How can I settle doctors bills after getting a personal injury?

Question

Looking for legal advice. I got bit in the face by a dog and had to have emergency attention. I will have a scar on my face for the rest of my life. I am devastated! A police report was done. What can I do to help settle doctors bills and pain and suffering compensation.

Barry Rabovsky · Answer

You may have a case, based upon the information that you have supplied.

Christopher Earley · Answer

Does the owner of the dog have homeowners insurance?

Eugene Critchett · Answer

Generally, if you were attacked by a dog, the owner of the dog can be held liable for your injuries (medical expenses, pain and suffering and time off of work).  You may also be able to recover for the permanent scar.  Once your case is resolved, many medical facilities will work with on payment terms if needed.

Russell Gray · Answer

The owner or keeper of a dog is strictly liable for injuries caused by the dog.  Often, however, the only way to make them pay for your  injuries is to bring a lawsuit.  You should find an attorney for this (and also to make sure you recover all damages from your injuries).  I'd be happy to help you.

Josh Lamborn · Answer

You should first consult with an attorney in your area.  Whether you are entitled to compensation depends on the individual facts of your case and the history of the animal.  Oregon is what is a state that follows the "one bite rule."  That means that the owner of the dog is strictly liable for the injuries caused by the dog only if the owner knows or has a reason to know the animals dangerous nature.  If the owner doesn't know the dangerous nature of the animal that is not end of the inquiry.  The owner may still be liable if he or she intentionally causes the animal to attack you or if he or she is negligent in preventing the attack.  As you can see, this area of the law can be quite complex.  If you are to be sufficiently compensated you will likely need an attorney to help you.

Ryan Tomalas · Answer

It is possible that you have a very good claim/case to pursue against the owner of the dog. In California dog owners are held Strictly Liable for the injuries caused by their dogs. Meaning that the owner of the dog is responsible for your injuries no matter what caused the dog to bite, or whether the dog has bitten others in the past.  Generally, a dog owner's homeowner's insurance policy (assuming they have one) extends to cover these types of situations.  Dog bite cases can be quite complex, especially in light of the emotional/psychological aspect of dog bites and the potential for long term/permanent scaring. Please keep in mind that the "value" of your case is not limited to the medical bills which have been incurred, but rather will take into account the numerous ways this incident may impact your life. We have handled hundreds of dog bite cases and are extremely experienced in this area of the law.

Daniel Hoarfrost · Answer

The real question is whether the owner of the dog has any resources, (usually homeowner's ins.), to pay compensation.  Please feel free to call me at the office and arrange a free initial consult.

Vincent Bernabei · Answer

You should consult with an attorney on this.  The insurance company for the dog owner is responsible for paying your bills and for paying reasonable compensation for your injuries.

James Kelaher · Answer

First, whose dog bit you? If the owner of the dog had homeowner's insurance, the insurance will probably pay for your medical bills. In Florida, we have strict liability for dog bites against the dog's owner. It wouldn't hurt you to consult with a personal injury attorney....most of them work on a contingent fee basis.

Thomas Patton · Answer

You should call a personal injury attorney in your jurisdiction for a consultation. Most personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation. In my jurisdictions Oregon and Washington, the dog's owner is probably liable, and there may be other possible liable parties. Homeowners or some other insurance may be available to cover your losses. Good luck with your case.

Lawrence Ramunno · Answer

You can sue the owner but need to prove he did something wrong. And hope the  owner has insurance.

Earl Straight · Answer

You can pursue a claim against the owner of the dog, and against the owners homeowners insurance policy if he has one.

Joseph Lipsky · Answer

We are truly sorry to hear of your situation.  Your recourse would be to file a claim, and thereafter, possibly a lawsuit against the owner of the dog for your personal injuries.  A critical issue will be whether the person who owns the dog has liability/homeowner's insurance, which does not have an exclusion for animal attacks.  We suggest you contact an experienced personal injury attorney, to assist you in properly investigating the potentially liable parties.

Francis Paul Hajek · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your injury.  You may have a legal remedy for the dog bite injuries.  It is not possible to give you a definite answer as more facts are needed.  Our website has some articles about dog bite cases and the applicable law.  For a quick answer to your specific situation, I recommend calling an experienced injury attorney.  Most offer a free consultation.  In your situation, the need is compelling because you have significant and permanent injuries.  Some of the questions that you should be prepared to answer will include the breed of the dog and the owner of the dog.  There will also be a focus on insurance coverage as there must be some source for your recovery of medical bills and other damages.  Good Luck.

