Dog Bite Settlement Cases

Thousands of dog bite settlement cases are filed each year when people are seriously injured in a dog attack. These attacks not only cause physical damage, but they can result in long-term emotional trauma to the victim. The majority of states throughout the U.S. hold the dog owner strictly liable for injuries whether or not the owner was actually at fault. Most compensation claims are paid by insurers under either a specific pet policy or under the homeowner’s insurance that contains coverage for liability and damage caused by domestic animals.

What Is a Settlement?

A dog bite settlement is compensation paid to a victim for any injuries and losses they sustained as a result of a dog bite. Usually the defendant’s insurance agency will try to negotiate a settlement before the case goes to court. The amount of compensation an injured person will receive in a dog bite settlement depends on the extent and severity of the injury, the amount of permanent damage or disfigurement and the effect on the individual’s ability to work.

In many cases, the amount a person is awarded is paid in a form of structured payments that can span over several years. There are other options a victim can pursue. Many reputable companies may offer to buy your settlement in exchange for a lump sum payment.

When to Take a Settlement?

Some lawyers believe a case should not settle until the person obtains substantial improvement from their injuries. An individual may decide to take a settlement in order to repay their medical bills and get on with their life.

Since most dog bite victims are children, it may not be prudent to settle right away since it can take a long time for a child’s condition to become stable. On the other hand, the child’s injuries may heal quickly, which could result in a lower settlement value. In some jurisdictions, when the victim is a child, the court will appoint a Settlement Guardian ad Litem (SGAL) to determine if the amount of the settlement is reasonable. The SGAL must conduct an investigation and compile a report containing their recommendation to either approve or reject the settlement.

How a Lawyer Can Help

The goal of the insurance company is to pay the least amount of money to a claimant. Therefore, it is important to have an experienced personal injury attorney who will work to obtain the best settlement for you. Many of these lawyers may take your case on a contingency fee basis and do not get paid until a settlement is reached.

Have a Personal Injury Case?