How to Choose the Right Dog Bite Lawyer for Your Case

Millions of people are bitten or attacked by dogs every year in the U.S. These incidents are far from inconsequential, often causing significant injuries and scarring.

Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to severe harm or death in dog bite cases. A Virginia dog bite lawyer can be instrumental in helping these individuals receive compensation for their injuries. However, not every attorney is equally capable of handling dog bite claims.

Retaining an attorney who doesn’t regularly practice in this area of the law can jeopardize your legal rights and the scope of your recovery. For this reason, it’s important to take steps to select the right dog bite attorney to represent you after your attack.

Key Qualities to Look for in a Dog Bite Attorney

Every attorney has a unique personality and approach to handling cases. These superficial differences don’t necessarily mean one attorney is better than the other. However, a successful dog bite lawyer should possess all of the following characteristics:

Experience With Dog Bite Claims in Virginia

First, any attorney you consider for your case should routinely represent dog bite victims. A personal injury attorney with 30 years of experience might not be the best fit if none of that experience includes overseeing dog bite claims.

Conversely, don’t discount a lawyer with less experience if they’ve focused on dog bite cases for most of their career.

Recognition of the Strengths and Weaknesses of Your Claim

No dog bite claim is perfect — every situation will have aspects that make it difficult to predict how the claim will resolve or what compensation you might receive. Look for a dog bite lawyer who’s honest with you about the prospects of your case and the challenges you might face in seeking compensation.

Transparent Fee Structure

You should never be left to guess how much it would cost to retain a particular lawyer’s services or what they’ll get paid. If they charge an hourly rate, they should clearly explain the rate and the increments they bill in. Similarly, you should know exactly what percentage the attorney will take if they charge on a contingency fee basis.

Solid Communication Skills

It might surprise you to learn that not every lawyer is an effective communicator.

Good lawyers understand that solid communication is central to client satisfaction and empowerment. If you’re considering working with a lawyer who can’t explain complex legal concepts in a way you can easily understand, hiring them could lead to frustration and confusion.

3 Questions to Ask a Prospective Dog Bite Attorney

It’s wise to take advantage of the consultations many dog bite attorneys offer to get to know more about them before you move forward. These meetings are intended to give you a chance to learn about your rights and how the attorney plans to help you assert them.

Consider asking the following three questions before hiring a lawyer:

Do I Have a Viable Case?

After meeting with you and hearing about your situation, your lawyer should be able to tell whether you have a winnable case.

While the specific amount of compensation you stand to receive or how complicated your case may prove to be may not be immediately apparent, an experienced attorney can quickly tell whether your situation meets the basic requirements of a successful dog bite claim.

How Much Can I Expect to Receive?

You may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and any other losses you’ve incurred as a result of your dog bite.

While your attorney might not have the exact figures available during your initial meeting, they should outline the types of damages you’re eligible to receive and provide an estimate of your award. An attorney who doesn’t know how to calculate this amount likely hasn’t represented many clients in your circumstances.

How Long Will My Case Take to Resolve?

No attorney can predict the future. However, it’s important to find out how your prospective attorney will pursue your claim.

Lawyers should be able to articulate how long they might pursue settlement negotiations before seeking a verdict through the courts. Knowing how long you could be forced to wait before receiving compensation is helpful when evaluating which dog bite lawyer to choose.

FAQ

Will It Help to Have a Dog Bite Lawyer Assist Me?

In many cases, yes. A dog bite lawyer can gather evidence that supports your claim, meet challenges or objections, and guide your claim through the legal process. Many dog bite victims don’t have the time or background to do this themselves.

Are All Initial Consultations Free?

No. You should carefully read an attorney’s website before booking a consultation. While many dog bite lawyers offer a free consultation, not all do. If the attorney doesn’t provide complimentary consultations, you’ll be charged for the office visit regardless of whether you hire them.

How Soon Should I Visit With a Dog Bite Lawyer?

In Virginia, you only have two years from the date of injury to file a claim for damages. After this time, you lose the legal right to seek compensation. Because there can be significant investigative steps that must occur before your claim is filed, it’s best to meet with an attorney soon after the incident.

Talk to Commonwealth Law Group About Your Dog Bite Case

With years of experience successfully representing clients bitten by dogs in Virginia, Commonwealth Law Group is a dependable choice for legal representation. Our attorneys will work diligently to resolve your claim quickly and get you the compensation you need.

Reach out to our team today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a seasoned legal professional.