How to Calculate a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Every year, millions of people suffer from dog bite attacks, including those who did nothing to provoke the animal. Such an attack can result in very painful and costly injuries and even death. If someone else’s dog has attacked you, you can seek compensation for your damages through a dog bite lawsuit. In this article, we will give you several key details so you can know what to expect if you decide to take this type of legal action.
We also recommend that you call the dog bite lawyers at Mi Abogado Mark to have your case evaluated and start your claim as soon as possible. Call us today at (866) 721-5808 and get your free consultation today.
Calculating a Dog Bite Lawsuit
A dog bite lawsuit is calculated by adding up the value of all economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are usually easy to calculate. Medical bills, veterinary bills (if another animal was injured), lost wages, therapy, and other verifiable economic losses are reimbursed as economic damages.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are much more difficult to calculate. Pain and suffering are non-economic damages that are compensated for physical discomfort and mental anguish. Discomfort, grief, annoyance, and emotional stress that occur as a result of an injury are some examples of non-economic damages.
The amount of money that can be paid in terms of pain and suffering varies depending on the severity of the injuries, if there are permanent scars, the location of the scars, the age of the victim, and other factors.
How Much Money Can I Get for a Dog Bite?
Dog bite settlements will vary depending on the severity of the injury. The average dog bite settlement in California is $51,000. Keep in mind that this is just an average, some people may receive much less money and others may receive much more.
In California, dog bite victims are entitled to compensation for their medical and veterinary bills. If a dog bite victim wishes to seek compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, they must prove that the dog’s owner was somehow negligent.
How Long Can a Claim Take?
It is difficult to determine how long a dog bite lawsuit may take, but on average they usually take about three months to resolve. As with any claim, there are many factors at play. A very important one is the victim’s recovery time. It is crucial to have a good understanding of the future treatment the victim may need to accurately determine the amount of money that should be paid for medical expenses.
Another important factor is the insurance company that is handling the case. Some insurance companies tend to take longer to investigate the case and make an offer. Hiring a dog bite injury lawyer can be really helpful in speeding up the process. However, if the case needs to go to trial, your lawsuit may take several months, even years, to resolve.
What Makes a Lawsuit Worth More?
The main factors that will affect the value of a dog bite lawsuit are:
- The severity of the injuries: Severe injuries generally result in high medical expenses. Additionally, dog bite injuries can be extremely painful and dangerous. Physical therapy may also be needed to recover from some injuries.
- The physical consequences of the attack: Some attacks can cause permanent disfigurement to the victim and the loss of an organ or bodily function. The location of the scars can also increase the value of a dog bite case.
- The emotional trauma: The trauma that a dog attack can cause can affect some people for the rest of their lives. If the victim was a child, they may need a lot of psychological help to overcome the emotional distress.
WHAT MAKES A LAWSUIT WORTH LESS?
Compensation for a dog bite victim can be reduced if the dog’s owner does not have insurance or if their policy does not cover dog bite incidents. In those cases, compensation will be limited by the dog owner’s financial ability.
How Can I File My Dog Bite Lawsuit?
To be able to claim compensation for a dog bite, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention and report the attack to the authorities. Be sure to keep copies of medical and police reports. You will need to obtain the dog owner’s contact information and the insurance company’s information. Try to get as much evidence as necessary and file a claim with the insurance company. It is also a good idea to contact a dog bite lawyer. They will help you with the claims process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
If you have recently been the victim of a dog attack and want to seek compensation but don’t know where to start, call Mi Abogado Mark at (866) 721-5808. If you were injured because of someone else (or their dog), you have the right to receive compensation. With our help, you can achieve it.