what would you do???

Question

if you were bit by a neibors dog. They are being really cool about it and have offered to pay all my medical cost.
I am fine with this. They did not sick the dog on me and it only bit me once so I dont feel that I was attacted by the dog just bit. Yes it is bad and it hurts really bad, I did get medical treatment a shot and some antibotitic's. I dont feel the need to sue them for any pain or suffering.
However, everyone around me my husband, mother and family all think that I should sue them. I feel that this was an accident, and that they ( the dogs owner) are handling it approperatly.

What do you think???

Answer 1

If they are doing everything they can do for you then why escalate the situation? They are a neighbor, and they are going to be there until you move or they move. You won't get anything more from them if you sue either. If they are paying for your bills then everything should be fine. The only thing that might occur through bringing the law into it is that they could make your neighbors put their dog down.

Unless you really wanting to be paying out the nose for a lawyer that's going to go for blood, they are only responsible for actual damages. Getting money for "pain and suffering" are what the big dollar lawyers might fight for, but it will be ugly.. and you better be prepared to move, because you're neighbors won't be so pleasant anymore.

Was there dog loose when it bit you? Were you on their property? As long as they are taking steps to control their animal, I suggest being a good neighbor, take what they are giving you, and let the "buzzing family" talk their talk. I think you've got a good head about it.

Answer 2

You really don't have much to sue over if they are paying for your medical bills. Lawsuits are to make someone repay you for a loss you suffered.

Ordinarily someone would sue in order to recover what it cost in medical expenses. You could say you suffered some kind of trauma and try to get them to pay damages for that, but it doesn't sound like you are terribly traumatized. In fact you sound pretty clear-headed about the whole thing.

Did you miss work?

Depending on the circumstances I would report the dog bite in case the dog bites anyone else. Otherwise, don't sue. You are not likely to recover anything other than medical expenses (which they have already said they would pay) and all you'll do is cause bad feelings and run up the cost of their home insurance.

Answer 3

Report the dog bite to the authorities and have the dog tested for Rabies.

As far as bites go. You have to prove that the dog has bitten before in order to have a successful lawsuit. If you are the first, then they can claim they did not know the dog would bite.

Personally, I would tell the owners that you are going to report the bite so that they can take action. The next time may be a small child that will not escape minor injury.

If the dog has bitten before, then you do have a good case. If they are good neighbors, they will not be after you sue them. So, be prepared to suffer whatever costs your actions may bring.

Answer 4

Anyone that owns a dog is liable for what the dog does. However, if you neighbor is being respectful and paying your bills. Why sue? I know it hurt but, will the pain go away if you get money? The world is full of money hungry people looking for what they can get from on another. If they are nice people and they have done all they can about it. Let it drop.

Answer 5

If they are being cool about it, don't sue them. That would just turn a bad situation into a worse one. If they were being jerks about the whole thing, that might be different. It sounds like they have gone above & beyond by offering to pay for your medical. If you were to sue, that's the first thing that their lawyer would bring up.

Answer 6

I think that people in the US sue others WAY too often. That being said. I do think that you sould confir with a lawyer to know what your rights are. Find out how much time you have to make the decision. It may end up being a perminent pain problem and then you may want to take a more legal route later on. If this is the case you are going to want to know what your statute of limitations are. Just start calling around to lawyers and ask if they will do a free consultation. Just cover your bases and then you can make the decision.

Answer 7

I think you answered you own question. You were the one who got bitten so I think that it should be totally up to you. In my opinion, I really don't think you should sue them either because they are already paying your medical bills, and it could end up causing a fued between your families, or at the least you would lose your friendship with their family [if you were really good friends]. The decision is really up to you. It might be best to discuss some of it with your family as well. It might help them see it your way. Really, just remember that the final decision is up to you, and don't worry about it so much.

Answer 8

I think your family is greedy. The neighbors are doing everything they can and I would care about their feelings too. But it shouldn't happen again!! That's another story. Don't sue them now though. You would have to move away then. I would bet on one of you moving if you sue. I been there before. You know it's wrong to hurt people for money.

Answer 9

Everyone wants to sue everyone. Its the new amewrican way.

Im sorry you got bit but if the dog didn't attack you I wouldn't sue.

I have aussies that their teeth will get you when they kiss you. One of mine got my finger last night while playing with a toy. he knew it was mommy and backed off. Dogs are like kids they are clumsy too.

If they are paying medical bills and are sorry don't create trouble with your neighbors. What happened to the sixties peace and love. Now everybody wants something for nothing. Sue sue sue

Answer 10

I think the world is getting 'sue happy' and you are doing the intelligent adult thing! As you said, it was a one time deal, the dog is not vicious and the owners immediately stepped up to the plate. Tell you husband, mother & family to grow up and butt out.