The most common claim is for a slip-and-fall accident. Businesses have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. This means promptly cleaning spills, marking wet floors, fixing broken flooring, and removing tripping hazards like loose cords or clutter. If a customer is injured because the business failed to address a known danger, the business can be held liable for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Regular safety inspections and immediate hazard correction are the best defenses.

Keep everything. Save the original, full-resolution files from your device or camera. Do not rely on cloud storage or social media albums alone, as these often compress files. Create a dedicated folder on your computer and make backups. For organization, use clear filenames or a simple log (e.g., “2024-05-15_Scene_Staircase_Wide.jpg”). Provide all this to your attorney in its original format. Proper organization helps build a clear, chronological story of the incident and its aftermath.

You can seek compensation for all losses caused by the bite. This includes all medical bills (emergency care, surgery, rabies shots, therapy), lost wages from missing work, and costs for future medical treatment. You can also recover for “pain and suffering,“ which covers the physical pain and emotional trauma from the attack. If the bite caused permanent scarring or disability, you may receive additional compensation for the long-term impact on your life and your ability to work.