Can I Get Compensation for a Dog Bite?

Dog bites can result in medical expenses, time away from work, and emotional distress. However, you can get compensation for these losses. Because animals are considered property in the eyes of the law, owners are responsible for injuries their pets cause. Often, the owner’s insurance policy will cover the compensation.

An attorney experienced in handling dog bite cases will be able to assess the strength of a potential claim and protect your rights and options.

Gather Evidence of the Dog Bite Incident

The first priority after an animal bite or attack is to ensure you’re safe and seek medical care. Even if a dog bite injury doesn’t seem serious, medical attention is often necessary to avoid bacterial infections or other complications from wounds.

After ensuring your safety and well-being, here are some practical ways to gather evidence and bolster your case:

• Get the dog owner’s contact information
• Take pictures or videos of the scene to have as evidence later on
• If anyone else witnessed the incident, ask for their contact information
• Report the incident to your local animal control for an investigation and official record of the incident
• Contact a personal injury lawyer to assess your case and discuss the best strategy for pursuing compensation

Protect Your Rights After an Animal Attack

To fight for the compensation you deserve, use the Super Lawyers directory to find the top personal injury lawyers near you with a proven record of results.

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Who Is Liable for Dog Bites?

Dog owners are generally liable when their dog bites or attacks someone. “Animals are considered property under the law, so the owner of a dog — or someone who controls the dog — can be held liable for that dog’s attacks,” says Jason M. Lichtenstein, a personal injury lawyer at Edgar Snyder & Associates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Depending on state laws, dog owners may be liable in one of three ways:

1. One-bite rule. To be liable, the owner knew or should have known that the animal might act in a dangerous way based on the animal’s prior behavior or actions.
2. Strict liability. The owner is liable for injuries regardless of whether they knew their dog was dangerous.
3. Negligence. If an owner doesn’t act with reasonable care in keeping their animal contained or on a leash, they can be liable for injuries.

“The amount of recovery is often determined by the place on a person that was attacked,” says Brandy Austin, a personal injury attorney in Arlington, Texas. “A face is generally worth more than a leg, if the severity is the same.”

Animal attacks come from more than just dogs — we have been contacted for a pig attack and a cat attack. Not all are recoverable, but everyone should contact a law firm or personal injury attorney to review their case if they are attacked by someone else’s animal.

Who Pays Damages in Dog Bite Claims?

“Dog bites are usually covered under the homeowner’s insurance policy,” says Lichtenstein. “So, if a dog bites someone, they write a letter to the homeowner. The dog owner’s insurance company gets involved and conducts an investigation to determine whether the elements of the state’s dog bite law have been fulfilled.”

If the owner does not have insurance coverage, you can still pursue a personal injury case against them. As with other personal injury claims, compensation in animal bite cases can include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages from missed work
• Lost future earning capacity due to disabilities or disfigurement

Dog bite injury victims can also claim non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.

In fatal dog bite accidents, the victim’s loved ones can file a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death claim allows the estate or the family members to get compensation for the death of a loved one.

You must act within your state’s statute of limitations, which says how long you have to take legal action after an incident.

Animals are considered property under the law, so the owner of a dog or someone who controls the dog can be held liable for that dog’s attacks… Without a lawyer, you’re probably not going to be aware of dog owners’ defenses, which can wreck your case.

Settlement Offers for Dog Bite Claims

Most personal injury lawsuits involving a dog bite claim end with a settlement payout instead of going to trial. The owner of the dog or their insurance company offers a settlement amount to resolve the claim out of court.

Getting a fair settlement can help you avoid the costs, time, and stress of going to trial. Talk to your attorney about negotiating a dog bite settlement for your dog bite lawsuit.

Find an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney

Though dog bite claims are often compensated by the owner’s insurance, things don’t always go smoothly. A dog owner may not cooperate with filing a claim, or you may run into issues with the insurance provider. In other cases, you may have to pursue compensation from the owner without insurance.

In any event, it’s best to consult with a lawyer to protect your legal rights and help you get compensation. “It’s imperative for someone injured by an aggressive dog to consult with an attorney for legal advice,” says Lichtenstein. “Dog bite law is very fact-specific and can be nebulous. Without a lawyer, you’re probably not going to be aware of dog owners’ defenses, which can wreck your case.”

“Animal attacks come from more than just dogs — we have been contacted for a pig attack and a cat attack,” adds Austin. “Not all are recoverable, but everyone should contact a law firm or personal injury attorney to review their case if they are attacked by someone else’s animal.”

The good thing is that most personal injury attorneys and law firms offer free consultations and will work on a contingency fee, meaning you don’t pay upfront legal fees. Visit the Super Lawyers directory to find an experienced dog bite lawyer in your area.