Posted by:
elderolddog
(
)
Date: April 19, 2019 03:37PM
Wow! Haven't you people heard of insurance? Of course you have!
In both described instances, the odds of each dog's owner having an insurance policy that would cover YOUR expenses and provide for the consolation of a monetary award are overwhelming!
You write a polite letter to the owner, explaining the medical after-effects of the event, and request to be contacted by them personally, or an appropriate insurance representative. If the person calls you, simply ask for the name of their carrier and the policy number.
Once you're in touch with the insurance company, you let the adjuster lead and you politely follow. You'll be asked to sign a medical information authorization. You can modify it so as to prevent their access to any records that do not pertain to this event. You assure them that you've never been bitten in that exact spot on your body ever before.
Eventually, the adjuster will tell you that it looks like it's time to settle the claim; you've been released from treatment, blah, blah, blah. You'll be told the medicals bills will be taken care of, and all you have to do is sign a release of liability.
At which point the issue of a monetary award for "pain & suffering" is raised, if the adjuster doesn't raise it. If the adjuster does bring it up, it is always with a very nominal amount of money that they imply is just being a good neighbor.
If you like that figure, take it. But know this: that was a low-ball offer. If you refuse it, and I would encourage you to do so, they always want to know how much you're looking for.
NEVER give a figure! Just keep asking what he/she thinks would be fair. The adjuster is also working under the 'never be the first to name a figure' rule.
Negotiating is a game and some people don't like to play games. To each his own, of course. Whatever the figure is that you think it's worth, make it an odd amount. That way the adjuster can write it up in the log that he/she talked you down from your demand of $5,000 to $1,325.
When a figure is named that pleases you, announce that you're agreeing to a settlement and it's all paperwork after that. Yes, it's likely that the dog owner's policy will cost more when it is next renewed. If that bothers you, don't make a claim.
Every state has a statute of limitations, starting at a year. California is now two years. Follow the bible and turn the other cheek or file a claim and join the mainstream of America.
Personal injury attorneys can make good livings building up your claim, sending you to a psychiatrist and demanding a huge settlement because of all the trauma! Lots of people use them. I personally have a lot of issues with them, after spending from 1975 to 2017 on the other side of the net from them.
Any questions, my email is public and I will talk or type literally for hours on anything! Especially things I know nothing about!