You may think that owning a dog is like having another member of the family, but when the dog bites a human, it might feel more like having an otherworldly monster living in your home.
If you have been bitten by someone else’s dog and are seeking compensation for medical bills, costly surgeries or pain and suffering, then you may be considering filing a dog bite lawsuit. But how much is your case worth? And what factors determine the value of your claim? These are all important questions to ask before moving forward with legal action.
Fortunately, there are some clear indicators of how much a potential dog bite lawsuit is worth. It's not just about how much medical bills were or how long recovery took—although both of those factors also play a role. Here’s what you need to know about assessing your own personal situation in order to get the most from any potential settlement offer from the owner of the offending pooch.
What you should do after suffering a dog bite
If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to take care of the wound and follow-up with your doctor. Some general tips for treating a dog bite include:
Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Keep the wound covered with a bandage to protect it from dirt and bacteria.
Monitor the wound for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pain.
See your doctor if you experience redness, swelling, or pain that doesn't go away.
How much is a dog bite settlement?
A dog bite settlement can vary depending on the circumstances and severity of the injury. It is generally agreed upon that a dog bite settlement should be enough to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the dog bite.
Some factors that may affect a dog bite settlement include:
The age and health of the person who was bitten
The breed and size of the dog
Where the bite occurred (home, public setting, etc.)
The amount of a dog bite settlement can vary widely, so it is important to speak with a lawyer if you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and can guide you through the process of filing a claim.
The settlement amount for a dog bite claim varies based on the specifics of the case, including the nature of the injury and the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to the World Animal Foundation, the average cost per dog bite claim is $58,545.
How much can I sue for a dog bite?
It can depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the bite and the circumstances surrounding it. Generally speaking, dog bite injuries are not taken lightly courts take them very seriously and will hold the dog's owner responsible for any injury they cause.
In most cases, courts will award these injuries a value based on medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. For example, if you were to suffer a serious bite that required expensive medical treatment, you may be able to recover up to $1 million in damages.
It is also important to note that not all dog bites are taken equally. If a dog has a history of dangerous behavior or aggression towards humans, for example, there may be additional legal consequences for the dog's owner. In some cases, dangerous dogs can even be put down.
What is a typical dog bite lawsuit payout?
A dog bite case can have many outcomes depending on many factors, but what is a typical dog bite lawsuit payout?
Well, a typical dog bite lawsuit payout is anywhere from $60,000 to $120,000. This is what a jury would likely award if they were to find in favor of the plaintiff in a dog bite case.
But these numbers reflect only the amount of money that is being awarded to the plaintiff. The court would also order the owner of the dog to take out an insurance policy with a limit (high limit) of $300,000. If anything higher than $60,000 was awarded to the plaintiff, then the insurance company would be responsible for paying the remainder up to $300,000.
Why you need a dog bite lawyer
One of the most frightening situations that can occur is being bitten by a dog. Dog bite injuries can cause serious and life-changing injuries and can result in significant medical bills, time off work, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for your expenses and losses. A dog bite lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
A dog bite lawyer can help you with all aspects of your case, including filing suit against the dog's owner or keeper, negotiating a settlement with them, and representing you in court if necessary. A qualified attorney can answer your questions about your rights as a dog bite victim and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you are in need of a dog bite attorney, contact Curan & Ahlers today for a free case consultation.
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