they have relationships with medical experts? Understand their strategies for proving liability and maximizing compensation.
Schedule free consultations
Narrow your list down and schedule free case evaluations with a few top choices. It gives you a chance to meet and get a feel for the attorney’s empathy, listening skills, and commitment to dog bite victims. Be prepared with a list of questions about their experience, strategies, and success stories. Make sure you feel comfortable with the lawyer and confident they are the right fit. The vast majority of dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees come out of any final settlement or award. Typical fees range from 33% to 40% of the total recovery. Understand when expenses like filing fees and expert costs are paid and how they factor in. Beware of any lawyers asking for retainers or payments upfront.
Evaluate responsiveness and communication
From intake through resolution, you need an attorney who is accessible, keeps you updated, answers questions and treats you with compassion. Gauge responsiveness in initial consultations. How quickly do calls and emails get returned? Are staff polite and helpful? Open communication fosters trust in the attorney-client relationship. No checklist replaces intuition when choosing the right Utah Dog Bite Lawyer. After doing diligence, go with the attorney you feel most comfortable with, confident in their skills and commitment to obtaining justice.
