It’s not often that you hear about a law suit being filed by a prisoner for a disfiguring dog bite but that’s exactly what happened in Cincinnati, OH for Vince Doan. An article published in the Cincinnati Enquirer highlighted the details of the dog bite lawsuit. Specifically, Mr. Doan sued the correctional system for damages associated with pain and suffering since his medical expenses were covered by the state. At the Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, we find this case particularly interesting because it highlights the reality that no one is immune from liability when it comes to damages for a law suit. In this case, Mr. Doan ultimately settled in exchange for dropping the law suit, a common outcome when the defendant in the suit knows that there is a lawful an valid claim. They often wish to limit their costs associated with trial and a potential higher payment later.

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Did you recently slip and fall? Don’t wait to seek medical attention. An injury from fall can have long term medical consequences. It can also have legal consequences. If you think someone else was at fault, seek the counsel of a slip and fall lawyer.

5 Things Everyone Needs to Know about a Slip and Fall Slide

We all have accidents. We’ve all tripped on a curb or slipped on the floor. Here are some things you need to know for the next time you slip and fall:

1. Your injuries can be more serious than you initially thought. Have you ever been in a fender bender car accident? You walk away pain-free only to experience pain hours later. It’s the same when you slip and fall. You may not feel injured just after the fall but as time passes, you realize you may have suffered an injury. If you’ve fallen in a store or on someone else’s property, seek medical attention immediately even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured.
2. Report your fall immediately to the staff of the place where you’ve fallen. If you fall at someone’s home, let them know right away. Failing to report a fall could cost you in compensation later.
3. Be honest about the conditions which led to your fall. During negotiations, whether in court or out of court, the owner of the property will try to prove the accident was not their fault. There were no potholes. You didn’t have lawful access to the area where you fell. They had signs posted and you went into that area anyway. That’s not to say you should back away from pursuing a claim, only that you have an understanding of what may happen.
4. Pay attention to your surroundings. Have you ever seen the “wet floor” signs in stores or restaurants? They are there for a reason – the floor may be wet. If you go onto that area and slip and fall, it may not be the fault of the store. They put up a sign and you either didn’t see it or chose to ignore it. Pay attention to your surroundings to avoid taking a spill.
5. Call a slip and fall lawyer. If you’re not sure of the circumstances of your fall or have suffered injury from fall, consult with a slip and fall lawyer. They can review the circumstances of your case to determine the best course of action.

If you or someone you know has taken a fall, contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer or call us at 602-535-5899 for a free case evaluation.

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Dog bites account for $1 billion of insurance claims each year in the United States. If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, you know little bites can equal big bills especially if the dog owner doesn’t want to cooperate with you in getting their insurance to cover the costs of your injury. More than likely, your insurance won’t cover a dog bite or other animal bite. It’s the responsibility of the animal’s owner. When the owner won’t cooperate to settle a claim, it’s time to call a dog bite lawyer like Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer.

What are the costs of a dog bite?

The cost of even the smallest dog bite can be higher than you think. . Cost include treatment of injuries such as:

• Abrasions
• Lacerations
• Tissue damage or loss
• Broken bones
• Scars
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anxiety

Not only can injury cost you in medical claims, you may have a fear of dogs that lasts longer than a cut on your leg or arm. That’s emotional damage caused by a dog bite and you should be compensated.

What do you do right after a dog bite?

Because dog bite claims can be complicated, it’s important to gather information from the moment the incident occurs.

• If the owner is present, exchange contact information.
• Stay calm and get away from the animal.
• Assess your injuries.
• Seek medical attention.
• Take picture of injuries.

Consider contacting your insurance company to see what, if any, part of the claim they will pay and contact a trusted dog bite lawyer like Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer.

How will my dog bite claim be handled?

Our team of experts will work with you to handle your claim in a timely fashion. We will gather information regarding your case including looking into the dog’s behavior history, reviewing where the accident took place, and talking to the pet’s owner and other witnesses about the incident. If you’ve been injured by a dog bite and are wondering if you need a dog bite lawyer, contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer or call us at 602-535-5899 today for a free case evaluation.

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