Rs Law Offices/Our blog/Dog Bites: Your Dog and Compensation Law

Dog Bites: Your Dog and Compensation Law

22/02/2021

Many people who experience severe injuries from dog bites usually wonder whether it is worth the hustle to pursue legal redress. Most fear they are a small minority and decide to suffer in silence.

However, the truth is that dog bites are shockingly common and are among the most frequent types of personal injury lawsuits. 

To assist you to understand when you need to consult a dog bite injury lawyer, we have gathered a comprehensive insight into what you should be on the lookout and when it is necessary to engage a lawyer. 

  1. Prevalence of Dog Bites

It is estimated that roughly 5 million people report being bitten, and over 1 billion U.S. dollars are paid in compensation according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. 

In the United States, dogs are the most popular pet among most Americans, with over 35 percent of households preferring the canine. That translates to about 70 million dogs all over the country.

It is no wonder dog bites are so common. Due to the proximity we have with the domesticated animal and their territorial nature, more than 75 percent of dog bites are caused by canines belonging to family or friends. 

Reacting to dog bite complaints, county governments and city councils are passing more and more bylaws to regulate dog ownership. 

  1. Dog Bites Compensation

Although dogs are considered man’s best friend – loyal, protective, and always ready to heed your command, a quick snap of their jaw can quickly make them your wallet’s worst enemy. 

In 2019, the average cost of a dog bite claim was approximately 45,000 U.S. dollars, according to the Insurance Information Institute. 

  1. What Can You Claim After a Dog Bite Injury?

Generally, your dog bite compensation should cover all your psychological and physical injury and losses. Some of the compensations you can claim include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of income
  • Medical and rehabilitation expenses
  • Property damage

  1. How Does a Dog Bite Get Calculated?

While no two dog attacks or bites can claim to be the same, dog bites are usually calculated by placing an economic value on the gap between your assumed life status before the dog attack, and your current life status after the dog attack. 

Usually, higher compensation awards are given when the dog attack has done the following:

  • When the dog attack has left a permanent scar or disfigurement. Such cases can attract up to 100,000 U.S. dollars in compensation
  • The need for specialized treatment or extended medical care
  • Result in disability
  • Results in the need for psychological or mental therapy

  1. Avoiding Such Lawsuits

If you are a dog owner, there are things you might want to put in place to avoid the risk of being sued. Some of the tips include:

  • Enrol your pet in an obedience class
  • Socialize your dog
  • Ensure you have a fence if you keep your dog in the backyard. Chains sometimes tend to break easily

Remember to take extra caution if you live in an area with a high population of children. Almost half the number of Americans who seek medical attention from dog attacks happen to be children. 

In the unfortunate event, you or a close family friend experiences a dog bite, our team of able lawyers are readily available to assist you in claiming compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

blogs

You might like

Facts About Ridesharing Accidents

Even in cities that are considered to be “car cultures,” rideshare services are quickly becoming a solid alternative for those who don’t want to abandon their car after a night out, or don’t want to take public transportation. For some, Uber and Lyft, etc are their best bet for timely arrival to work or a […]

27/06/2022
Read more

Common Causes of Car Accidents – and Ways to Avoid Them

Car accidents are an increasingly common source of injuries and loss of property and life. Every year, there are estimated to be over six million car accidents, in the US alone. We drive everywhere, and even short distances pose a hazard to drivers, as well as pedestrians and people on bicycles. The loss of property […]

09/12/2022
Read more

Top 5 Reasons Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents happen almost every time and sometimes so fast that you don’t have time to figure out the way forward. True, you might end up feeling stressed up because of the piling medical bills. The pilling finances might drain you, thus rendering you unable to work. Statistics reveal that more than 31 million people are […]

28/12/2020
Read more

Rearview Cameras and You

While it was in 2018 that the rearview camera requirement went into effect on all new vehicles, the whole debate started in 2008. That was the year Congress passed a law for automakers to take steps to increase visibility. The debate was prompted by a horrible tragedy where a father accidentally backed over his infant […]

13/08/2021
Read more

Five Types of Truck Accidents

Trucks are paramount to our country’s economy. Over 15 million trucks move across the country, transporting consumer goods from one state to another every day. But despite their essential place in our society, trucks are pretty dangerous and pose a high risk to every road user. It pays to know the different types of accidents […]

09/07/2021
Read more

What to Look for When Hiring an Attorney

In Arizona and California, two big car cultures on the grow, you’re statistically more likely to be involved in some sort of motor vehicle accident or have some other legal concerns surrounding your automobile. Other injuries, like dog bites and slip and falls, are all-too common, and can be difficult to navigate with some kind […]

11/11/2022
Read more

Getting the Best Price on Your Auto Insurance Policy

Keeping everything with your vehicle in the best shape can seem like a job with a lot of moving parts. Maintenance, safety, registration, insurance, etc.! While keeping your insurance on auto-draft every billing cycle is a great way to keep it out of sight and out of mind, it can also be a great way […]

07/02/2022
Read more

Apps for Increased Rideshare Safety

Rideshares can be fun and convenient, but if you’re putting your life in the hands of a stranger by taking a rideshare, you’ll want to feel safe. No one wants to be put in a situation where they feel unsafe or lost, or where they might end up in a ridesharingaccident. Here are some apps […]

10/10/2022
Read more

What to Know About Arizona’s Lemon Law

Like many other states, Arizona has a Lemon Law in place to help protect consumers who buy faulty vehicles from being stuck with them with no recourse. Arizona’s lemon law, though, is a little different from other states, with certain restrictions in place that are specific to Arizona. Here are a few basic guidelines to […]

16/05/2022
Read more

Tips for Pedestrian Safety

We all know that walking to work is good for your health. The benefits of fresh air, increased heart rate, and the relaxing effects of movement are well documented. It’s healthy to walk anywhere! But, what about the risks? When you hear medical advice, suggesting that you walk more, you rarely hear about the dangers […]

09/08/2021
Read more

contact form

Get in touch

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from RS Law Offices. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. View our Privacy Policy.