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

Five Apps Every Trucker Should Have

Driving a tractor trailer or any other large vehicle isn’t just about long hours, lots of miles and making sure you’re still driving safely after those lengthy days. It’s a lifestyle, and like any other connected lifestyle in the 21st century, there are plenty of apps to go around designed to help make a truck […]

16/02/2023
Read more

Top 3 Benefits of Engaging a Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Top 3 Benefits of Engaging a Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Being in a car accident, regardless of how minor, can be pretty devastating. So, if you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Los Angeles and you are confused, we assure you it is completely normal to feel that way. Car accidents […]

27/07/2020
Read more

Keeping Older Drivers Safe

A lot of us have had to have a talk with our grandparents or parents about how they are on the road. There comes a time when caring for yourself can become difficult, as an older person, especially when driving. What can you do to ensure the older person in your life is being safe […]

17/01/2022
Read more

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

Five Products for Increased Automobile Safety

It should be no surprise that in Arizona and California, with the increasing dependence on cars, automobile accidents are increasingly likely. In the event of an accident, you want to have as many bases covered as possible – from minor repairs you can do yourself to getting yourself out of harm’s way as quickly and […]

20/08/2022
Read more

Staying Safe at Amusement Parks

Every family knows the joys of a day at the amusement park – the thrill of the rollercoasters, the taste of fried foods and sweets, and the splashy fun of a water ride. And while there can be downsides, like waiting in long lines, getting sunburned, or listening to screaming kids, most of these complaints […]

08/11/2021
Read more

Personal Injury Law In California

In California, many individuals fall victim to wrongful diagnosis, automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, dog bites, catastrophic injuries, nursing home negligence, train accidents, and pedestrian accidents due to other people’s carelessness.   That is why the California personal injury law is in existence. It aims at protecting the moral and legal entitlements of those injured […]

12/04/2021
Read more

Slip and Falls in Private Homes

Slips and falls are serious anywhere, but if you concentrate just on occurrences in private homes, an arresting statistic jumps out right away- falls are responsible for 50% of all accidental deaths in the home. Let’s take a look at two of the top causes of a slip and fall in a private home. We […]

20/11/2021
Read more

Workman’s Compensation — Beyond Physical Accidents

Every year in California, we see workman’s compensation claims that stem from traumatic injuries, accidents, and even accumulative physical strain. But what about the more subtle effects that can harm employees over time? Let’s take a look at toxic exposure in the workplace and what it means for you as an employee. If we are […]

22/06/2021
Read more

Four Arizona Workers’ Compensation Tips

If you live in Arizona and you suffer an injury while on the job, you should know your rights, in terms of representation, potential compensation, and the laws surrounding workers’ compensation. You should make sure to seek proper medical care, as well, and be certain to keep records of communications and treatments for future reference, […]

17/07/2022
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.