WHAT TO DO IF A NEIGHBOR'S DOG BITES YOU

Admin • December 9, 2021

Dog Barking — Southfield, MI — Gordon & Pont PC

You deserve compensation for your damages if a neighbor's dog bites you. After all, the effects of a dog bite might be the same irrespective of the animal's owner. However, a cautious approach may get you the compensation you deserve and help you maintain good relations with your neighbor. Below are some tips on how to meet both objectives.

Get Immediate Medical Care

You should always get prompt medical care after an injury. The exact first aid depends on the location and extent of the bite. For most dog bites, you should give the following first aid:

Clean the wound with soap and warm water to reduce the risk of infection.
Use a clean cloth to slow the bleeding.
Cover the wound with a sterile bandage.

See your doctor after the first aid. Have someone call an ambulance if the bite is spurting out blood, is in a dangerous area, or seems severe.

Prompt medical care will help:

Save your life
Prevent injury complications
Minimize your treatment costs

You can also use your medical records to prove your damages and damage-mitigation efforts if you later decide to file a claim or lawsuit.

Preserve Evidence

Preserve evidence of the attack. You need the evidence to prove the attack and your injuries. Who knows, your neighbor might even turn around and deny their animal's role in the attack. You also need to prove the existence and value of your damages. Some of the evidence you need includes:

Pictures of the dog
Pictures of the wound
Pictures of torn clothing
Eyewitness contact or testimony
Medical records
Records for lost wages

The more evidence you can gather for your case, the better.

Inform the Dog Owner

The next step is to inform the dog owner about the attack. A dog bite is a serious issue that can trigger physical pain, inconveniences, and financial losses. However, you should be calm and tactful when you approach your neighbor. You won't gain much by being confrontational. Don't forget that you will still have to live with your neighbor.

Explain to the dog owner that:

Their dog attacked you.
You have suffered some damages for which you want compensation.
Your compensation claim is not a personal attack on them or their pet.
Your insurance is not the primary source of compensation for the damages since the damages in question are not your responsibility.

You don't have to contact the dog owner before sending an official demand letter. However, a tactful initial approach shows that you value your relations with your neighbor and don't harbor any hard feelings against them.

Send an Official Demand Letter

Informal communication with your neighbor doesn't constitute an official commencement of the claim process. You need an official demand letter to begin the process. A demand letter is especially necessary for significant damages. You need an official demand letter for two main reasons:

You will use the letter to justify your demand.
You may use the letter in the future to prove that you notified your neighbor about your accident.
Thus, your demand letter should include:
Facts about the accident, such as date, time, and location
A brief overview of and facts about your injury
Why you hold the neighbor liable for your injury
Damages you have suffered
How much compensation you seek Evidence of your claim

A personal injury lawyer can help you write an effective demand letter.

Gordon & Pont PC can help you negotiate dog bite compensation, whether the dog belongs to someone you know or a stranger. We have practiced personal injury law for decades, and you can rely on our knowledge and experience. Contact us for a free initial consultation to determine how to proceed with your case.

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