What damages can I recover in a dog bite case?

A common question posed by dog owners to personal injury lawyers include “What are my possible liabilities regarding dog bites?” In essence, the dog owner liability for damages caused in a dog bite attack will be based on the extent and amount of damages a victim can recover, under law, for the damages sustained during and following the attack.

In a dog bite case, if applicable based on the specific events of a given dog bite case; a dog bite victim is likely legally entitled to the following damages, including:

• Economic damages, including costs related to medical treatment, rehabilitative care, lost income, and other costs incurred as the result of the dog bite attack. These items, specific to dog bite attacks, may include costs of fencing a yard, costs of reconstructive surgery, costs of psychological treatment, and others.

• Non-economic damages, including claims for pain, suffering, disfigurement, scarring, emotional distress, psychological trauma (PTSD and others), and lowered quality of life, among others.

• Punitive damages, which may be assessed in cases involving reckless or wanton negligence exhibited by a dog owner, which ultimately facilitated the dog bite attack.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that damage assessments are subject to the amount of fault present in a given case. Especially in dog bite cases, dog owners may not necessarily be entirely liable for damages caused by their animals. For more information about your specific legal rights and options in light of your personal injury case involving dog bites, it will be important to consult with a personal injury lawyer in your state of residence.