How the Right Attorney Can Make a Huge Impact on Your Dog Bite Case

Dog attacks are terrifying, even if you don’t get bitten. It makes you feel like you’re the wildebeest chased down by lions on a nature show. Sadly, the most fearsome aspects of many dog bites are the disfiguring scars and emotional trauma victims can be left with forever after a pet turned predator gets his fill of you.

It’s especially bad when the victim is a child.

The first hurdle is finding out if there’s insurance to cover it. It’s usually the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy, but that doesn’t make it easy to get a proper settlement. Here’s why it’s a good idea to hire an experienced dog bite attorney to help you:

• You don’t know the right settlement amount to aim for—and it could be way more than you think. Valuing a case is a complex science based on many factors. Critical factors that can make the value of a dog attack case change dramatically include future plastic surgery to fix scarring, emotional harm, and whether your case has the potential for punitive damages.

• You don’t know how to negotiate with the insurance company. Negotiating with an insurance company is just bizarre to most folks. I’ve represented businesspeople who negotiate for a living but just can’t understand it. In the face of shockingly low offers and totally unfounded reasons given for them, you’ve got to keep a cool head and not get emotionally involved. That’s extremely hard when you’re the victim. It just naturally clouds your judgment in a decision with potentially lifelong implications. An experienced attorney leaves you out of these intense conversations to forge a clear path to resolving your case.

• You don’t know how to develop a compelling presentation to convince the insurance company to settle. All injury case negotiation is geared toward one thing: you can prove it at trial. If you don’t know what to prove or how to prove it under the rules of evidence, prepare to walk away almost empty-handed with no one to blame but you.

• You don’t know how to handle medical evidence. To get a good settlement, you’ve got to handle medical evidence the right way. It can drive your settlement amount, but you’ve got to know what’s important. It’s vital to investigate and present future medical needs the right way. With future plastic surgery and ongoing counseling as part of your life, a skilled attorney can help get you a settlement to cover it.

“What Should I Do If A Dog Bites Me

• Contact the police – Dog bite injuries often become complicated because people have conflicting stories about what happened. Let the police interview everyone and decide the truth.
• Take photographs – The more evidence you have, the better. Photographs can serve as valuable evidence in your case. Take photos of your injury, the dog, where the dog was kept and anything else that seems important. Evidence builds strong cases.
• Take notes – Write down the time of the dog attack, where it took place, if there was a fence keeping the dog on the property or other important information.
• Talk to witnesses – If you see someone you saw the dog bite you or your loved one, get their full name, address and phone number. You or the police might need to interview them again for more information.
• Talk to the dog owner – Simply get the full name, address and phone number of the dog owner. This information could prove to be crucial during the investigation.
• Seek medical attention – Even if the dog bite does not seem serious, let a doctor decide. What might seem like a minor injury could be much worse.
• Contact us – Let our experienced Pennsylvania dog bite attorneys work with you and help you build a strong case.

Why You Should Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are the best man’s friends and pets, but sometimes they can attack people and cause serious injuries. Some of these attacks can cause a lot of suffering and pain to the affected persons. Anyone who has been bitten by dogs should seek immediate medical attention. Victims of dog attacks can get the right compensation from dog owners by hiring experienced and aggressive dog bite lawyers.

Professionals have excellent negotiation skills and can help you in filing your case and thus ensure that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible.

They are Experienced and Knowledgeable

Experience is one of the main benefits that you can get by working with a professional dog bite lawyer. These lawyers are well versed in all the local laws pertaining to animal control. In most cases, the pet owner is held accountable when his dog bites or harms a person. The lawyer hired can adequately prepare your cases and ensure that the dog owner fully compensates you. He can also help you claim all the money you have incurred in terms of medical costs.

They Have Access to Useful Resources

Dog bite attorneys have access to plenty of resources to support your cases. For instance, they can hire investigators to gather the evidence needed to prove that the pet owners were indeed negligent for the attack. In essence, it required a team to handle some of the complex matters.

They Can Prepare for Your Defense

Some dog owners can confuse victims of dog attacks and even sue them for negligence. It is, therefore, important to hire an experienced dog bite attorneys to sue the dog owners. He or she can ask the dog owners in the courtroom to prove that the owner was negligent and, therefore, responsible for the incident. Anyone who wants to get a fair dealing should seek the services of the professionals.

