.png)
Although dogs are usually good-natured pets, they are still animals, meaning that they can end up biting their owner or nearby people. Unfortunately, dog bites are quite dangerous, as they can cause significant physical damage and result in expensive medical bills. Not only that but getting bit by a dog can lead to severe emotional damage, which can diminish anyone’s quality of life.
Therefore, it’s no wonder why so many people are suing dog owners for the actions of their pets. But is it worth pursuing legal action against the owner of the dog, and how much is a dog bite lawsuit worth?
How Much Money Can I Get if I’ve Been Bitten by a Dog?
The amount of money people can get depends solely on the details of the case. However, successful cases have seen the victim receive anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 for their injuries. Victims can expect to recover the following types of damages:
Medical Expenses: After a dog bite, the victim should get a doctor to examine their injury. Sadly, the consultation and treatment cost money, which can set them back a couple of hundred or even thousands of dollars. If the case is successful, the settlement will cover any medical or hospital expenses related to the incident.
Lost Wages: Serious dog bites could restrict the ability to do basic tasks. And if they limit the ability to work, the victim can claim damages that should cover any lost wages.
Disability Benefit: Even the most playful dogs can transform into savage animals in a matter of seconds, leading to severe damage that can cause people to be disabled. If that happens, victims may be able to recover disability benefits in their settlement.
Pain and Suffering: Dog bites can cause emotional trauma that can last for years. And while the trauma will make it hard to return to a normal lifestyle, victims can request compensation for their suffering.
It’s important to remember that the insurance company is the one that will analyze the situation and put a monetary value on it based on how much damage they believe the bite has caused. Therefore, they will make assumptions about the injuries and might even attempt to diminish the compensation victims are entitled to. So, it’s extremely hard to determine the amount of money that one can receive in such situations.
Common Dog Bites Injuries
Generally speaking, it’s the injuries that people have suffered that drive the value of the case. In fact, they determine how much compensation the victim can receive. Common dog bite injuries include:
Nerve damage
Lacerations and cuts, some of which could be life-threatening
Dismemberment
Disfigurement or scarring
Bruises
Broken bones
Strains and sprains
Emotional distress
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
Anxiety around dogs
Post-traumatic stress disorder
What’s even worse is that some dog bite incidents can be fatal. In these specific cases, a family member or loved one of the victim can file a wrongful death claim against the owner of the dog.
What Types of Compensations Are Available?
As previously mentioned, victims can be compensated for their medical bills, lost wages, or trauma. The same goes for the other party if your dog bites someone in Missouri. However, there are other types of compensation that they may be entitled to after a dog bite, such as property damage and the loss of a loved one. In some rare cases where the victim believes that the dog owner acted maliciously, they can recover punitive damages as well.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
Dog bite cases involve a variety of factors that can affect the compensation a victim can receive. And, since the insurance company will do its best to calculate the extent of the damage to their advantage, the victim might get a lower settlement for it.
A lawyer can help by evaluating the details of the case and figuring out the proper compensation, based on the injuries and pain the victim has experienced. They can also handle the legal procedures of the case, giving the affected party enough time to focus on recovery. It is also up to their negotiating skills and expertise on how long it will take to settle the dog bite case. And lastly, they can represent the victim in court if they want to sue the owner of the dog.
If you are the victim of a dog attack, then you should contact St Louis dog bite lawyers as soon as possible. Our team at the Powell Law Firm is always here to aid you in all types of personal injury cases, including dog bites. We will make sure that you receive the proper compensation and that the dog owner faces legal consequences.
Comments