The type of compensation you can recover after a soft tissue injury from a dog bite varies on a case-by-case basis. Multiple factors such as the severity of the injury, who was at fault for the dog bite, and time missed at work due to your injury.
In all personal injury cases like a dog bite, the best way to receive maximum compensation is by partnering with a personal injury attorney. At Maison Law, we specialize in dog bite accident law and will pursue every legal avenue to get you the compensation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Average Soft Tissue Injury Settlement in a California Dog Bite Accident
There is no specific limit to how much compensation an injured victim can sue for a dog bite incident. Dog bite victims can sue the owner, as well as other responsible parties, for the full extent of their damages, which can range from a thousand dollars to well over $1,000,000, depending on the severity of damages. The amount your soft tissue injury will settle for is largely dependent on your economic and non-economic damages. These damages combined include:
- Hospital bills
- Current and future medical treatment
- Lost income
- Future lost earnings
- Physical therapy
- Surgery (if necessary)
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In addition, the value of each of these damages will be dependent on their severity. The more severe your damages, the greater your compensation will be. For example, if your medical treatment costs more than $100,000, then it would not be out of the realm of possibility to request a settlement of over $100,000. However, it is important to note that each personal injury case is unique and the outcomes can vary.
How to Recover Damages from a Dog Bite
California allowed a “one free bite” rule until it was eliminated in 1931 by the strict liability law. California is a strict liability state. So, in the case of a dog bite, the dog’s owner is liable for your injury even if it is the dog’s first time biting someone. However, the following factors about the dog bite incident must be true to recover damages:
- The attack occurred in a public place or on private property that the victim was invited onto
- The victim did not provoke the dog into aggressive behavior
- The dog was owned by the defendant
- The victim suffered an injury as a direct result of the dog bite
Common Dog Bite Soft Tissue Injuries in California
Soft tissue injuries typically occur because of a sudden, unexpected motion or impact. You could experience this from a dog bite and not even notice it until days later. For that reason, it is important to see a doctor after you’ve been bitten, even if your skin has not been punctured or you do not think you’re hurt. Not seeing a doctor after a potentially harmful event like a dog attack can only be detrimental to your health and your case if you end up filing a claim.
In a personal injury claim, the insurance company can and will use your lack of initial medical treatment to hurt your claim and reduce your settlement. So, you should always consult a medical professional about soft tissue injuries after you suffer an unexpected collision. Common soft tissue injuries include:
- Contusions: commonly referred to as a bruise, a contusion can occur after a blunt impact to the body. Symptoms involve pain, swelling, and discoloration
- Sprains: Ankles, wrists, and elbows are all especially vulnerable to these injuries where the ligament has been twisted or over-extended.
- Tendonitis: inflammation of a tendon can be caused when the flexible tissue is damaged in an accident, shortening a person’s pain threshold when doing repetitive, basic movements.
- Bursitis: the bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions the area between bones, muscles, or tendons.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Soft Tissue Injury in a California Dog Bite Accident?
Soft tissue damage after a dog bite accident could lead to a settlement from the insurance company. Major injuries require lots of medical treatment and recovery time. For those reasons, it is advisable to partner with an attorney as it is a proven fact more claims filed with an attorney receive more compensation than those without. Soft tissue injuries from a dog bite that could lead to a settlement include:
- Herniated discs
- Soft tissue hematomas
- Joint injuries
- Muscle tears
After a dog bite injury, most injured victims are usually misinformed about their legal rights after an accident, and some may not even realize contacting an attorney is an available option. This only stands to benefit the insurance companies as they can get away with settling with unsuspecting victims for extremely low amounts. A Dog Bite Attorney can help you by:
- Connecting you to trusted doctors for continued treatment
- Filing a lawsuit to get you compensation for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Assigning liability to all additional parties responsible (if necessary)
- Communicating with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Building your case by gathering concrete evidence to confirm your claim
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
Contact a Soft Tissue Injury Dog Bite Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one has suffered a soft tissue injury from a dog bite, the attorneys at Maison Law can help you get full compensation from all liable parties involved. At Maison Law, we prioritize the safety and well-being of dog owners and dog bite victims alike. Our team of liability attorneys will help you understand the legal avenues available to you and recommend the best course of action for your situation. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront fees and you don’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case.