Have Excellent Negotiation Skills

Professional lawyers are well-trained and have good negotiation skills. These are guys who can comfortably deal with other lawyers and insurance companies. This means that they can fight for their clients’ best interests and, in particular, dog attack victims.

Dog Bite Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I expect from my dog bite personal injury claim?

In 2014, the average dog bite home insurance claim was $32,018. This is an increase of nearly $5,000 over claims made in 2013. New York State had the highest reported average at a whopping $56,628 per claim.Since no two cases are the same, nor two injuries, you should not expect to receive this much if you’ve been bitten by a dog. Dog bite settlements depend on the severity of the attack and the length of medical treatment required. For more information contact an attorney at The Advocates Law. We’ll answer all of your questions.

Who is responsible for my dog bite injury?

Dog bite cases can become rather complex and the relevant law tends to vary from state to state, and even from one county to the next. For further information contact The Advocates. Our attorneys are experts in dog bite law.

How long does a dog bite case typically take to settle?

The short answer is months, if not years. If your case is clear cut and liability is easy to determine, then your case could settle out of court and be concluded within 4 to 12 months.If your case does go into litigation, then it may not settle for a number of years. The discovery phase following the filing of lawsuit can be anywhere between 6 to 12 months. The good news is that most personal injury cases never go to trial.

Is It Necessary to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer if I’m Bitten by a Dog?

Only one percent of dog bite victims who suffer injuries receive compensation. Even if there is a rock-solid case, you a need dog bite lawyer to have any chance of earning damages. Just because you hire a lawyer, though, does not mean the case is going to court.

It is no secret that court cases can be expensive. More often than not, it is in the best interests of all parties involved to settle the dispute out of court. According to a government survey, 97 percent of civil suits end out of court or without a trail, with plaintiffs receiving $4.4 billion in damages annually.

If you and the other party decide you want to settle out of court, a dog bite lawyer will be there to represent you during the negotiating process. These negotiations require the same meticulous and persuasive maneuvering as the courtroom, but without the same legal stakes. A lawyer will ensure you receive a fair deal by maximizing leverage and dictating the agenda.

Of course, not every case can be settled out of court. If you believe your lawsuit should go to court, a dog bite lawyer can make sure you have the materials and evidence to win. Having a lawyer can provide an accurate picture of the legal process, which will go a long way toward minimizing stress and hassles.

 The choice of whether or not to hire a dog bite lawyer is a case-by-case consideration. If there is a significant injury, at a bare minimum, you should have a complimentary consultation with a lawyer. This meeting will assess your chance of winning based on evidence, witness testimonial, and other elements of proof.

Family Law

The divorce process is long, complicated, and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. By knowing where to start, what to expect, and which issues to address, you can best position yourself to overcome many of the obstacles you may be faced with during a divorce.

The first step in a divorce is to determine if divorce is necessary, unavoidable, or already decided. Often this answer will be clear. Often you or your spouse will have already decided on divorce. If this is unclear however, take steps to repair your marriage before proceeding with divorce. Divorce should be your last step, not your first

Once you have decided that divorce is the best option for you and your family, or that it is unavoidable, you should begin divorce preparation. Take a deep breath and examine what you have going on. Consider your finances, your emotional state, and resources. It can be very helpful to take the time to create an exit strategy

Make a projected budget. This is an important first step that will give you the clarity to understand your financial needs moving forward. Take the time to fully understand your income and expenses.

Protect sensitive and private information. Change your email and computer passwords along with other important login information. While you may not necessarily be doing anything wrong, divorce is an emotional time and you should protect yourself from any negative actions your spouse may intentionally or unintentionally take against you with the access they have to your private accounts.

Sever financial ties by opening your own bank account. Keep enough funds to support yourself and your children pending a divorce. Be careful not to transfer funds that could possibly belong to your spouse.

Keep a journal of all facts, times, dates, and events surrounding your marriage, children, and divorce. This will likely be helpful for you and your lawyer moving forward.

Speak with an attorney about your rights and get advice specific to your situation. Divorce is a complicated process. It will be very helpful to spend an hour or two getting advice about how to move forward and better work through your specific needs.

