How Much Is a Dog Bite Case Worth?

• Dan T. Matrafajlo
• Tue Dec 2024
• Dog Bite,
• 0

Dog bites can leave victims with traumatic injuries and extensive medical bills. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “The average cost of a dog bite-related inpatient stay was $18,200 (table 2), about 50 percent higher than the cost of the average injury-related hospitalization ($12,100). The average length of stay was 3.3 days—more than 2 days shorter than the average injury-related hospitalization of 5.5 days.” This cost can rise dramatically in the event that surgery is required. One of the first things that victims of dog bites want to know is the value of their case.

While every case is unique, certain factors can greatly influence the settlement or verdict related to any dog bite claim. In general, dog bite victims in New Jersey may be entitled to several types of damages. This includes economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages. Recovery is also possible for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. If the actions of a dog owner were particularly egregious, a court may award a plaintiff punitive damages as a form of punishment for the defendant.

Key Factors That Will Determine the Value of a Dog Bite Case

As a general rule of thumb, the extent of a person’s physical injuries is one of the most significant factors in determining the value of any dog bite case. Cases that involve only minor scratches and small bite marks will usually result in lower settlements compared to cases that involve permanent injuries like nerve damage. Injuries that result in extensive care or long-term disability can substantially impact the value of a claim. Here are just a few related factors that can help determine case value.

• Medical Expenses: Any medical expenses related to the treatment of a dog bite will help increase the value of a case. This includes emergency room visits, follow-up care, physical therapy, medication, and psychological counseling.
• Lost Wages: Any time that a person must step away from work due to a dog bite, this may affect case value. Depending on the earning capacity of the victim, the value of those lost wages can fluctuate up or down.
• Reduced Earning Capacity: Even after a person is able to return to work, their earning capacity may be reduced. For example, a construction worker may be forced to get a different job that doesn’t pay as well due to their injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: The pain and suffering that a person endures from a dog bite are also taken into consideration. Courts may also consider the psychological trauma resulting from a dog attack in determining the value of a case.
• Insurance Coverage: Dog bite claims are typically paid through a person’s renters or homeowners insurance policy. The value of these policies will greatly impact the amount of compensation available to victims.

The damages that follow any dog bite may not be immediately obvious. This is especially true if a person needs multiple surgeries, such as skin grafts, down the line. Insurance companies are hoping that victims will accept the lowest compensation offer early on. But in far too many cases, these early offers fail to take into consideration the total physical, emotional, and financial toll of a dog bite.

Building a Strong Dog Bite Case

Even if two cases are functionally identical in terms of damages, their overall value could still be radically different. One case may involve injuries that are well documented, whereas the other does not. One case may involve a person trying to negotiate a claim for themselves, whereas a similar case involves a personal injury attorney. These distinctions can make all the difference in the world in terms of the outcome. By following the steps below, you can help build a strong case that maximizes your total compensation.

• Seek Medical Attention Early: By seeking medical attention early, you can ensure that your injuries are properly treated and documented. This evidence will be crucial in helping to resolve your claim. If you delay medical coverage (or have long gaps in treatment), insurance companies may use this to claim that you were never really that injured.
• Report the Incident: It is crucial to create as many official records of the dog bite as possible. To that end, victims should report the incident to the police or local animal control.
• Document Everything: Properly documenting all evidence related to a dog bite case is very important. This includes taking photographs, gathering witness statements, and preserving medical records.
• Consult an Experienced Attorney: A dog bite injury attorney can evaluate the facts of your case free of cost and let you know if you have a claim that can be pursued. If you do have a valid claim, they can take steps to negotiate with the insurers and file a lawsuit if necessary.

Hiring a skilled attorney is perhaps the single most important factor for increasing the value of your dog bite case. Insurance companies have a direct incentive to deny liability for any claim and pay victims the least amount of money possible. Personal injury attorneys have the exact opposite incentive. They are knowledgeable of the law and understand the tricks that insurance companies use to devalue claims.

Getting Legal Help After A Dog Bite

Dog bites remain one of the leading causes of preventable injury in the United States. According to Injury Epidemiology, “In 2018, the most recent year for which data are available, dog bites ranked as the 13th leading cause of nonfatal emergency department visits in the United States.” It is crucial that victims of these attacks take steps to preserve their rights. Any person injured in a dog attack should seek legal advice early on so that they can at least consider their legal options.

If you or someone that you care about has been injured in a dog attack, you may have legal recourse. Our team of dog bite injury lawyers at Beninato & Matrafajlo is here to help you. We care deeply that victims get all of the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. We are committed to getting justice for our clients and holding negligent dog owners accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 908-355-7100.