Q: What would be the best way to proceed with getting relief outside of court on a personal injury from a dog bite due to
negligence of owner Ordering a food delivery( I’m told this would be inviting me on their property) and not securing their dog.Also If I fill out the company’s workers claim form ( which I believe primarily covers medical bills)for the incident does this limit my relief from the owner?
Could it be as simple as Sending a letter to the owner and owner filing homeowners insurance?
A:
It is always preferable to settle a case short of filing a lawsuit. Lawsuits are expensive, time consuming, and stressful. In dog bite cases, a good first step is to learn the identity of the homeowner's insurer. If the homeowner will provide that information, you can then file a claim with the insurer. However, be forewarned, that often times a homeowner will refuse to voluntarily provide the insurance information. In that case, your only option is to file a lawsuit.
The fact that you have filed a workers compensation claim should in no way impair your right or ability to pursue the homeowner (and his insurer) for your injuries and damages. The comp carrier will have a lien for any monies the carrier paid you but most of the time that lien may be ignored.
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