How Much is My Dog Bite Claim Worth?

If a dog bite in North Carolina has injured you, you may be wondering what steps you should take next. Your medical bills may be significant, and you could face additional challenges like reconstructive surgeries and rehabilitation. Your case's value depends on several factors, including whether you were partly at fault, the extent of your injuries, and whether the dog owner knew that the dog posed a danger to others.

The best way to find out your case's value is to discuss the details of your case with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney will not be able to guarantee the value of your case, but they can give you an estimate based on the attorney's experience and the facts in your case.

The average dog bite settlement amount ranges from $30,000 to $50,000. Settlements and dog bite cases have increased as medical costs continue to grow. Every dog by injury is unique. Some dog bites are mild and only require a few stitches. These instances would likely be on the lower end of the spectrum. However, case values may increase significantly if a person develops an infection. In 2020, the average dog bite insurance claim was $50,425. Some of the critical factors that can help you determine how much a dog bite case will be worth include the following:

• Injuries suffered by the victim, especially if the dog bite was fatal
• The dog's bite history
• Victim's share of responsibility for the dog attack
• The dog owner's conduct
• The state in which the attack occurred
• Characteristics of the victim of the dog, like if the dog was a law enforcement animal or the victim was a veterinarian

Because there are so many factors and dog bite cases, there is no such thing as an average dog bite payout. Dog bite attorneys can advocate for victims by carefully estimating the current and future expenses they will incur from the dog bite. Once your attorney has determined your case is valuable, they can aggressively pursue the total and fair compensation you need and deserve.

The specific type and severity of injuries a dog bite victim suffers will influence the value of their case. The type of injury is one of the most prominent factors in determining how much compensation the victim deserves. Generally, the more severe the injuries and the longer the symptoms occur, the higher the claim value. Some of the most common types of dog bite injuries include the following:

• Nerve damage
• Cuts and lacerations, some of which can be life-threatening
• Dismemberment
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Broken bones
• Bruises
• Infections, including rabies
• Emotional distress
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety around dogs

Victims who suffer these injuries deserve to be compensated. A dog bite attorney can help a victim understand their legal options. Unfortunately, some dog bite incidents are fatal, especially when young children are involved. Surviving family members may have a right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation. While nothing can bring your loved one back, following a wrongful death claim can help you hold the negligent owner accountable and recover compensation to help your family move forward.

An insurance company may try to claim that victims of dog bites are only entitled to compensation for their medical expenses. An experienced attorney can help victims recover compensation for several different types of damages resulting from the dog bite, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Past medical treatment
• Emergency room medical attention
• Reasonably anticipated future medical expenses, including physical and occupational therapy
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity if your dog bite injuries are severe enough to prohibit you from returning to work
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• A loved one's loss of consortium and companionship

In rare cases when the dog's owner acted maliciously, causing the dog bite incident, victims may be able to recover additional punitive damages.

You may be entitled to compensation if you or your loved one have been injured by a dog bite incident in Charlotte, North Carolina. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, are prepared to advocate for your right to compensation. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal options.