Examples of Compensation I Can Receive for a Dog Bite Injury

If you or a loved one sustained a dog bite injury in California, you might be wondering about your legal options. Dog bites can lead to overwhelming medical expenses, emotional trauma, and other significant losses that can affect your life for years. 

Understanding whether you can file a personal injury claim for your dog bite injuries and the types of compensation you can receive is instrumental to your recovery. Here, the lawyers at Demas Law Group answer some of the most pressing questions clients ask about dog bite compensation. 

What is the Average Dog Bite Settlement in California?

There is no average settlement for California dog bite cases. Each case is unique, and the compensation available depends on the facts of your case. Factors that could affect your settlement value include: 

• The severity and extent of the dog bite injuries
• The amount of medical expenses you incur
• Whether you sustained permanent scarring or disfigurement
• How the injuries affect your lifestyle
• Available insurance policy limits
• The degree of negligence or fault attributed to liable parties

Types of Compensation for Dog Bite Claims

If you survived a dog attack, you could be entitled to money for a range of related losses. A successful dog bite claim could include compensation for:

• Medical expenses – Compensation for health care costs can include money for any immediate or future medical treatment you need, such as surgeries, rehabilitation, or psychological services.
• Lost income and earning capacity – If you cannot work due to the incident, you could claim money for lost income and benefits. Furthermore, if the dog attack leads to a long-term or permanent condition that affects your ability to work, you could get money for lost earning potential.
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional distress you suffered due to the incident.  
• Disfigurement – Compensation for permanent scarring or physical disfigurement caused by the bite.
• Loss of consortium – If your injuries affect your relationship with a partner, you could be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.
• Reduced quality of life – Dog attacks can cause limitations that can alter a person’s ability to enjoy life the way they used to. Bite injuries can also carry the risk of long-term complications, which can affect a person’s quality of life permanently. 

Dog Bite Laws in California

California is a strict liability state for dog bite injury cases. This means dog owners are liable for other people’s losses following dog bite incidents, even if their dogs haven’t bitten anyone or previously shown aggressive tendencies. An owner cannot avoid liability by claiming they did not know their dog’s dangerous propensities. However, victims must prove they were bitten while they were in public areas or lawfully in private places. Exceptions could apply in cases involving trespassing or provocation.

What Must You Show in a Dog Bite Case?

When you bring a dog bite injury case, you must prove that:

• The other party (defendant) owns or controls the dog.
• The dog bit you while you were in a public place or lawfully in a private place.
• You suffered injuries as a result of the bite.
• The dog bite directly caused your injuries.

Proving your case in a dog bite claim can be complex, especially if the dog owner is renting a residence from someone else (this has an impact on whether insurance coverage is available to compensate you), so it’s essential to consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer before agreeing to a settlement. These cases usually require strong evidence, proof of liability, and documentation of your losses, which is difficult to secure while recovering from a painful and traumatic event. A trusted personal injury lawyer can handle all these details while you rest and recuperate.

Get Help From a Sacramento Dog Bite Injury Attorney Today

Don’t let a dog bite derail your life. Reach out to the seasoned attorneys at Demas Law Group for help today. We’re here to fight tirelessly for the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.

There’s no cost for an initial case review. We will discuss your legal rights and all your options for pursuing compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer in Sacramento.