Winning a case at trial or obtaining a favorable settlement still requires proving that you were injured and that the defendant was legally responsible for an injury. In the product liability setting, this means proving that the product was defective when it left the defendant's possession. In the context of a dog bite, it often means proving the animal was not provoked. A lawyer can help you prove the elements of strict liability as well as help you prove compensatory damages for: Medical bills, Lost wages, Lost earning capacity, and Pain and suffering. Your lawyer may also be able to help you recover punitive damages if the defendant was reckless.