Take the time to talk to your spouse about wanting a divorce. This will likely be a difficult conversation, but it is a necessary step. Take the time to explain, calmly and with clarity, your intentions with the divorce. This is an opportunity to mitigate the irreparable trauma and complications of the divorce.

When you are ready, reach out to your close family and friends for support.  The divorce process can be long and frustrating. Those nearest to you are often the ones who can help you the most during this time in your life.

How to choose a divorce lawyer

Divorces are filled with complex legal, financial, and emotional issues that vary from person to person. Therefore, you should choose an attorney who is best suited for you and your particular circumstances. To get started, you will want to choose an attorney who is experienced in family law and who has a good reputation. Reach out to friends and family to ask if they can recommend an attorney. Or visit professional websites such as LinkedIn and Avvo. These websites will provide you with information about potential attorneys, reviews, and helpful links.

Once you have identified a list of potential family law attorneys, your next step is to call the attorney’s office and ask to discuss your case. This is a great opportunity to ask about the firm’s experience, costs, and how they can assist you given your specific needs. Then, when you feel comfortable and confident with an attorney, should you hire one.

Not All Divorces Are The Same

There are not many situations have not seen and successfully resolved. are respected lawyers in field and in the courts. are often appointed by family court judges to serve as guardian ad litem for minor children. skills and years of experience can make the process less stressful, more effective and efficient

Firm For Family Law Issues

Facing family issues can be a stressful time. But with experienced and compassionate guidance, even the most complex issues and strained situations can have a positive outcome.

Advocacy And Resolution

understand the stress, anxiety and emotion that affect men and women who are involved in family conflict. work with you and advocate for you to find the most feasible and best solution.

Helping You With A Variety Of Issues

With over 30 years of combined family law experience, attorneys are able to guide you through your family law issue. have extensive experience assisting clients with the following matters:

Mediation, pro se divorce mediation

Custody and visitation rights for grandparents

Paternity

Divorce proceedings

Child support

Child custody and placement

Relocations

Collaborative divorce proceedings

Understanding family law

As a small law firm, provide a great level of personal attention that you need during such a highly emotional time period. family law practice includes all matters related to divorce and issues with children.

Experienced. Aggressive. Affordable

Going through a divorce isn’t something anyone expects when they get married, but sometimes a marriage fails and there is simply no other choice. However, divorce is one of the most stressful things a person will ever face, and this is especially true when children are involved.

If you’re thinking about a divorce or have been served with divorce papers, now is the time to protect your own interests and contact a County divorce attorney who can help you figure out what to do next. The choices you make now will affect you for the rest of your life. If you have children, their lives are going to change dramatically as well.

understand what’s at stake in every divorce case and family law matter, so always treat it with the importance it deserves. aggressively pursue client’s interests and ensure that their voice is heard by acting as their personal advocate with the Family Court. are also skilled negotiators who will tirelessly to achieve realistic goals when working with your ex-spouse and their attorney to determiner important issues involving property division, alimony, child support and child custody.

divorce lawyers are ready to help you with any of the following issues:

Divorce

Collaborative divorce

Child custody

Child support

Custody and support modifications

Spousal support (alimony)

Adoption

Protection orders

Temporary support

Parenting plans

Child relocation

Military divorce

Same sex couple’s divorce

Prenuptial agreements

Paternity

Large asset cases

Uncontested Divorce

family law and have many years of experience, there are few situations we haven’t encountered. Still, your situation is unique and requires personalized attention from an attorney who cares about the end result.

Family Lawyers

Divorce Mediation

The end of a marriage can be intensely stressful. Emotions often flare as a couple tries to resolve issues like alimony, child custody, and child support. Unfortunately, the traditional divorce process can deepen hostility between the spouses when they confront important questions concerning their future. In many situations, couples whose relationship is not abusive or completely broken should consider pursuing an alternative to divorce through the courts.

This alternative can consist of asking a neutral mediator to help the couple settle property distribution, child and spousal support, and all of the other key issues that arise when a marriage ends. A mediator can listen to the interests of each spouse, tell them how a court would rule on any disputed issue, and help them draft a divorce agreement that a court is likely to approve. People often find mediators through personal referrals, but it is also possible to find a capable mediator online or by asking your lawyer for a suggestion. However, the lawyer of either spouse may not be the mediator.

