Product liability is the legal responsibility of manufacturers and sellers when a defective product they put into the marketplace causes injury or damage to a consumer. It is a fundamental area of consumer protection law, operating on the principle t...
Read MoreThis common defense is often irrelevant. Many states have “strict liability” laws where the owner is responsible for a bite even if the dog had no prior vicious history. In other states, you can still prove the owner was negligent—for example, by violating a leash law or failing to control their pet in a situation where any reasonable owner would have. The focus is on the owner’s duty of care at the time of the incident, not solely the dog’s past.
Objectively weigh the offer against your total damages: medical bills (past and future), lost income, pain and suffering, and any permanent impact. Is the offer a reasonable percentage of that total, given the strengths and weaknesses of your case? An offer covering 80-90% of clear-cut damages is strong. One covering 30% of severe, well-documented injuries is likely insufficient and may warrant rejection.
Do not accept until you are certain you have identified all your current and foreseeable future losses. This includes medical bills, lost income, property damage, and costs for ongoing treatment or therapy. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back for more money, even if a more serious injury emerges later. It is critical to have reached “maximum medical improvement” or have a clear prognosis from your doctor before finalizing any claim.
Notify your healthcare provider and the billing department in writing immediately. Explain the specific error—whether it’s a wrong diagnosis, procedure you didn’t receive, or duplicate charge—and request a correction. Do not ignore errors, as insurance adjusters will scrutinize your records. Inaccurate information can undermine your credibility or suggest your treatment was unrelated to the accident. Keep detailed records of all your communications regarding the corrections.
