The amount of money you should ask for after a dog bite accident will be dependent on the severity of your injuries and the insurance policy of the liable party. The first step in reaching a successful settlement will be to outline your damages and what they’re worth in a demand letter to the liable party’s insurance company.
It is important to note that reaching a successful settlement requires a factual and legal understanding of your case by attorneys with extensive experience in dog bite accident law in California. To better understand the value of your case, contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
What is a Demand Letter?
A demand letter describes what happened and states various details about your case, concluding with a certain amount of money you would be willing to settle your dog bite accident claim for. A demand letter is similar to an opening argument in a court case, which typically covers the following:
- When and how the accident or incident happened
- Why the liable party is responsible for the incident
- The extent of your injuries
- The damages you have suffered, including future damages you will likely incur
Accident victims should take demand letters seriously as it sets the tone for settlement negotiations. A well-written demand letter lets the insurance adjuster know you are serious about pursuing fair compensation and presents enough solid facts to dissuade the insurance company from taking the claim to court.
What is the Typical Settlement for a Dog Bite Accident in California?
No two accidents are the same, so there is a wide range of settlement amounts for dog bite accident cases. However, there are common factors for every case, which can indicate the amount of compensation you could receive. These factors include:
- Special Damages: medical bills, ongoing treatment, costs that accumulate when you’re unable to work, like rent or mortgage payments
- General Damages: these are non-economic hardships like pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, mental trauma
- Wrongful Death Damages: these damages may be sought by a spouse or close relative for funeral arrangements, burial expenses, and medical treatment before a loved one’s death
- Punitive Damages: these damages are rare, but if the dog owner engaged in reckless behavior with the intention of hurting you, such as training the dog to harm you or knowingly putting you in harm’s way, then you could sue for punitive damages
In most cases, the more severe your injuries and the longer they impact your life, the greater your compensation will be. A Dog Bite Accident Lawyer can help you understand the value of your case and will protect your right to fair compensation.
Dog Bite Settlements in California Based on Injury
There is no exact settlement amount for a dog bite claim since each incident varies significantly on various factors 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, these factors can have an impact on the value of your case. Partial liability in California does not mean you are not entitled to compensation. It only means your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the incident. So, when considering settlements for a dog bite incident, 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 bills 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.
Contact a Dog Bite Accident Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one have been involved in a dog bite accident in California, Maison Law is here to get you the compensation you need. Our team of experienced accident attorneys understands how to exercise every avenue of the law to aggressively pursue the liable party for the full extent of your medical damages. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There are no hidden fees and you will not be charged a cent until we’ve won your case.
