While the amount of a dog bite settlement will vary from state to state, the average amount is around $40,000. The amount will cover the expenses that the victim incurred due to the attack, as well as the medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses. It can also cover lost wages and other consequential damages. Some states require that the dog owner pay back the health insurance company as a part of the settlement.
A jury may also award damages for future pain and suffering. Although there are no set guidelines for pain and suffering, a recent court ruling makes it clear that there is no stipulation that prohibits the award. However, it’s worth remembering that there is no limit on the number of noneconomic damages that a dog owner can collect from a dog attack. This limitation does not affect most dog bite cases.
Depending on the severity of the attack, dog bite victims may require medical treatment and rehabilitation. Non-negligent clients should be awarded their medical costs and lost income. Documentation of all expenses related to the dog attack is important to support the case. In many states, the owner’s insurance policy limits the maximum amount of compensation for catastrophic losses. Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover up to $300,000, but some policies exclude specific dog breeds.
If a dog bite victim has significant injuries, they should contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss the possibility of a lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer can guide victims through the process and advise them on how to best approach the insurance company. Often, insurance companies will increase their settlement offer after a dog bite victim hires a personal injury lawyer. In some cases, the victim’s insurance company will cover the costs of these expenses. For help with your personal injury claim, contact Dozier Law Firm.
Dog bite compensation is determined by a variety of factors. The severity of the injuries can greatly affect the settlement amount. Also, different states have different health insurance laws. Health insurance policies can differ between states and federal levels, which can affect the cost of medical bills. If a dog owner fails to protect their pet’s property, it may be responsible for the damage caused by the attack. A successful dog bite case will recover these expenses.
A dog bite lawsuit may be worth a higher settlement if the dog owner is responsible for 20 percent of the attack. If more than 50 percent of the dog owner’s liability is attributed to the attack, then the injured person cannot receive any compensation. State laws that limit the number of damages can have a significant impact on the value of the settlement. It is also possible to recover more if the dog owner was unaware of the danger.
Because a dog attack can severely limit a victim’s ability to work, an average settlement for a dog bite is $36,000. However, the highest average dog bite claim is $59,000, which means that many cases are worth a million dollars or more. However, if the dog owner has no insurance, he or she is at a significant disadvantage when pursuing a dog bite lawsuit.
