What Damages Can You Pursue After A Dog Bite?

For most individuals, dogs are loyal and loving pets that provide irreplaceable companionship. But that is not a reason to forget how dangerous dogs can be, especially when provoked or not adequately trained.



If you have been a victim of a dog bite on another person's property, when on the road, or when walking by a neighborhood, you can file a claim and seek compensation for the injuries and damages you have suffered. Discover more about dog bite damage and how to prove your case.

What Are the Possible Damages of a Dog Bite Injury?

A dog bite victim can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are financial losses associated with the injury, while non-economic damages refer to pain and suffering, mental anguish, or emotional distress caused by the incident. Here are some damages to pursue.

Medical Bills

Medical bills are the money you have already paid for medical care and treatment or what you will pay for continuing medical care. The amount may include hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medication, and rehabilitation if necessary to treat your injury.

Depending on the severity of the injury, you may be hospitalized for further monitoring. For instance, if you sustain fractures, tendons, and ligament damage, you may need corrective surgery or lengthy physical rehabilitation.

Medical bill compensation comes in handy in such cases. You can use the money to cover medical expenses before, during, and after treatment, including doctor visits, medications, or physical therapy.

Lost Wages

If you have had to miss work due to injuries sustained from a dog bite attack, you may be eligible for lost wage compensation. The ideal amount, in this case, depends on the total number of hours you have missed, your current wage rate, and any other income-related benefits you receive.

Lost wage compensation can also include payments for any work-related opportunities missed due to medical treatment and recovery from the dog bite attack. For instance, suppose the dog bite affects your ability to return to your previous job, forcing you to settle for a less-paying job. The difference in your new and old wages is the amount to include in your lost wages claim.

Pain and Suffering

This damage entails the emotional and physical distress caused by the attack. The dog bite victim may suffer from fear, shock, anxiety, and depression.

However, proving pain and suffering is tricky since you cannot quickly put an exact amount on the distress caused by a dog bite. The ideal way to go about it is to get a report from a therapist or psychiatrist detailing the victim's mental state before and after the attack.

You may also journal your feelings and document any physical pain suffered. This tip helps provide evidence of the emotional distress caused by the attack when seeking compensation.

Your friends and relatives may also attest to the victim's emotional state before and after the attack.

Scarring

Depending on the severity of the bite, you may be left with permanent scarring or disfigurement. Scar compensation provides a reasonable amount of money for the physical discomfort and stress caused by physical disfigurement.

The amount awarded in this case depends on the location of the scar, its size, shape, and visibility when exposed to public view.

The moment after a dog bite attack is traumatic and confusing. However, knowing what damages to pursue will provide the financial stability you need during recovery.

However, the success of your claim depends on your ability to prove the damages. Seek legal advice from reputed personal injury attorneys to discuss the possible compensation. The lawyer will help you gather evidence, file the paperwork and negotiate a fair settlement with the dog owner's insurance company.

Smith Morgan, LLP, has experienced personal injury attorneys for legal advice and presentation after a dog bite. Contact us for a consultation.