How Bite Marks Can Strengthen Your Dog Bite Injury Claim
It’s natural to feel physically, emotionally, and legally stressed after being attacked by an animal, but help is accessible. There are supportive professionals available who know how to gather evidence in order to establish liability and secure compensation, such as the presence and documentation of bite marks.
Have a conversation with an Atlanta dog bite lawyer to determine what forms of evidence will support your need for recovery. Seasoned attorneys can share with you how visible wounds can serve as powerful proof.
Bite Marks and Medical Documentation
In any personal injury case, evidence is essential. In a dog bite claim, bite marks help demonstrate several key factors:
- Proof the attack occurred
- Severity of the injury
- The type of dog involved
- Physical and emotional trauma suffered
The clearer the evidence, the stronger the case. Bite marks show that the injury was not accidental or minor, but serious enough to require legal and medical attention. Insurance companies and courts rely heavily on visual and medical documentation when assessing liability and damages.
Because of this, getting medical attention after a dog attack is key. Medical professionals will likely document your wounds at your care appointments. These records can include detailed descriptions of the shape, depth, and size of the bite marks and treatment provided, such as stitches or antibiotics. The location of the wounds and whether scarring is expected will be recorded as well, along with photographs taken by the provider.
This medical evidence creates a timeline and helps demonstrate the severity of your injuries. In some cases, expert testimony from doctors or forensic bite analysts may be used to reinforce the impact of the attack.
Photographs are a strong way to tell a story too, so try and capture pictures of your injuries as soon as possible after the attack and continue to take photos throughout the healing process. Make sure the images are clear, well-lit, and taken from multiple angles. Ideally, the images will be dated and saved in multiple formats (phone, cloud storage, etc.).
Photos not only show the physical toll the bite took on your body, but also help juries and insurance adjusters visualize the pain and suffering you endured.
Connecting the Bite to a Specific Dog
The shape and pattern of a bite may match the teeth structure of a particular breed or even a specific animal, so bite marks can also help identify the dog involved in the attack. This can be especially helpful if the dog owner tries to deny responsibility or if the dog was not wearing tags at the time of the incident.
Bite marks fade, but your legal rights shouldn’t. Let a knowledgeable Atlanta dog bite lawyer help you fight for the financial recovery you deserve. From coordinating with medical professionals to gathering photographic and witness evidence, your attorney plays a role in building a strong case for compensation.
Have you been attacked so severely your skin carries visible bite marks? Share your story with the attorneys at Zagoria Law. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.
