Dog bites can lead to physical scars and long-term emotional distress. In some cases, victims are left completely traumatized and have to go through extensive medical treatment. Dealing with significant medical expenses and lost wages can be extremely challenging.
Quite often, victims of dog bites may wonder about the average settlement amounts for these cases and what factors might influence their compensation. Seeking the guidance of a personal injury lawyer in Corpus Christi early on is crucial to understanding your rights when pursuing a dog bite claim.
Why Pursue a Personal Injury Claim?
Pursuing a personal injury claim after being bitten by a dog ensures that the financial burden of your recovery does not fall solely on your shoulders. Compensation can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and even counseling services to help you overcome trauma.
It is also about giving you the peace of mind needed to focus solely on improving, knowing that the financial aspects are being addressed. Essentially, a personal injury claim acts as a bridge, helping you move from the attack’s aftermath toward a place of healing and stability.
Understanding Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts
Determining an “average” settlement amount for dog bite cases is challenging due to the variability in each case. Cases involving minor injuries may result in settlements equaling a few thousand dollars.
In severe cases involving extensive medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, and significant emotional trauma, the awards provided may be in the millions.
Factors That Affect Your Dog Bite Settlement
Several key factors play a role in determining the settlement amount in a dog bite case:
1. Severity of the Injuries
The nature and extent of your injuries are among the most significant factors affecting settlement amounts. More serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment or surgery or lead to permanent disfigurement or disability often result in higher settlements.
2. Medical Costs
All medical expenses related to treating the dog bite, including emergency care, hospitalization, medications, and physical therapy, contribute to the settlement amount. Future medical costs should also be considered if ongoing treatment is necessary.
3. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If the injury forces you to miss work, leading to lost income, this loss can be included in the settlement amount. Additionally, if your injuries impact your ability to earn an income in the future, compensation can be sought for the loss of earning capacity.
4. Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages, such as loss of enjoyment of life and pain and suffering, are also compensable. These are more subjective and can vary significantly from case to case.
5. Insurance Coverage
The dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy often covers dog bite settlements. The policy limit can, therefore, be a limiting factor in the settlement amount.
In addition, if you shared any fault for the attack, determining the specific percentage of fault may prolong your case’s timeline while reducing the amount of your settlement.
Comparative Negligence in Dog Bite Cases
Due to the state’s comparative negligence laws, compensation can still be recovered in personal injury claims where victims share fault for the accident. However, the amount of fault will influence the compensation. The process of determining fault involves the following:
- Percentage of Fault: The court determines the percentage of fault for each party involved in the incident. For instance, if you were bitten by a dog but were found to be provoking the dog at the time of the bite, the court might determine that you were 30% at fault for the incident.
- Reduction in Compensation: Once fault is allocated, the total amount of damages awarded to the injured party will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
- 50% Bar Rule: Texas follows a modified form of comparative negligence known as the “50% bar rule.” This means that if you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the incident, you cannot recover compensation from the other party.
If your actions significantly contributed to the incident—such as trespassing on the dog owner’s property without permission, ignoring clear warning signs, or provoking the dog—the compensation you could receive for your injuries and losses might be substantially decreased or even completely barred.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Corpus Christi
Given how complicated it is to calculate dog bite damages and negotiate settlements, working with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Corpus Christi is essential. An experienced Corpus Christi injury attorney can play a pivotal role in several ways:
- Evaluating the Case: They can provide an informed estimate of the case’s worth based on the severity of injuries, applicable laws, and precedent cases.
- Gathering Evidence: A thorough collection of medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the injuries and the scene can strengthen your claim.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Skilled attorneys have experience dealing with insurance adjusters and can negotiate to ensure you receive a fair settlement that reflects your injuries and losses.
- Representing You in Court: Should negotiations fail to secure a fair settlement, your attorney will be ready to take your case to court, advocating fiercely on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact Our Corpus Christi Injury Attorney Today
Dog bite incidents can have lasting consequences for victims. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the average dog bite settlement amounts, understanding the factors that influence these settlements is crucial.
With the help of our knowledgeable injury lawyer in Corpus Christi, victims can navigate the legal process more effectively, ensuring they receive the compensation warranted by their injuries and suffering.
At Burkett Law Firm, we understand the traumatic nature of dog bite cases and are committed to providing compassionate, aggressive representation to help our clients secure the best possible outcomes.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, contact our Corpus Christi injury attorney today to learn how we can assist you in your recovery and legal journey.