Mediation has been successful for many divorcing spouses seeking to make a plan for the future that satisfies each of them. It may be a much less expensive and time-consuming process than going to court for hearings, and everything that is discussed during mediation remains confidential (as opposed to litigation proceedings, which are public hearings). Mediation offers spouses more flexibility than the traditional divorce process because they can make their own decisions on key issues, within legal limits, rather than asking a court to make them. Entrusting a court with deciding who lives with your child or how much alimony you have to pay can be a nerve-wracking experience. Mediation allows you to avoid that unpredictability and is more likely to produce a stable long-term result.

Although it may sound like arbitration, mediation is a distinctly different process. In a binding arbitration (not all arbitrations are binding), the arbitrator essentially functions as a judge, making decisions that are binding on each spouse, whereas a mediator cannot make binding decisions. If the spouses reach an impasse in their negotiations, a mediator may recommend a solution. But a mediator cannot force you to reach a settlement.

Many states have begun to require that divorcing spouses go to mediation for certain sensitive issues, especially child custody and visitation rights. The main difference between court-ordered and private mediation is that private mediation can cover many more issues related to divorce. For example, you can use it to divide your property or handle other financial matters. To make mediation as effective as possible, you should listen to your spouse and leave your mind open to compromise. Sometimes starting with relatively minor issues is a good way to open this conversation before addressing more important and contested areas.

Estate planning & divorce?

An estate planning lawyer is an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of estate planning and is capable of creating comprehensive estate plans tailored to individual needs. Estate planning attorneys review, analyze and make recommendations regarding personal and administrative aspects of a client’s assets. They need to have a good understanding of the process of probate, as well as a good understanding of the potential future effects of various taxes, including estate, gift, and income taxes.

While not everyone will require the kind of complex plan that would be suitable for a wealthy person, or for a person with many different types of assets, even those of modest means often have specific concerns that an estate planning attorney can address. Estate planning attorneys are familiar with the wide variety of planning instruments available to help people on all economic levels provide for their own future health care and financial needs, as well as for the future needs of their family members or other beneficiaries.

What is the Difference between an Estate Planning Attorney and a Family Law Attorney?

While both estate planning attorneys and family law attorneys are concerned with issues that involve the well-being of families, family law attorneys focus primarily on matters related to divorce and parenting, while estate planning attorneys focus primarily on protecting assets, preparing for future health care needs, and creating plans for asset distribution. The two practice areas are interrelated and sometimes overlap. For example, a prenuptial agreement may be coordinated with an estate plan. People going through a divorce need to know how property distribution in the divorce will affect their estate plan. They may need to revise estate planning documents to ensure that a former spouse does not continue as an unintended beneficiary, or does not retain the power to make medical decisions. There are many documents beyond wills or trusts that may be affected.

Characteristics of Good Estate Planning Attorneys

If you are looking for an estate planning attorney, you probably already know that you will need someone who is well-versed in the tools available for estate planning and who has a solid grasp of which tools are best-suited for which particular circumstances. If you are going through a divorce, make sure that your estate planning attorney knows this and understands what the ramifications may be. Don’t overlook the importance of personal qualities as well. A good estate planning attorney will be interested in your wishes, will demonstrate a high degree of sensitivity regarding any family or health concerns you may have, and will be proactive and creative in helping you turn your wishes into reality.

Meeting with an Estate Planning Attorney

You will be able to work more efficiently with an estate planning attorney if you take some time to plan ahead for your first meeting. Collecting documents and making a list of assets and liabilities is critical. One reason that it makes sense to work on estate planning concurrently with divorce planning is that both processes require many of the same documents, allowing you go through the tedious process of collecting documents only once rather than twice. In addition to collecting your documents, make sure that you think about exactly what you are hoping to accomplish. Are you concerned with protecting children or other potential beneficiaries? Do you anticipate dissension in the family over the decisions you are planning to make? Are there potential future events that require contingency planning or periodic review of your plan?

