Dog Bite Lawsuit Settlement Basics

The expense and risk of a dog bite lawsuit give both parties reasons to consider settlement. The dog owner can avoid the risk that a jury might award a large judgment to the victim and the person who was bitten may need to receive compensation quickly to cover the costs of medical care.

Additionally, both parties can save time and money by avoiding the costs and delays of litigation. Whether a settlement is right for you depends on the facts of your individual situation. The following article reviews the basic points involved in most dog bite injury lawsuits.

Dog Bite Settlement Amounts

The amount of damages is the most common sticking point in dog bite lawsuit settlements. Two kinds of compensatory damages are typically claimed by the plaintiff:

• Special Damages are economic losses that are directly related to the dog bite and are easily quantifiable, such as the cost of stitches or surgery for the bite.
• General Damages are claims for noneconomic injuries directly related to the dog bite such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or disfigurement.

An agreement on special damages is most easily reached where the injured party can produce documentation of all of their expenses and evidence clearly connecting the treatment or expense to the dog bite incident.

General Damages Calculations for a Dog Bite

General damages are more difficult to quantify and more frequently disputed. There are many proposed systems for estimating the appropriate amount of general damages. Claims calculators and other damages estimates typically apply one or more multipliers to the amount of special damages arising from the dog bite, with higher multipliers applied where there are aggravating factors.

However, the accuracy of these claims calculators may be questionable. Subjective factors can heavily influence the amount that might be claimed or awarded. A person who had previously suffered a dog attack might be more emotionally distressed than someone else and similar injuries may cause very different levels of pain and suffering to different people.

Other Dog Bite Injury Factors Influencing Damages

Other factors that also impact the parties' willingness to agree to a dog bite lawsuit settlement amount. Insurance coverage limits may restrict the amount a plaintiff can claim or expect to collect. The damages awards previously given within the local area often influence damage awards.

Rural juries may offer smaller amounts for a dog bite than those in suburban or urban courts. Highly publicized dog attacks can also raise dog bite lawsuit settlement amounts since juries exposed to those stories are likely to penalize an owner more seriously.

A close examination of your situation will provide a much more reliable estimate of a dog bite lawsuit settlement amount.

Get an Attorney's Help With a Dog Bite Lawsuit Settlement Claim

A dog bite lawsuit settlement can help resolve the injury in a way that is fair and efficient to both parties. However, if you haven't carefully considered all factors in your claim, it could result in an unfair outcome. Lawyers experienced in lawsuit settlements can use their experience to assess claims and negotiate settlements. Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your dog bite lawsuit and learn how they can help you reach a fair settlement.