Honolulu Dog Bite Lawyer
Top Honolulu Dog Bite Lawyer: Your Guide to Seeking Justice and Compensation
At Shim & Chang, our attorneys have helped numerous individuals hurt by dog bites and animal assaults in Hawaii. Unfortunately, many of these cases involve children who endure disfigurement, scars, and emotional distress from a young age. Tragically, some even lose their lives. Our Honolulu dog bite attorneys dedicate themselves to aiding families in securing just compensation during these challenging times, thoroughly examining all avenues for recovery with unwavering commitment and effort.
Proving Liability and Negligence in Dog Bite Cases
Proving a dog owner’s responsibility in a biting incident is a challenging endeavor that hinges on establishing negligence. As soon as a dog inflicts harm, it becomes the responsibility of the victim and their legal representatives to construct a compelling account of negligence, leaving no room for doubt regarding the party at fault.
Establishing Ownership
In a dog bite case, identifying the owner of the dog is a crucial initial stage. This often requires collecting different documents like registration papers, veterinary records, or microchip information to confirm ownership.
Additionally, witness accounts can be invaluable in this regard, as they further cement the link between the dog and its owner, clarifying who holds responsibility.
Demonstrating Knowledge of Dangerous Behavior
Establishing a dog owner’s responsibility typically involves delving into their history with the animal. Instances of past aggressive behavior, like previous bites or fights, can illustrate the dog’s dangerous inclinations and the owner’s awareness of them.
Statements from the owner or indications of breed-specific aggressive tendencies can bolster the claim that they were cognizant of the danger their dog posed but neglected to take necessary precautions to avert harm.
Proving Negligence
In legal cases involving dog bites, negligence goes beyond just the immediate dog owner to include anyone who had control over the dog when the bite occurred. This could be a dog walker, a friend taking care of the pet, or even a property owner if the incident happened on their premises.
The plaintiff needs to show how the owner’s lack of reasonable care directly caused the bite, which means providing evidence clearly linking negligence to the injuries suffered. Adding complexity, if the victim played a role in their own injuries, the principle of comparative negligence might reduce the compensation they receive or even prevent them from recovering damages if they are deemed equally or more at fault for the incident.
The Role of a Honolulu Dog Bite Attorney
The expertise and understanding of a seasoned Honolulu attorney specializing in dog bites could be pivotal in determining the outcome of your quest for justice following such an incident. Proficient in legal strategies, these professionals serve as your allies, guiding you through the complexities of personal injury law. They’re not just advisors; they’re your champions, committed to ensuring fairness and equity in your favor.
Evaluating Your Claim
Your legal journey kicks off with a comprehensive assessment of your claim. Honolulu attorneys specializing in dog bites possess the expertise to decide whether your case is best resolved in court or through negotiation. In your first meeting, they’ll evaluate the merits of your case, weigh the possibility of litigation, and gauge the prospects for a favorable settlement.
This critical step lays the groundwork for the approach your legal team will take moving forward.
Investigating the Incident
Digging into the details of a dog bite incident is like piecing together a puzzle. Each bit of evidence, whether it’s medical records or witness statements, plays a crucial role in constructing a strong case. Your lawyer will carefully gather and scrutinize these puzzle pieces, weaving them into a story that highlights the dog owner’s negligence.
This thorough investigation has the power to sway the outcome of your case by emphasizing how the owner’s actions directly led to your injuries.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
After a dog bite, you may find yourself dealing with an insurance company. This is where your Honolulu dog bite lawyer’s skills come into play, navigating the intricate process of negotiation. Equipped with deep knowledge of personal injury law and experience in handling similar cases, your legal advocate will work tirelessly to secure the rightful compensation you’re entitled to.
A REPRESENTATIVE CASE HANDLED BY SHIM & CHANG
Our client, Chris, was just nine years old when he faced a pit bull attack from his neighbor’s dog. The neighbor’s negligence in properly securing the gate allowed the aggressive dog to break free and attack Chris.
This incident left Chris with bite wounds and lasting scars on his shoulder and back. Due to its dangerous behavior, the State of Hawaii deemed the dog a threat to the Maui communityand euthanized it. Despite being accountable for the attack, the dog’s owner lacked both homeowner’s insurance and financial resources to cover Chris’ medical expenses or injuries.
When Chris’ father reached out to Shim & Chang, our Honolulu personal injury attorneys took charge. Upon investigation, we discovered that the dog owner rented his residence. Interestingly, the landlord had regulations against dogs on the premises but neglected to monitor or enforce them. Eventually, the landlord opted to settle the case. Chris received compensation covering his medical expenses, scarring, disfigurement, and trauma associated with dogs.
Consult with a Seasoned Honolulu Dog Bite Lawyer following an Animal Attack
In cases involving dog bites and animal attacks, a skilled, innovative, and resourceful injury attorney could uncover recovery avenues that others might overlook. Reach out to Shim & Chang in Honolulu for a complimentary initial consultation. Let’s explore together how we can help you maximize the compensation for your personal injury.