TIPS ON CHOOSING THE BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Law is so large an entity that no definite word or phrase can actually define it. This is because there are different laws to cater to different situations of life. There is civil law, which is the law that relates to laws connected with personal relationships, marriages and interpersonal circumstances like a personal injury case. On the other hand, criminal law is that branch of law that defines a crime, the victim and the violator of the law.

As criminal law is a large branch in the field of law, this branch is again divided into two sections. Each of these sections has its own professional criminal defense lawyer. The first section of criminal law is criminal procedure, which defines how a trial has to be conducted. With criminal procedure law, it is proven how claims have to be examined and how proof of a crime has to be collected. The criminal defense attorneys who are experts in criminal procedures have a system of collecting evidence in favor of the client. As this criminal defense attorney is specific about the client’s rights of the law, they maintain the doctrine ‘innocent until proven guilty’ throughout the trial of the client.

Substantive criminal law is the other section of criminal law. The criminal defense attorney specializing in substantive criminal law works with the people charged with the crime. The criminal defense attorney is usually approached by the violator of the crime. However, sometimes, the lawyer may also be selected by the court to represent the client who may not be able to hire a lawyer because of financial circumstances. The criminal defense attorney has to meet the client, and the client has to relate the scene of the crime, giving true statements. Everything spoken here is and remains confidential. Then the criminal defense lawyer has to defend the client to help him or her achieve success in the court.

You can tell if the criminal defense attorney is a good one or not by his approach to a case. The good criminal defense attorney collects as much facts of the case from the client and the investigators. It is then up to him to create a strong case wherein the client will not be charged gravely. However, in the case of the client being truly guilty of the crime, then it is up to the criminal defense attorney to present the facts of the situation such that it is possible to maintain a doubt of guilt.

The good criminal defense attorney will try his level best to make the punishment allotted to the guilty client is befitting the crime done by the client. It is always better to get some testimonials on a lawyer before hiring the criminal defense attorney. Your friends and family is the best people to approach to find out information on the criminal defense attorney. The good criminal defense attorney is one who stands by the client till the end of the trial, to make sure that the client gets as favorable an outcome as possible.

How to Choose a Defense Attorney

Just like you wouldn’t visit a podiatrist to treat an ear infection, you shouldn’t go to a tax attorney if you want to sue the driver who rear-ended your car. There are many areas of law and a lot of different types of lawyers who deal with them. When your freedom is on the line, it’s important to seek the correct representation

Whether you are being investigated for a crime or have already been charged, you want to have the best criminal defense lawyer you can afford fighting for you. A good place to start is by asking people you trust for referrals, including friends (if you feel like you can talk with them about your case), family members, and non-criminal defense attorneys that you may know. These individuals are a great resource because, rather than just gathering a list of names, you can ask questions about their suggestions such as whether the attorney was on time for appointments, reasonably available to answer questions and organized

If the thought of sharing personal details with acquaintances makes you uncomfortable, you can anonymously visit countless websites online. The American Bar Association has state-specific information and there are several professional associations specializing in criminal defense (the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the Association of Federal Defense Attorneys and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers are just a few). Independent legal referral websites also offer a ton of information.

A list of three or four possible attorneys is sufficient. If you find yourself overwhelmed with choices, consider researching whether the lawyer has had any publicity, your reaction to their advertising, and how many cases they have handled that are similar to yours. Years in practice do not necessarily correspond to years of experience. For example, a criminal defense lawyer who has been in practice for ten years may have handled many more criminal cases than a general practitioner or civil attorney who has been in practice for thirty. Look for a lawyer who has worked on cases like yours, and is personally acquainted with the prosecutors, judges, and procedures in your area

Choosing One

Once you’ve narrowed down the list, it’s often time to set up face-to-face meetings, although in a pinch (for example, if you get arrested and taken to jail one night and have your first court appearance the next day) much can be done over the phone or via video conference such as FaceTime or Skype. Many lawyers offer a free initial consultation. Bring along a summary of your case with details such as when you were arrested, the circumstances of the arrest, what the charges are and whether anyone else was involved. This consultation should help you understand the charges, what the prosecutor must prove or establish to find you guilty, the available defenses, any key pretrial issues, what plea bargains might be offered and the possible consequences you may face. It is important to have a lawyer who puts in sufficient time to learn about your case and plan your defense, so if you don’t feel comfortable with his or her analysis, that may be a red flag. While a lawyer can give you an idea of possible outcomes, he or she cannot promise a certain result. Any criminal defense attorney that does is not someone you should choose, because the result cannot be guaranteed in advance – it hinges on negotiations with the prosecutor at best, and a judge and jury at worst