Jared Altman · Answer

Dog bite cases can be very valuable. I assume that you dont have medical insurance or Medicaid or you wouldnt be asking the question. You can ask the doctor to take what is called an assignment to be paid from the proceeds of your personal injury case when it settles.  You should definitely consult with an attorney. I can help you find one anywhere in the Country if you are unable to.  Please note the following necessary legal disclaimer:  I have not given legal advice. I only give legal advice to my clients. I am not acting as your attorney. I have not agreed to represent you. Attorneys often disagree. If you want further information or independent verification of anything I have said then you should immediately consult another attorney. All claims have time limits. In general in New York State they are: three (3) years for personal injury and property damage actions, two and one half (2 ) years for medical malpractice claims, two (2) years for wrongful death, one (1) year for an intentional wrongdoing, six (6) years for contract claims, but four (4) years for sales of goods under the Uniform Commercial Code, and four (4) months to challenge an action or decision of a government body, department or agency. However, in a claim for personal injury or property damages, if any person or entity at fault is affiliated with a municipal or other government department, agency or facility, then you may be required to file a notice of claim within ninety (90) days and then commence a lawsuit within one (1) year and ninety (90) days, but sometimes within one (1) year. These time limits have exceptions. Never sit on your rights!

John A. Collins, III · Answer

You may bring a claim against the owner or keeper of the dog. In many instances these claims are covered under an individual's homeowner's insurance policy.  Please call if we can be of assistance.

David Stoddard · Answer

I often advise people to settle their own personal injury claims rather than hire an attorney.  Usually this is where your medical bills are less than $10,000.00   and there is no permanent injury. In your case, I would hire an attorney because of your permanent scar. With most attorneys, you will not have to pay the fee until the case is settled. If you insist on representing yourself, I recommend the following steps:  1.  If you have health insurance, use it for the medical bills.  More of the settlement will go to you rather than doctors. Although you may have to reimburse your insurer out of the settlement you may not have to, plus they pay lower fees to the doctors than you would if you pay out of your settlement because they have special rates.  2.  Get the contact information for claims division of the dog owners homeowner's insurance  company (if the dog owner has no homeowner's insurance, you may not be able to collect anything from the dog owner). Write a letter to the claims department that you are filing a claim.  3.  If the dog owner is insured, get an estimate for what plastic surgery will cost and include this in the claim.  If the dog owner has no insurance, this may be throwing good money after bad.  In this case, file suit, and get a judgment.  It is good for 10 years.  Maybe he'll pay someday.  4.  Do not settle until you have finished all medical treatment.  You may even have to wait a year to see how bad the scar is going to be.

Russell West · Answer

The owner or keeper of the dog is liable for any bites that took place and the ramifications.  You are entitled to medical expenses, pain and suffering, any lost wages, and any permanent injuries such as scarring.  If the dog owner has homeowners insurance that policy should cover the insured. If not you would need to file a lawsuit against the individual.  However if the person does not have any money it may be difficult to ever collect on the judgement.

Paul Bovarnick · Answer

If the dog owner knew that the dog had a propensity to attack strangers, then a lawyer may be able to help you recover money for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.  You should immediately contact an experienced trial lawyer in your area.

Mark Leonardo · Answer

Unless you were a trespasser or uninvited guest on the property where you got bit, the owner of the dog is responsible for your injuries. Many attorneys would take your case on a contingency basis.  You should seek the advice of an attorney to make a claim.

Bradley I. Kramer · Answer

You can file a lawsuit against the dog owner.

Gregory Casale · Answer

You should absolutely get an attorney! There is no legal fee unless we get you money and if you know who owns that dog there should be an good case for you to get compensated. Do not speak with anyone from the insurance company or the dog owner until you get an attorney. Call me tomorrow and I would be happy to discuss this with you in more detail.

Eric Rothstein · Answer

Retain a personal injury attorney. Feel free to contact me. Did the dog have a prior history of bites or similar behavior?

Steven Fink · Answer

Sorry to hear about the dog bite and the scarring.  The dog's owner is liable for all current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A good personal injury attorney can help you recover for your damages.

Richard Lowell · Answer

You need an experienced personal injury attorney. Please feel free to call me and I will be happy to discuss this with you in detail.

Timothy Klisz · Answer

You can sue the owner of the dog, and it is often covered by homeowners insurance. I handle many of these matters each year and would be glad to discuss the deals with you.

David Aronberg · Answer

It sounds like you may have a valid case against the owner of the dog.  Does the owner of the dog have homeowners or renters insurance?  Sometimes, insurance excludes animal bites from the policy.  I would like to speak to you about your case on the phone.

Find a Lawyer

Ask a Lawyer

Read Legal Articles

Ask a Lawyer

Read Legal Articles

How can I settle doctors bills after getting a personal injury?

27 ANSWERS

Find Local Personal Injury Lawyers

Helpful Resources

Ask a Lawyer