How Much Can You Get from a Dog Bite Lawsuit

Dog bites can cause physical and emotional trauma, often requiring medical attention, time off work, and long-term psychological care.

If you or someone you care about has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation through a lawsuit. Understanding how much you can receive from a dog bite lawsuit depends on many factors, such as the severity of the injury, medical expenses, and the dog owner’s liability. Consulting a dog bite lawyer is essential to navigating these complexities and maximizing your compensation. A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the settlement you deserve based on the specific details of your case.

Factors That Influence Compensation

Severity of the Injury: One of the most critical factors in determining the amount of compensation is the extent of the injuries. Minor injuries, such as superficial bites, may result in smaller settlements, while more severe injuries can lead to much higher awards. The types of injuries that typically lead to larger settlements include:

• Deep puncture wounds or tears

• Infections or complications

• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

• Nerve damage

• Emotional trauma, especially in children

Medical Costs: Medical expenses directly related to the dog bite injury are a crucial part of the settlement. These costs can include emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, follow-up visits, medications, and even rehabilitation or physical therapy. In some cases, if reconstructive surgery or ongoing treatment is required, the settlement will account for these future medical expenses.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. In more severe cases, where a victim cannot return to their previous job or suffers a diminished capacity to earn, the settlement could also include compensation for future lost earnings.

Emotional and Psychological: Impact Beyond physical injuries, the emotional toll of a dog bite can be substantial. Victims may develop anxiety, PTSD, or a lifelong fear of dogs, especially if the attack was severe or the victim was a child. Courts often consider the emotional and psychological impact when awarding compensation, and this can significantly increase the settlement value.

State Laws and Liability: The amount you can recover also depends on the laws in your state. Some states follow "strict liability" laws, which hold dog owners responsible for bites, even if the dog had never shown aggressive behavior before. Other states have "one bite" rules, where the owner may not be liable unless the dog has bitten someone before or demonstrated dangerous behavior. Additionally, some states may reduce compensation if the victim is found to be partially at fault for provoking the dog.

Insurance Policies: Many dog bite settlements are paid through the dog owner's homeowners' insurance or renters' insurance. Policies typically cover dog bite claims, but the limits on these policies vary. If the dog's owner has significant assets or high coverage, you may be able to secure a larger settlement. However, in cases where the owner has minimal insurance or no coverage, the compensation could be lower unless you pursue the owner's personal assets.

Average Settlement Amounts

While every case is unique, the Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that the average dog bite settlement in the U.S. is around $50,000. However, severe cases can result in settlements that range from $100,000 to $500,000 or more. For example:

• Minor injuries may result in settlements of a few thousand dollars, depending on the costs of treatment and recovery.

• Moderate injuries requiring medical attention, stitches, and follow-up care could lead to settlements between $10,000 and $50,000.

• Severe injuries, including multiple surgeries, permanent scarring, or loss of function, may result in compensation exceeding $100,000, especially if psychological trauma is also a factor.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, if the dog owner's conduct was particularly reckless or egregious—such as knowingly keeping a dangerous dog without taking precautions—courts may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the owner and discourage similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages can significantly increase the total amount awarded in a dog bite lawsuit, but they are not common in most cases.

Additional Considerations

• Legal Fees: It’s important to remember that personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they take a percentage of the settlement (often 25% to 40%). Make sure to understand the terms of your agreement with your attorney.

• Statute of Limitations: Each state has a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, usually between one to three years from the date of the injury. If you do not file within this time frame, you may lose the right to seek compensation.

• Out-of-Court Settlements: Many dog bite cases are settled out of court, with both parties agreeing to a negotiated settlement. This can save time, reduce legal fees, and give the victim compensation more quickly than a prolonged trial.

Conclusion

Dog bite lawsuits can result in varying amounts of compensation, depending on the circumstances. The severity of the injury, medical costs, emotional distress, and state laws all play key roles in determining the final amount. While the average settlement hovers around $50,000, more severe cases can easily reach six figures or more. If you've been bitten by a dog, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to evaluate your case and ensure you receive fair compensation for your suffering and losses.