What You Can Expect from the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you’re looking at prison time or a hefty fine, it’s a good idea to look into hiring the best criminal defense lawyer possible. You may have the ability to get a court-appointed lawyer if your income qualifies. Simply put: the legal system is designed to make competently representing yourself in criminal trials almost impossible. Even if you have an abnormally high IQ, the system does not work in your favor. Hiring an attorney to represent you in your criminal trial is a necessity.

Because no criminal case is exactly like another, criminal defense lawyers are trained to pick out the parts of each case that make them unique. In essence, they use their knowledge to find subtle evidence and reasons why you should win the case.

Daily Responsibilities of a Criminal Lawyer

Criminal attorneys often spend months preparing for a case. The preparation can take much longer than actually being in the courtroom. This way, when the case goes to court, things can move as quickly as possible, and there are no surprises in the case.

What Specific Work Does a Criminal Lawyer Do That I Can’t Do?

After the research and strategy are done, a criminal defense lawyer has many jobs. While in court, they will call witnesses in your defense and cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses.

Specialties and Duties: Plea Bargains

Your criminal defense attorney may work with you and the prosecutor to negotiate a “plea bargain.”

What to Look for in a Private Criminal Defense Attorney

The attorney you’re looking for will probably not be the same person who handled your will, or helped you buy a house, or whom you aunt used when she was involved in a car accident. These all were civil attorneys, whereas you want someone who specializes in criminal law. (In small town, however, you may have no choice but to hire someone who practices in both areanas.)

Civil versus Criminal Attorneys

Private criminal defense lawyers tend to practice either on their own or in small partnerships, and in a specific geographical setting. By contrast, attorneys who handle civil cases tend to congregate in large corporate law firms with branch offices in many cities.

The Local Advantage

A defendant should try to hire an attorney with experience in the courthouse where the defendant’s case is pending. Though the same laws may be in effect throughout a state, procedures vary from one courthouse to another. For example, the D.A. in one county may have a no-plea-bargaining policy with respect to a certain offense, while the D.A. in a neighboring county may have no such policy. Or, defense attorneys in one county may know which prosecutors are more likely to plead right before trial, as against those who will negotiate in advance. Local attorneys also know the police officers and how they perform in court before juries. Defendants should prefer attorneys who have experience with local procedures and personnel.

Experience with the Crimes Charged

A defendant should also try to find an attorney who has represented defendants charged with the same or very similar offenses. Modern criminal law is so complex that many lawyers specialize in particular types of offenses. For example, one may specialize in drunk driving, another in drug offenses, and another in white-collar crimes (generally referring to nonviolent, money-related crimes, such as tax fraud or embezzlement).

The Personal Factor

A defendant’s lawyer speaks for the defendant. No matter how highly recommended a lawyer may be, it is also important that the lawyer be someone with whom the defendant is personally comfortable. The best attorney-client relationships are those in which clients are full partners in the decision-making process, and defendants should try to hire lawyers who see them as partners, not as case files.

Tips for Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’ve been charged with a crime, the first thing you need after you’ve sorted out your bond with a reputable bondsman is a good criminal defense attorney. Whether you’re guilty or innocent, hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference in achieving a successful conclusion to your case. But, how do you choose the right criminal defense attorney?

Specialty in Criminal Law

There are many different types of law, including civil law, corporate law, bankruptcy law and criminal law, among others. You need an attorney who has taken the time to specialize in criminal law so that your lawyer is familiar with the laws and practices relevant to your case. If possible, find a lawyer with experience in your particular situation. For example, some lawyers specialize in DUI charges while others specialize in violent crime. The more experience your attorney has in cases like your own, the better

Testimonials

Ask family and friends for references to find a lawyer that they’d recommend. Alternatively, seek out online reviews that give an honest picture of how satisfied clients are with the lawyer. While even the best lawyer will have a few negative reviews, you’ll want to make sure the general public opinion about the lawyer you’re considering is positive

Use Free Consultation

Many criminal defense attorneys offer a free consultation so that you can speak with the lawyer’s team and see if you think they’d make a good fit. During this consultation, take advantage of the opportunity it affords you to ask questions. Some good things to ask about are the lawyer’s experience in court, their specialty and how long they’ve been practicing. Be wary if the lawyer seems over-confident or promises any outcomes. No serious lawyer will promise you that you’ll win your case or immediately suggest a course of action.

