I’m Afraid to Confront the Dog Owner — Does My Lawyer Handle That for Me?

Yes — completely. From the moment you hire a lawyer, you don’t have to deal with the dog owner at all.

The Short Answer

Yes — completely. From the moment you hire an attorney, all communication with the dog owner and their insurance goes through the attorney’s office. You don’t have to call, write, or speak to anyone. You won’t run into the owner unless trial requires it (rare). Most clients never have a direct conversation with the dog owner again after hiring counsel. Even depositions are conducted with the attorney present.

Video coming soon — Solomon Radner answers this question

The Detailed Answer

This is one of the practical benefits of attorney representation that gets underestimated until you actually experience it. The relief of not having to manage the conversation with the dog owner — not having to think about what to say, what to share, how to phrase things — is genuinely meaningful, especially when you’re already dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the bite.

What happens after you hire an attorney

• Your attorney sends a Notice of Representation to the dog owner’s insurance carrier
• The insurance carrier’s adjusters must contact your attorney — not you
• If the dog owner calls or texts you, you can politely refer them to your attorney — or simply not respond
• All correspondence flows through the attorney’s office — emails, letters, settlement offers