What damages can I expect to be liable for if my dog bit another person?

Dog bite lawsuits are increasing all across the United States. If your dog has bitten someone you might be wondering what damages you can expect to be liable for. In some cases, liability will be determined by individual state statutes since some states have "one bite free" rules. However, this does not relieve you of all liability.  Here are some of the damages you can expect in dog bite lawsuits.

Medical and Added Expenses

In nearly all cases, if your dog bit another person you will be liable for any medical expenses that they have incurred. This includes emergency treatment at an emergency room, follow-up care with their personal physician, and any shots or medications they may have had to get as a result of the dog bite. In addition, many dog bite lawsuits include loss of clothing, and damage to property for items like eyeglasses and footwear.

Loss of Income

Dog bite victims may be required to miss time from work. In these cases, you may be liable for compensating them for any time they missed from work. This time could be time to recuperate from the bite, time to visit a physician or other time that may be required.

Pain and Suffering

Those who have been bitten by a dog will include pain and suffering when filing dog-bite lawsuits.

You and Your dog

With more dog bites than ever resulting in dog bite lawsuits, you need to protect yourself and your dog. In some states, your dog may automatically be euthanized if you cannot prove that the dog was provoked prior to attack. Do not risk your dog and heavy financial penalties. If someone files a dog bite lawsuit against you contact an attorney.