A dog bite can cause physical and psychological trauma. It may also result in medical bills and lost wages. In this situation, you must understand how insurance firms operate and navigate their processes. This process begins with enlisting the help of an insurance company negotiator who is experienced in dog bite cases. This article explores the importance of hiring a dog-bite lawyer and provides valuable insights into negotiation.
Understanding Insurance Companies
Insurance companies can be key in covering and compensating dog bite victims. In many cases, homeowner’s policy covers dog bite liability. These policies also have limitations on the amount paid for a dog-bite claim. After a dog bite, the victim can file a complaint with the dog’s owner’s insurance to get compensation for injuries and damages.
They have a financial interest in minimizing how much they pay for claims. Insurance companies employ adjusters with a wealth of experience negotiating settlements to protect their bottom line. Adjusters are familiar with legal and insurance topics and have extensive claims-handling experience. This makes negotiating insurance claims a complicated task for the layperson.
A Dog Bite Attorney is Important
Due to the complexity of insurance negotiations, hiring an attorney for dog bites can increase your odds of receiving just and fair compensation. Dog bite attorneys have an in-depth understanding of personal injury laws and the legal system. They know the intricacies involved with dog bite cases.
A dog bite attorney Denver can be your advocate in the negotiation process. They will investigate the incident thoroughly, gather proof, interview witnesses, evaluate your damages, etc. Armed with all this information, the lawyer will negotiate on your behalf with the insurer.
Negotiating Insurance Companies: A Process
- Consultation with Attorney: The first step in the negotiation process is a consultation. During your meeting with the attorney, you will review the incident’s specifics and discuss any injuries or potential liability from the dog’s owner. Your lawyer will provide you with an overview of how the negotiation process works and evaluate the strength of your case.
- Demand Letter: Once your attorney has collected all the necessary details, they’ll draft a request letter for the insurance company. This letter details your injuries and any medical expenses you may have incurred wage loss, or other damages resulting from the dog biting. You will also be asked to provide a settlement amount.
- Insurance Company response: Once the insurer receives the demand letter, it will assess the claim. It will then provide a reply. They may accept it, reject it or make a response. Insurance companies attempt to minimize liability by disputing the extent of injuries and arguing that the victim contributed to the incident.
- Negotiation: The negotiation phase begins after the insurance provider responds by making a counteroffer to the original demand or rejecting it. Your dog bite attorney will represent your interests in the negotiations, presenting evidence and counterarguments that support your claim. It may take several rounds of negotiations to reach a fair settlement.
- Settlement Agreement: After both parties reach an agreement on a settlement sum, a formal contract for settlement is drafted. The settlement agreement outlines all the details of the settlement. This includes the amount paid, any future obligations, and the insurance company’s release from liability. You must review this document carefully with an attorney before you sign.
- Litigation: Negotiations may only sometimes produce the desired result. In such a case, your attorney may advise you to file a suit against the dog’s owner. Litigation involves bringing the case before a judge, jury, or other court officials to determine the final verdict. It can be costly and time-consuming to prosecute, but having an experienced lawyer will help you win your case.