I understand that you were trying to avoid litigation on this matter, but the bottom line is either you avoid it or you don't. There is no in-between. Did the hospital file your daughter's visit to your insurance already? If so, what would you do with the $800 that the dog owner would give you?
I don't mean to be skeptical, but a very similar situation happened to my brother. He has 2 dogs - family dogs, mind you - a golden retriever and a lab, both on the small side. He had friends over and his friend's child was playing with the dog in my brother's house. The dog got excited and jumped up on the child (who was about 7 years old), catching his claw on the child's lower lip. It tore the skin, but nothing severe enough to require stitches or anything.
My brother's friend immediately wanted to take the child to the hospital. He even called from the hospital telling my brother about the treatment his child would need. My brother was very empathetic and concerned over the child's condition. Then the friend told him he would be getting the bill. My brother did get the bill, but when he contacted the hospital to pay it, the hospital told him it was already paid by the insurance company. My brother then contacted his friend, who said he could just make the check out to him and he would see to it that it got to the insurance. Yeah, right.
People in this world are always looking for a way to get something for nothing. I hope that's not the case here, and I apologize wholeheartedly if it isn't. In any event, I hope your daughter heals without scars, emotionally or physically. I have a feeling if you take this to court, your daughter will be reliving this nightmare for a long time to come. I would be more concerned about getting the dog impounded than I would be about lining your pockets. |
I do understand. - sm
