It is important to identify the animal that bit you, because if it is a stray and you cannot identify it, you're facing the possibility of having to submit to treatment for rabies, which can be painful. Also, if you were attacked by a dog or any wild animal being kept by a person, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the animal's owner to pay your medical bills, reimburse you for lost income, pay for cosmetic surgery in the future, and help you overcome the pain and suffering from your injuries.

If the dog owner is insured, you might get a call from an insurance company representative. You should ask him or her for the following information:

• Name of insurance company
• Address of his or her office
• Telephone number
• Claim number
• Name of the person who is insured
• The amount of money available to pay medical expenses (not everything, just medical expenses)

Do not do any of the following:

• Do not discuss money, payment of money, settlement, injury value or anything else involving money.
• Do not set up an appointment.
• Do not write a letter or a memo.
• Do not permit yourself to be tape recorded.
• Do not allow the victim to be photographed.
• Do not discuss who is responsible.
• Do not accept any money.

Consider retaining an attorney who is experienced in dog bite cases.

A dog bite victim may incur many different kinds of damages and losses, from medical bills and emotional damage, to loss of the opportunity to earn income in the future because of disfigurement. A victim may be entitled to recover these losses from another person and that person's insurance company, provided that the victim presents the necessary proof, first to the insurance company and then possibly in a court of law.

Have you or a loved one been bitten by a dog? If so, you need to call me. I can gather the evidence necessary to completely prove not only what happened in the past, but also what the future effects will be, what the practices and procedures of insurance company is, and how to properly evaluate your case to make sure that you receive what you deserve.