Maison Law guides dog bite victims through the claims process in California. We can answer any question you might have, but if you’re like a lot of victims, you could be dealing with scarring and disfigurement to go along with your other injuries. Scarring and disfigurement is a pretty impactful part of your damages, and working with our team is a good way to make sure you’re compensated for it. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your options.
What Damages Can You Get for Scarring/Disfigurement After a Dog Bite?
It’s pretty easy to see how a dog bite can leave you facing scars or other disfigurements: the dog’s jaws and teeth clamping down on your skin and bone is the most basic way injuries happen. But it’s often the after effects of the bite that are the most impactful, from the emotional trauma to the physical disfigurement left behind. That’s why California law makes it part of your damages when you file a claim.
However, the amount you can get for this damage is up to you to show–just like any other part of your losses. So, here’s how scarring and disfigurement damages are usually evaluated:
- Severity and location – First and foremost, the physical location of the scarring and how serious it is matters. Scars on visible areas like your face or hands usually lead to higher financial support because they’re harder to hide and can most directly impact your confidence.
- Medical treatments – The cost of treating the scar, like surgeries or skin grafts, is usually involved in the evaluation, too. If you’ll need more treatments in the future, those expenses are also considered.
- Emotional impact – Obviously, scarring or becoming disfigured can cause emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, or embarrassment. These effects are included in your “scarring and disfigurement” damages.
- Reducing your quality of life – If the scar affects how you live your life or do your job–especially if it impacts your mobility or a career involving public interaction–it can increase the value of your claim.
- Long-term impact -If you’re younger, dealing with lifelong scars are often awarded more because the impact lasts longer.
- Expert testimony – Your doctors, plastic surgeons, or psychologists may provide evidence to show how the scar affects your physical and emotional well-being.
All of these factors are used to calculate fair damages for your medical costs, emotional suffering, and the long-term effects of the scarring or disfigurement. But again, it’s all about what you can show and how you respond.
Who Pays For My Damages in a Dog Bite Claim?
Suffering scarring or disfigurement from a dog bite in California is undeniably difficult. No matter how familiar you are with dogs, the sheer number of them you encounter on a daily basis just shows the potential for a bite incident. But even though they’re unfortunately common, any single one of them can lead to scarring or disfigurement–and require the claims process.
The starting point of this process is to figure out who pays for your scarring, disfigurement and other damages once you file. Luckily, California law makes this pretty simple:
- Dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. This means the owner is responsible for any harm their dog causes, even if they didn’t know the dog could be aggressive. If the dog wasn’t on a leash or was left unsupervised during the attack, the owner’s responsibility is even clearer.
The situation changes a bit if you were trespassing or provoking the dog, but legally, the owner is still responsible for your injuries, including scarring and disfigurement. But again, it’s about your particular situation and the evidence you can provide. So, if you’ve been attacked by a dog, here’s what you should do to protect your health and build your case:
- Get medical care right away to treat your injuries and prevent infections.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions, especially for treating wounds that could lead to scarring.
- Report the attack to animal control to create an official record.
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact information for statements.
- Take photos and keep records of your injuries, medical bills, and other related expenses.
Each dog is different, and no single approach works in every situation. The key is to stay alert and take precautions to reduce the risk of a dog bite while running. If an attack does happen, you can count on our experienced California dog bite lawyers to help you recover.
Contact Our California Dog Bite Lawyers Today
A dog bite can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, especially if it leaves you with permanent scarring or a disfigurement. At Maison Law, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from handling medical expenses to recovering damages for scarring, disfigurement, and emotional trauma from your dog bite incident. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward.
