Dog Bite Settlement Insurance Claims

Dogs can be man’s best friend but can also cause serious injury if they bite. Unfortunately, more than 4.5 million people in the United States sustain bites from canines each year. More than 800,000 of those incidents result in a need for medical assistance, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

If a dog harmed you, it is essential to understand your rights. This guide helps you better understand what to expect if a bite incident hurts you or a loved one.

What to Do if A Dog bites you?

Call for help. Make the calls required to bring aid to the scene as soon as possible. Calling 911 will enable you to get the police involved, which allows you to document the attack with a police report and will enable you to request emergency medical assistance. You should also contact your local animal control department.

Take photos and gather evidence. As you wait for help, gather evidence about the attack. Please take photographs of your injuries, any torn clothing or other damage caused by the attack, the dog, and any visible evidence of the owner’s negligence or breach of duty of care (such as a dilapidated kennel or fence from which the dog escaped).

Get the dog owner’s information. While you can pursue a dog bite lawsuit when an animal attack injures you, you obviously can’t sue the dog itself. Instead, you would be claiming under the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy of the dog’s owner. It would help if you had the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance information.

Get medical help. Please don’t wait any longer than required for medical evaluation and treatment. The sooner you begin receiving care, the sooner your injuries can heal. Treating serious infections is also more difficult if you wait to seek treatment.

Contact animal control – If the dog that bit you don’t have an owner or the owner can’t be found, your best bet is to contact professionals trained to handle an aggressive dog safely and humanely. It’s also essential to notify animal control so that their rabies control unit can track dog bites accurately in case of an outbreak.

Compile all documents and records. Keep a file of all paperwork about the dog bite, including the police report, any medical information or evaluations, and your medical bills. Your lawyer will draw upon these documents when seeking your claim.

Contact a dog bite lawyer for a complimentary consultation. Getting the maximum amount of money you’re entitled to necessitates hiring a dog bite attorney. During an initial consultation and case examination, a legal specialist can answer your queries about the claims process and gather the required information to determine if you have the grounds for a claim that’s likely to be successful.

Factors That Affect the Dog Bite Settlement Amount

Liability. Dog owners are liable only for injuries their state law says they are accountable for. In “one-bite” states where owners can’t be held responsible without proof of negligence, it can be more challenging for dog-bite victims to prove they are entitled to damages. When liability is clear, insurers know they will likely lose in court and may offer a more generous settlement.

Insurance Coverage. Homeowners or renters insurance usually pays for losses caused by dog bites. But insurance will pay out only up to the dog owner’s liability policy limits.

If the dog owner has limited protection against liability—or none because they do not have homeowners or renters insurance—this could affect how much money is available to pay the bite victim.

If there is limited or no insurance, bite victims need to recover compensation directly from the dog’s owner, who might have insufficient money to pay a significant damage award.

What Are Some Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts?

It’s hard to understand how much your dog bite settlement will be just by looking at the compensation others have received. That’s because your injuries and state laws impact the compensation you are entitled to.

Still, it may be helpful to know that the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite was $64,555 in 2022, according to the Insurance Information Institute. This is a 32% increase compared with the prior year. In total, an estimated $1.13 billion was paid out by insurance companies due to dog bite incidents during 2022.

Suppose you believe you should be entitled to compensation for a bite injury. In that case, an experienced dog bite accident lawyer can help you pursue a claim to get insurance to cover your losses.

FAQs

What constitutes a dog bite case?

A dog bite case involves an incident where a dog injures someone by biting them, potentially leading to legal action to seek compensation for damages.

Why should I consider hiring a dog bite lawyer?

A skilled dog attack lawyer specializes in the legal complexities of such cases, advocating for your rights, and helping you secure fair compensation for injuries sustained.

How does the settlement process work in a dog bite lawsuit?

The settlement process involves negotiations between parties, typically facilitated by legal representatives, aiming to reach an agreement on compensation without going to trial.

What factors determine the worth of a dog bite settlement?

Various factors contribute to the settlement offer, including medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, future treatment needs, and the severity of injuries.

Why contact an experienced dog bite attorney?

An experienced attorney understands dog bite laws, has handled similar cases, and possesses the necessary expertise to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

How do insurance companies factor into a dog bite claim?

Insurance companies often represent the dog owner in compensating the victim. Your lawyer can negotiate with these companies to secure a fair settlement.

What should I do if attacked or bitten by a dog?

Seek immediate medical attention, document the incident, gather witness information, and contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.

What role does a law firm play in dog bite cases?

A reputable law firm specializing in dog attack cases provides legal counsel, handles negotiations, represents your interests, and guides you through the legal process.

How important is an experienced dog bite lawyer in these cases?

An experienced lawyer knows the nuances of dog bite laws, can accurately assess the value of your case, and is adept at negotiating for a fair settlement.

Can I receive compensation for dog bite injuries even without a lawsuit?

Yes, settlements can often be reached through negotiations without going to trial, allowing victims to receive compensation for their injuries and damages.