Hand injuries are the most common dog bite injuries, according to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Oftentimes, dogs do not realize how sharp their teeth are or how powerful their bite can be, resulting in serious injury to a person’s hand. Also, it is normal for people to use their hands to protect themselves from aggressive dogs, leaving their fingers, palms, and wrists at risk of a harmful bite. In these unfortunate situations, the dog owner or whoever was responsible for the dog at the time of the incident can be held responsible for covering your damages, according to California Civil Code Section 3342(a).
Hand Injury Dog Bite Settlement Amounts in California
While there is no exact settlement amount for a hand injury dog bite claim since each incident varies significantly on a case-by-case basis, there are various factors that can help determine the value of your case such as:
- Extent of damages
- Medical treatment needed
- Insurance coverage limit
- Determination of fault
When it comes to your dog bite settlement, the details of your case matter. For example, if you only sustained minor injuries from the attack or you were partially liable for the incident, your settlement could result in a lower amount. Partial liability in California does not mean you are not entitled to compensation because California follows Comparative Negligence Law, meaning your compensation will only be reduced by your percentage of fault in the incident, rather than none at all. So, when considering settlements for a dog bite hand injury, they will generally fall into three categories. These include:
- Low Settlements: minor accidents with little to no injuries can result in a low settlement in the low thousands to cover damage done to your vehicle and medical bill to treat minor injuries.
- Moderate Settlements: moderate settlements can range anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. These dog bite cases usually involve medical treatment for significant injuries, some missed work, and longer recovery periods.
- High Settlements: high settlements typically involve dog bite incidents with severe injuries, long-term medical treatment, permanent disabilities, or fatalities. Settlements can be substantial, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars and up to millions of dollars.
How to Prove a Hand Injury in a California Dog Bite Incident
California Civil Code Section 3342(a) states the owner of any dog is liable for damages caused by a dog bite. Even if the dog has not shown any aggressive behavior in the past, the owner is still liable. California is a strict liability state, so it does not matter whether the dog owner was careless or not, they are still liable if their dog bites another person. The code also states the owner is liable if the victim is bitten on public or lawfully private property. In order to recover damages from a dog bite, the victim must prove:
- The dog was owned by the defendant
- The bite took place on public property or the victim has a lawful right to be on private property when they were bit
- The victim suffered an injury as a direct result of the dog bite
How Maison Law Can Help After a Hand Injury in a California Dog Bite Incident
At Maison Law, we understand how important it is to injured victims that their damages are accounted for. Our firm takes dog bite injuries very seriously and getting you the compensation you need is our top priority. The team at Maison Law will exercise all legal resources to obtain evidence and build a strong strategy customized to your case to reach a successful outcome. Evidence in a California dog bite incident is typically how these cases are determined. The evidence we gather for the majority of our injured dog bite victims includes:
- Documentation from animal control
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Video surveillance of the attack
- Medical records (pre and post-dog bite)
- Copy of the dog owner’s insurance policy
- Prescription drug costs, bank statements, and other out-of-pocket expenses
- Pictures of the wound and where the incident occurred
In a lot of dog bite injury cases, an insurance claim is not enough to cover the damages and loss of enjoyment of life due to a dog bite hand injury. The insurance company can also deny the claim altogether, leaving you with medical bill debt or an untreated injury. For these reasons, it is important to contact a Dog Bite Accident Attorney at Maison Law to discuss the details of your case and protect your right to compensation.
Symptoms of Infection After a Hand Injury in a California Dog Bite Incident
If you see any signs of infection after a dog bite it is important to seek immediate medical attention. A doctor can provide you with antibiotics to slow the infection and rid it from your body. A doctor may also cleanse your wound immediately after it happens. The cleansing of a wound is called “debridement,” a small procedure performed inside a doctor’s office where dead or infected tissue is removed to promote healing. This is typically done using a medical scissor, a scalpal, or a sharp instrument. Common signs of infection after a hand dog bite include:
- Redness, especially when it spreads beyond the wounded area
- Warmth or increased heat in the bitten or injured area
- Swelling
- Pain that worsens and does not subside
- Loss of motion or stiffness with motion
Contact a Hand Injury Dog Bite Lawyer in California
If you’ve suffered a hand injury from a dog bite, it is advisable to speak with a dog bite liability lawyer about the incident. At Maison Law, we prioritize the safety and well-being of dog bite victims. Our team of personal injury attorneys will help you understand the legal avenues available to you and recommend the best course of action to receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront costs and you don’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case.
