How Much Can You Sue for a Dog Bite? An In-Depth Look

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that between 4.5 and 5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. each year. Roughly 800,000 of them require medical attention in the aftermath of dog bites. Consider hiring a dog bite lawyer to help you file a lawsuit after being bitten by a dog.

So, how much can you sue for a dog bite? It all depends on a handful of different factors, including everything from where you live to how serious your dog bite injuries are.

Keep reading to find out more about the key factors that will affect the amount of compensation you could potentially collect in a dog bite case.

The Dog Bite Laws in Your State

When you first find yourself wondering, “How much can you sue for a dog bite?” take a few minutes to look up the dog bite laws in your state. It might surprise you to learn that not every state takes the same approach to dog bite cases.

Some states have strict liability rules regarding dog bites. Others have one-bite rules in place.

If you live in a strict liability state, dog owners are always presumed responsible for dog bites that take place on public property. They’re also responsible for dog bites that occur on private property as long as those bitten by dogs were lawfully on the property.

Unless you provoked a dog before it bit you or trespassed on private property prior to a dog biting you, a dog’s owner will be responsible for covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with your dog bite in a strict liability state. You won’t necessarily even need to prove negligence on a dog owner’s part to collect compensation.

If you live in a one-bite state, you may have a slightly tougher time filing a lawsuit against a dog owner following a dog bite. Dog owners are only responsible for covering damages in dog bite cases in one-bite states if others prove they should have known there was a good chance their dogs might bite people.

In a case like this, you will need to show that the dog that bit you has either bitten someone else in the past or demonstrated aggression toward other people or animals. You also have the option to try to prove that a dog owner exhibited negligence on their part before your dog bite occurred. If you can’t do this, it could limit your ability to sue them and recover damages.

Another thing to remember is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in your state. You will only have a certain amount of time to take legal action against a dog’s owner after being bitten. See what this statute of limitations is in your state and avoid missing the deadline for filing a lawsuit.

The Severity of Your Dog Bite Injuries

Not all dog bites are created equal. Some dog bites cause little more than superficial cuts and scratches, while others result in facial trauma and nerve damage.

Right after a dog bite occurs, head to a local emergency room as soon as possible. Document the injuries you sustained and keep track of any medical records related to your dog bite case.

The answer to the question, “How much can you sue for a dog bite?” could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more, based on your injuries. The more serious they are, the more compensation you could collect in a dog bite case.

The Emotional Impact of Your Dog Bite Injuries

A dog bite might take a toll on more than just your physical health and finances. It also has the potential to have a huge emotional impact.

Once you’re bitten by a dog, you might struggle to stand anywhere in the general vicinity of dogs moving forward out of fear. You might also suffer from mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may have a big effect on your personal and professional life.

Outside of trying to recover economic damages during a dog bite case, you might also want to look into attempting to recover non-economic damages. These damages help account for the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

You might find that you could possibly collect more compensation in a dog bite case when these non-economic damages come into play. If a dog bite incident has turned your world upside-down, it’s an option worth considering.

The Personal Injury Lawyer You Hire

Before filing a dog bite lawsuit, you’ll need to hire a personal injury lawyer to deliver legal representation. The lawyer you choose could play a gigantic part in how much compensation you collect during your case.

Always look for a knowledgeable and experienced dog bite lawyer with a proven track record when it comes to working on cases like yours. They can put you in a better position to earn a favorable settlement or judgment in your lawsuit.

They can also answer questions like, “How much can you sue for a dog bite?” after analyzing the circumstances surrounding your case. Take your time when searching for a dog bite attorney, and locate one who instills confidence in you from the start.

Find the Right Dog Bite Attorney With the Help of Accident Hotline

After hearing about why you need a dog bite lawyer, you should have a solid understanding of what to look for. Still, it can be challenging to narrow down your options and land on a dog bite attorney you trust.

If you need assistance, Accident Hotline is always here to help. We will connect you with a local dog bite lawyer who can answer questions like, “How much can you sue for a dog bite?” They will also assist you in creating a stronger dog bite case overall.

Contact us at (844) 343-9609 to find a reliable dog bite lawyer in your city.