Because the circumstances surrounding dog bites differ, there is no average settlement from person to person. Some states may be friendlier towards dog owners than dog bite victims and vice versa. It depends on your case.
You can look at all your bite-related losses valuate to your case.
What Can Affect a Dog Bite Injury Settlement?
The following can affect your damages (and your ability to collect a financial recovery):
- The defendant’s insurance coverage (or lack thereof)
- The extent of the injury
- Responsibility for the attack
- Whether you provoked the dog
- City ordinances about leashing animals
Though there will most likely be evidence of the physical damages, proving mental distress will be more difficult. Your personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the settlement proceedings.
What Damages Can I Collect From a Dog Bite Claim?
Whether it be a full-blown attack from a stray or an accidental bite from a neighbor’s dog, victims can pursue compensation for related dog bite damages. Dog bites can cost you a lot. You might suffer from the following losses:
- Physical injuries (from stitches to infections)
- Mental distress (this can include the impact on self-esteem)
- Related medical expenses (walking aids like crutches)
- Lost earning capacity (if you cannot earn the same wages because of your injures)
- Pain and suffering (a value for the pain your injuries have caused you)
Physical damages from a dog bite can begin small and eventually grow into something more serious. Dog bites consist of torn flesh and puncture wounds, which can be challenging to clean, so they get infected easily. They can also be extremely painful and deep. These losses are compensable.
Who Is Liable for Dog Bite Damages?
Suppose someone is attacked on a multi-home property, an apartment complex, a two-family home, etc. In that case, the landlord could be liable for negligence if they knew the dog was dangerous but didn’t take preventive measures.
If the landlord was also partially or fully involved, they might be liable for the attack.
If the court finds that the dog owner is at fault, their insurance company will settle the damages.
A property owner could turn to their homeowners insurance to pay for your bite-related damages.
What does a Lawyer Need to Prove After a Dog Bite Injury?
Like other personal injury cases, a lawyer needs to prove a dog owner or handler’s negligence of the following:
- The owner/handler knew the dog could attack someone but did nothing about it.
- The owner/handler didn’t properly mark their territory with signage to alert the public of potential trespassing.
- The owner/handler didn’t prevent the attack from happening as others would.
If you are attacked by a dog and did not provoke it, it is the dog owner’s fault.
What to Do After Being Injured By a Dog Bite
After a dog bite, you should assess the wound. It might require at-home care and bandages. However, if the bleeding does not stop, if the bite is deep, or the injuries are severe, you should either call 9-1-1 or seek medical attention. THis might involve visiting the emergency room or an urgent care center.
Next, you should note as many details as you can about the bite and where it happened. This could include a description of the dog, the address of the house it came from, and the owner’s contact information.
Then, you can compile your evidence (like photos and medical care receipts) and add it to your claim for damages.
You Are Not Alone After Suffering a Dog Bite Due to Another Person’s Negligence
Seeking out a personal injury lawyer should be one of the first steps you take after receiving a dog bite injury, apart from acquiring medical attention. A personal injury lawyer can help you seek the settlement you need to compensate for a dog bite injury.
When man’s best friend turns on us in a moment of fear and self-defense, it can be devastating. A dog bite is painful, destructive, and potentially traumatic. It can cause severe emotional distress and phobia for years to come. Even a nip on an ankle by a small dog can result in an expensive trip to the emergency room.
Discuss Next Steps With Our Personal Injury Firm
If you’re suffering from a dog bite injury, don’t feel you have to keep quiet. These injuries can be damaging, and you deserve to pursue rightful compensation. Call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers for your free consultation at (843) 779-1777.
We can assist you through the legal proceedings and help you obtain the compensation you need for your suffering. While we cannot tell you the average dog bite claim settlement, we can valuate your losses.