We would all love to give dogs the benefit of the doubt. After all, they are man’s best friend, right? But when you are the victim of a dog bite injury and are considering pursuing a personal injury claim, the last thing you want to do when speaking to the dog owner, witnesses, the police, or even an insurance company is say anything that downplays or mischaracterizes your injuries, the circumstances that led to the incident, and your legal right to seek compensation.
While it seems unfair, even innocent comments made in the immediate aftermath can be used against you. That’s why it’s important to choose your words carefully from the very beginning.
Sure, avoid conflict and be polite at all times. That said, don’t be afraid to stand up for your rights.
Six Things You Should Never Say After a Dog Bite Injury
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Saying “I might have provoked it”
Yes, we’ve all heard that animals typically don’t attack unless they feel scared, threatened, startled, or provoked. But that isn’t the case 100% of the time. Sometimes, dogs attack for reasons beyond your control. Therefore, it’s best not to say this or anything close to it—even if you’re trying to ease tension between you and the dog owner. Doing so essentially means you’re admitting fault.
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Saying “I don’t want to get anyone in trouble”
Of course, you don’t. This is especially true when the dog belongs to someone you know, and it’s clear to you that they did all they could to prevent a dog bite injury. That said, you can be compassionate toward the dog owner and still protect your right to medical care and compensation.
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Saying “I’m OK. It’s not that bad”
Sure, you may not think your injuries are too severe. But it’s wise to keep those feelings and words to yourself, especially when a medical professional hasn’t ruled out infections, rabies exposure, nerve damage, or deep tissue injury. Bottom line: Avoid making definitive statements about your physical and mental condition until after a doctor has had time to assess you fully.
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Saying “I’m sorry”
It’s only natural to say sorry, even when you don’t believe you were at fault. The problem in this scenario is that it could be misconstrued as an admission of guilt.
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Saying “I won’t report this”
You may feel that way in the moment, but a whole lot can change in the minutes and hours after a dog bite injury that may force you to reconsider. On top of that, failing to report a dog bite injury can limit your options later if complications arise.
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Saying “I don’t need a lawyer”
You may not need a lawyer for a small scratch or cut. In many situations, these and other minor dog-bite injuries can be resolved amicably among all parties and their insurance companies. But don’t overlook the possibility that you may need a lawyer, especially after you’ve had time to assess the situation, damages, your injuries, insurance coverage, and even potential liability. In these situations, keep your options open and know your rights before committing to handling everything on your own.
If any of these issues escalate and warrant additional guidance from a personal injury attorney, we can help. An experienced firm like Keys Law Offices, PC can help you track down the compensation you deserve.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!
When you have a legal question, you must have an attorney who has both legal and practical experience to answer it. At Keys Law Offices, our legal and life experiences uniquely qualify us to answer your questions. We represent people in a variety of legal disputes in the areas of Auto Accidents, Criminal Law, and Personal Injury. We also understand the complex legal and regulatory issues involved in these cases and know how to investigate and litigate to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
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