A sudden dog bite can take a serious downward turn in your life, derailing your plans and impacting your well-being. Many victims of these vicious attacks are seeking answers about the average dog bite settlement and what they can expect in their own case.
Our compassionate team at Rob Levine Law has the knowledge and experience to answer your questions and help you pursue your personal injury claim, no matter its complexity. Learn more about potential damages and compensation in your case today by calling us at (800) 742-3920 and scheduling an initial consultation.
How Much Can You Expect To Get in a Dog Bite Settlement?
There is no universal average when it comes to dog bite settlements. Each case will vary depending on its unique factors and circumstances. Because of this, a settlement award could range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands based on severity.
Insurance polices, such as homeowner’s coverage, cover most dog bite cases. Thus, it is also essential to understand the significant role insurance companies play in determining a final payout. Additionally, the negotiation skills of your attorney will impact how much compensation you recover for your injuries.
What Factors Affect a Dog Bite Settlement Amount?
Several factors contribute to the outcome of your dog bite claim and settlement amounts, including the following:
- Nature and severity of your injuries: Serious injuries, like spinal cord trauma, will likely impact your life more significantly and for a longer period of time than a minor laceration.
- Costs of medical treatment: More severe injuries will require greater medical intervention, which will result in higher costs.
- Owner negligence and the dog’s aggression history: Some states require you to prove the owner’s negligence to recover compensation, while others hold the owner strictly liable for a dog bite. However, strong proof of more serious misconduct by the owner, like ignoring a dog’s previous history of aggressive behavior, might result in a greater settlement amount.
- Insurance coverage limits: The owner’s insurance policy limits will impact the amount of coverage available to compensate you for your damages.
Successful Dog Bite Cases From Rob Levine
Rob Levine Law has over 25 years of experience handling personal injury matters and has helped over 50,000 clients secure compensation and disability benefits. The following are some of our notable results in dog bite cases:
$731,000
- Dog Bite Accident
Client was walking his dogs in Providence Rhode Island, when a dog ran out from a yard in which the gate was not closed. The dog attacked our client, leaving bite wounds on his leg. The client had previously had a hip replacement surgery which had completely healed. The wounds quickly became infected, even though our client immediately sought out medical treatment. The infection caused by the bite forced our client to have two additional surgeries to completely remove and clean the hip device because of the infection. Client lost months from work, undergo painful and invasive surgery, to fight the severe infection and left our client with large life long scars.
Attorney on Case
$55,000
- Dog Bite Accident
Client was walking his dog in Warwick. During the walk a pitbull named Xavier started fighting with our clients dog. Our client broke up the fight between the dogs. Rescue came to scene along with police. Client was treated and released. The next day an infection formed causing the client to be hospitalized for 6 days.
Attorney on Case
$30,000
- Dog Bite Accident
Client was at a house in North Kingstown visiting friends. During the visit the defendants dog, which was a beagle lab mix attackec our client, biting the face and lip which left a scar.
Attorney on Case
Common Types of Damages in a Dog Bite Case
Dog bite victims can generally recover compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. These include the following:
- Medical expenses: Dog bites can result in serious physical injuries that require medical intervention, such as surgeries and medication.
- Pain and suffering: Victims of animal attacks may live with chronic pain, disability, scarring, and disfigurement. Damages can cover these negative physical consequences.
- Psychological trauma: Often, dog bites can lead to PTSD and anxiety. Full compensation in a dog bite case will account for the emotional impacts as well as the physical repercussions.
- Lost income and earning capacity: Dog bites take time to heal, meaning you may need to take time off work. In cases of permanent disability, you may not be able to return to your previous position. Lost wages can compensate you for time off work and reduced earning capacity.
- Rehabilitation costs: Compensation can cover the expenses required for physical and emotional rehabilitation from your injuries.
Along with understanding potential damages in your dog bite case, it is also essential to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing, which varies from state to state.
The Process for Insurance Companies Dealing With Dog Bite Claims
Dog bites are typically covered by the owner’s renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy. Thus, most dog bite cases are resolved through an insurance claim and do not go to court. However, insurance companies will try to minimize the payout or deny the claim entirely.
Therefore, it is crucial to partner with an attorney who can negotiate with insurers on your behalf, anticipate their tactics, push back on lowball offers, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Reach Out to Our Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
Every dog bite case is unique, so there is no average settlement to expect. Instead, the damages you can recover will depend on the specifics of your claim and the strength of your evidence. If another person’s dog has harmed you or your loved one, do not hesitate to get the help you deserve. The dedicated legal team at Rob Levine Law is here to provide the high-quality legal representation you need. We’ll handle all the details so you can focus on healing.
Call (800) 742-3920 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Calculate the Value of Your Case
Use our free personal injury settlement calculator to determine how much your case may be worth. This calculator is designed to give you a value with a range based on thousands of case we have settled.