Know the Team

Find out who would represent you. Larger lawyer firms may assign your case to an underling while the top lawyers are busy with other clients. It’s understandable that assistants and interns may work on researching your case, but you should know who will be ultimately handling your case when it comes time to meet with the judge or go to court.

Do I Need a Dog Bite Attorney?

Dogs can provide a seemingly endless amount of love and companionship, but even the most harmless dogs can cause property damage or personal injuries. If your dog bites someone, or you or your pet were injured by someone else’s dog, you may need to hire a dog bite attorney. Since applicable laws vary by state, a local dog bite attorney can tell you whether you have a legal claim, the potential extent of your liability, what types of defenses may be utilized, and the possible legal and monetary consequences of your dog bite case.

What Can I Do if I’m Injured by a Dog?

You have a number of options if you’re bitten by someone’s dog or other pet. For starters, you can pursue an insurance claim with the dog owner’s insurance company. Many homeowners insurance policies will cover an initial dog bite claim that occurs on the insured’s property. In these cases, a dog bite attorney can be very helpful in dealing with the insurance company and using their knowledge and experience to negotiate a fair settlement.

You can also file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner or caretaker for damages. Some state statutes even allow these lawsuits to cover other types of dog-related injuries, not just dog bites. Dog bite attorneys play a vital role in these lawsuits since they know the applicable laws of your state, how to calculate damages, and how to present evidence in the most effective way.

When Dog Owners Are Strictly Liable for Bites

When the victims sue to get compensation for their damages, it doesn’t matter whether the owners knew their dogs had ever been vicious before. That means they can’t argue that they didn’t know their dogs could be dangerous, or that they took care to prevent the animals from hurting someone.

The law has some limits. The owner is strictly liable only if the injured person:

• was bitten, and
• was either in a public place or “lawfully in a private place” when the bite happened.

For the purpose of the statute, anyone who’s carrying out a legal duty (like delivering mail) is lawfully on private property. Also, injured people can’t sue under this statute if they were bitten by police or military dogs that were either doing law enforcement work or defending themselves against annoying or provocative behavior.

If a dog grabs someone with its teeth but doesn’t break the skin, that could still count as a bite. In a case where a worker fell from his ladder after a dog closed its jaws on his pants, the court held that the animal’s owner was liable for the injuries under section 3342

What damages are covered?

People who have been bitten by a dog in California are often entitled to compensation for their injuries. Compensatory damages may include, without limitation:

• Medical bills,
• Physical or vocational therapy,
• Psychological counseling,
• Lost wages,
• Lost earning capacity,
• Pain and suffering,
• Scarring, and/or
• Loss of the use of a limb.

How can I reduce my liability?

If you own a dog and are concerned about your liability in the case it bites/attacks/knocks over someone, there are several things you can do to mitigate the potential damages.

Post a sign on your gate warning people that you have a dog on the property

Take your dog to training

Walk your dog on a leash (if you fail to comply with the local leash laws, you may find yourself paying punitive damages as well.

One free bite

The ‘one free bite’ rule states that in the case of the first dog bite, the owners are not held liable for the damages as the dog may not have shown aggressive or violent tendencies. This rule is not upheld in all states though, with some states placing dog owners under ‘strict liability’, meaning that even if the dog has attacked someone for the first time and has never shown an aggressive disposition, the owners will be liable for the damages incurred. Make sure you are aware of your local laws and always abide by them.

Legal options: What to do if you get attacked by a dog

If you or someone in your household is attacked by a neighbor’s dog, you have several options. First, decide if you want to take any action at all.

