If you or a loved one experiences physical, mental, or financial damages from a dog bit, you should consider a dog bite lawsuit. Luckily, dog bite cases are relatively straightforward compared to other personal injury lawsuits.
After you have gathered evidence and established your damages, you will need to hire a dog bite lawyer to help you file a dog bite lawsuit claim. While there is a small chance that the owner is protected by insurance, most insurers do not cover dog bite incidents.
If they are covered, your lawyer will work to negotiate a settlement with their insurance provider. If the owner is not covered, your lawyer will need to file a claim, resulting in a dog bite lawsuit. From that point, the owner can negotiate a settlement or go to trial.
Who Is Liable For A Dog Bite Injury?
Establishing liability for a dog bite injury can be tricky since the rules differ by state. Different states have statutes that can affect several variables that determine who is liable if anyone at all. Some factors that may vary from state to state include:
- Contributory Negligence: States with contributory negligence laws may not hold the dog owner liable if, for example, the victim was trespassing at the time of the incident.
- Strict Liability States: States with strict liability laws ensure a dog owner is responsible for any damage a dog causes, assuming the damage can be proven.
- One-Bite States: States with one-bite laws are more likely to hold owners liable if the court or judge has a reason to believe, based on past behavior, that the dog posed a potential threat.
Some states may have unique laws regarding animal bites as well. For example, the Illinois “Animal Control Act,” establishes set guidelines for liability and animal negligence.
What Damages Can Be Awarded in a Dog Bite Case?
Dog bites can cause numerous issues, and are responsible for different types of damage. Beyond the cost of medical bills, a dog bite injury can result in missing work during recovery, emotional trauma, and PTSD.
Potential damages that a dog owner may be liable for include:
- Medical Bills;
- Expected Future Medical Costs;
- Lost Wages;
- Permanent Scarring;
- Rehabilitation;
- Permanent Disability.
Any result of a dog bite that causes damage, monetary burden, or other undue hardship could represent potential grounds for a lawsuit. A lawyer can help to determine the damages you are eligible to sue for. In many dog bite lawsuits, the victim chooses to file for both compensatory damages and punitive damages.
How Do I Choose A Dog Bite Lawyer?
To receive any kind of compensation for dog bite damages, you must find a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in this area and is dedicated to your case. While a dog bite lawsuit may be less costly than most other personal injury cases, you should still try to find a dog bite lawyer who offers a contingency fee arrangement.
A lawyer that works on contingency can help assure you that they are committed to winning a case since their payment is contingent on the result of the trial.
