After a dog bite attack, you may be feeling reasonably stressed and confused by the injuries you have sustained. How long will it take to recover in full from these injuries? How will you manage to pay the bills that pile up against you as you focus on your physical recovery? Many individuals question how much they can receive in a dog bite claim as they move forward.
Our attorneys at Maison Law have represented victims involved in California dog bite incidents over the years. We will compassionately assist you as you heal from your injuries and hold one or more parties liable for the harm they have caused you. Contact us today to find out what options you have at this time.
The Expense of Dog Bite Claims in California
Dog bite injury claims are on the rise throughout many states. In 2021, a report from the Insurance Information Institute showed that there were 2,026 dog bite claims were submitted, with the average cost of these claims totaling $59,561. In 2022, it was reported that dog injury claims exceeded $1 billion in 2022 in the entire U.S.
Many individuals who are bitten by a dog will receive a settlement from the owner of the dog or will move forward with a personal injury claim against a liable party. There is no set amount that you will receive for a dog bite attack due to the fact that every claim is different. The circumstances of the dog attack will determine how much you will receive in damages. There are some factors that could be considered in these claims, such as the following:
- Your age at the time of the attack
- The severity of the injuries caused by the dog
- If your injuries are long-term in nature
- If the owner knew that their dog was aggressive and would bite
- The mental and emotional effects of your injuries
- Whether or not you were trespassing at the time of the incident
Receiving Fair Compensation for Your Losses After a California Dog Bite
As the victim of a dog attack, you are entitled to fair compensation for your losses and damages. You may receive either economic or non-economic damages, or both, as a result of your claim.
Economic Damages: Economic damages are expenses that have a specific amount attached to them. They include aspects such as medical expenses you have incurred due to your bite, expenses related to your future medical treatment, lost wages due to missed time at work, therapy costs, property damage, and more.
Non-Economic Damages: These damages are not monetary in nature and include aspects like mental suffering caused by an attack, humiliation and embarrassment caused by scars, and loss of quality of life among other aspects.
The damages that you receive are meant to make you feel whole again after a dog bite attack. Though no exact number can be applied to these claims, your lawyer can help you take a closer look at your claim and determine what damages you may be able to receive.
Maximizing Your Settlement in a Dog Bite Injury Claim
From the moment that you are involved in a dog attack, it is important that you take steps to protect your well-being and the future of your claim. This is why, after a dog attack, the first step that you should always take is seeking immediate medical attention. Receiving medical care can leave a paper trail showing that you paid a certain amount for your losses and that you are expected to receive further treatment in the future.
From there, it is crucial that you consider your legal options. Speaking with a lawyer about how to move forward can put your claim into perspective so that you can ensure that your rights are being protected from all angles.
Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer
You deserve to be represented every step of the way after you have been hurt in a serious and traumatic California dog bite incident. We understand the ins and outs of California dog bite laws and will provide you with the information and resources that you need to move forward during these challenging times.
At Maison Law, we believe that you should never have to struggle to move forward financially after another party has caused you harm. You want to make sure that you are not taken advantage of by another party’s insurance company. Contact a California dog bite lawyer today for a free and no-obligation consultation in your time of need.