If the injury is minor and you’re confident it’s an isolated incident, you may not feel the need to do anything (other than avoid the dog in the future). If you suffered a more serious injury on the other hand, you could ask the neighbor to voluntarily compensate you. Also, if you feel the dog presents an ongoing danger, you may want to report the incident to the police.

Compensation for your injury could include costs for:

• Medical treatment related to the attack.
• Income lost due to missed work.
• Property that was destroyed or damaged (eyeglasses, clothing, etc.).
• Any lasting disability or scar.
• Emotional suffering.

Tips for Hiring a DUI Lawyer

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Make the Decision at Home

Which brings us to the final tip. Don’t make a final decision about which lawyer to go within the moment. Take a moment to think it over at home and come to a final decision.

Comfort and Confidence

This question brings in that human touch the strongest. A DUI lawyer may be less confident in their ability to win the case but match your personality. They may be enthusiastic about your chances but rub you the wrong way.

Assessment of Case

Lay out the details of your case. Work honestly and bring all the paperwork you have access to. The lawyer can’t make a good recommendation on your chances if you are not honest.

Steps to Find the Right DUI Lawyer

Come Up With a List of Potential Attorneys

There are a number of resources out there to help you in your search for the best DUI attorney. By seeking out personal recommendations and researching National Associations and State Bar Associations you can start filling up your list with some great attorneys to meet with. Like most major decisions in life, you will want to do your due diligence and research your options before choosing the right DUI attorney.

Determine Whether the Attorney is Qualified to Handle the Case

After your preliminary research is done you will then need to consider each attorney’s qualifications to make the best selection. You will want to find out the attorney’s educational background, what areas they specialize in, and if they are in good standing with their state bar.

Meet the Attorney for an In-Person Consultation

An in-person consultation will help you decide which attorney you feel most comfortable with and have the most confidence in. Below are some steps you should take to ensure the best consultation.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT DUI ATTORNEY?

National College of DUI Defense:

College Members represent the most experienced DUI Defense attorneys in the county. The National College of DUI Defense is an invite only non-profit organization aimed at improving the criminal defense bar and to educating the public about DUI defense law as a specialty area of law practice.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Certification:

DUI defense lawyers that have participated in this training are certified to administer and interpret the standard filed sobriety tests to NHTSA standards. Less than 1% of practicing attorneys have received this specialized training. The NHTSA program is the exact same program that law enforcement officers take. The certification takes 21 classroom hours to obtain and encompasses in depth training on the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test, Walk and Turn Test and the One Leg Stand Test.

Science of Breath Testing Course Certificate:

DUI defense attorneys that have participated in this course have spent time working with the equipment law enforcement uses to administer breath tests on drivers suspected of DUI. If your lawyer has participated in this training then they have an advanced knowledge of how breath test machines work, what faults the machines have, what maintenance the machines require and what protocols an officer must follow to correctly administer the test.

HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD DUI LAWYER

REPUTATION

Definitely, the first thing that you want to follow when searching for a good DUI lawyer is the reputation. If you have ever wondered how to find a good DUI lawyer, we will give you all the information that you need. People never think about having a lawyer ready at all times, they go searching for one when it is time to deal with the issue. Depending on the penalty you are facing, you might not have a lot of time to spend on searching, so you better be prepared at all times and find yourself one now.

AFFORDABILITY

One of the important things that you have to be careful with when hiring a lawyer is to make sure that you hire one that you can actually afford. In order to avoid having to deal with a situation where you cannot pay the lawyer, you have to first ask him how much does he charge.

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a DUI Attorney

Hiring a DUI Attorney

After meeting with the DUI DWI attorneys on your list, it’s time to choose one. If you only met with one, but the lawyer was clearly qualified-or you met with several, but one was the obvious choice-your search is over.

Legal Fees

Being arrested for DUI can be expensive. Possible outcomes could include loss of your driver’s license, increased insurance premiums, DUI school, fines, and possible jail time. And of course it costs money to hire a lawyer.

Case Management

DUI DWI attorneys use the term case management to describe how they handle your case. It’s important to know the logistics behind the scenes so that there are no misunderstandings. Some relevant questions to ask include.

Assessment of Your Case

Before DUI DWI attorneys can give you feedback about your options, they need to understand the charges and the evidence against you. Listen carefully to the questions the attorneys ask you, and answer them directly.