Being attacked by a dog can be terrifying and agonizing in numerous ways. You may receive a dog bite settlement from the owner as payment for that attack. They might offer you a chance to recover compensation without going through the court system.
So, how much can you anticipate getting from the settlement, and more importantly, should you choose to accept that settlement over going to court to fight for your rights?
These are some of the challenging inquiries you will have to address in the wake of the dog attack. Continue reading this article to determine what you should say in response.
Dog Bites in Small Claims Court
Without a lawyer, you can pursue your claim in small claims court, but most counties and states limit small claims court settlements to $10,000 or less. If your injury is severe or you anticipate higher medical costs, you might want to consider consulting a lawyer about bringing a lawsuit.
Remember: You must prepare your case for small claims court, present it, and take time off work to handle the research and court dates. Some people find that it will be less expensive in the long run to hire an attorney to handle their dog bite liability case, and attorneys typically recover more money for their clients.
After a serious dog bite, some people may be eligible to receive compensation for their pain and suffering. This compensation for pain and suffering, also known as “damages,” will typically depend on:
There is no standard payment amount for pain and suffering. Your personal injury lawyer will either accept or negotiate the amount of money listed in your settlement offer. You always have the option to demand more or decline the offer.
How Much Can I Sue for a Dog Bite?
Not every dog attack case will result in serious injuries or significant financial losses. Typically, larger monetary awards occur if an animal attack:
For a severe but typical dog bite injury, people can typically anticipate paying around $40,000, but it all depends on the specific injuries and monetary losses sustained. The majority of the time, an injury settlement or award will cover a victim’s medical costs, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and other consequential damages.
If a person receives a settlement that covers paying medical bills, they might have to reimburse their health insurance provider or settle any unpaid medical bills. The majority of the proceeds will be used to pay for these medical expenses.
How Long Does a Dog Bite Case Last?
Unfortunately, a dog bite case isnt handled immediately. Instead, if the objective is to see a jury, it can take several months, usually six months. This may take up to two years in denserly populated areas. The length of a case can be influenced by case-relevant factors like recovery time and the severity of the dog bite. If it’s incredibly minor, the case might even be dismissed. However, the majority of dog bite cases are settled out of court with a sizable settlement. The victim is permitted to file a lawsuit to obtain the compensation they believe is due them if the insurance company doesn’t provide them with enough money.
Sometimes, the caliber of the chosen attorney can also affect how long a case lasts. A lawyer with less experience might need more time than one with several years of practice. Similar to how a seasoned lawyer with little expertise in dog bites may struggle against a lawyer who knows how to defend their client Any personal injury brought on by a dog bite is relevant to the case, so the length of the recovery period may affect certain aspects of it. A strong attorney-client relationship can facilitate a more efficient process.
FAQ
How much money can you get from a dog attack?
Dog bite lawsuit settlements are typically worth between $30,000 and $50,000. If the attack left you with only minor injuries, be prepared to receive a lower offer. The dog owner might make you that kind of settlement in order to avoid going through the court system.
How long does it take to get money from a dog bite?
Making a Claim After a Dog Bite Injury Bear in mind that dog bite cases almost always settle outside of court and typically take less than six months to resolve. Your dog bite attorney can assist you in determining what to say to the dog’s owner.
Can I sue if a dog attacks me?
When a dog bites you or your child and you sustain injuries, you can typically file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner. Frequently, the procedure starts with a claim made under the dog owner’s homeowners insurance or another pertinent policy.
What is the average settlement for a dog bite in Michigan?
What the Statistics Say About Dog Bite Attacks Nearly 51% of dog bite victims are kids between the ages of 5 and 9. More than $800 million in damages were paid by insurers to victims of dog bite attacks in 2021. The average settlement for a dog bite claim was $49,025.