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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.