What Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement in California?

Few events are more traumatic than being attacked by a dangerous dog. This is particularly true when the victim is a young child. When deciding to pursue a personal injury claim against a liable dog owner, many will wonder, “What is the average dog bite settlement in California?” No matter the details of your case, an attorney can obtain maximum compensation for your suffering.

In most dog bite settlements, the amount of compensation you can seek will ultimately depend on the:

• Severity of the injuries or damages you have sustained
• Medical expenses related to the injuries
• Potential liability or negligence that the dog’s owner carries in your case

When you hire a personal injury lawyer to assist you in a dog bite claim, they can first review your case. Then, they can determine what damages are recoverable and how much your case might be worth.

Defining Dog Bites in California

According to the Wilderness Medical Society, over 4 million people will experience a dog bite every year. While many of these incidents might only cause minor scrapes and bruises, more serious dog bites can leave victims suffering severely broken bones, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and serious infections.

If you or a loved one is attacked by a dangerous dog, it can be important to note the kinds of dog bite cases that might warrant a claim. These include:

• A provoked attack. A dog bites someone in response to some kind of provocation.
• An unprovoked attack. The dog bites an individual for no apparent reason.
• Service dog attack. A service dog bites a victim.
• Owner negligence. An owner fails to secure their animal while out in public or allows the dog to roam freely outside their home. In these cases, if the dog attacks and bites an individual, the owner could be held at fault and be liable for negligence.
• Dog-on-dog attack. In some cases, one dog might attack another for no reason or without being provoked. In these cases, the owner of the dog that was attacked can pursue a negligence claim against the dangerous dog’s owner for negligence. This can recover compensation for their veterinary or animal hospital bills.

In California, the city of Los Angeles was ranked third in a list of 47 U.S. cities for dog attacks on USPS mail carriers. California law enforces strict liability on dog owners when these dogs cause damage or attack other individuals. Some of the most important state dog bite laws to understand include:

• One bite rule. Even if a dog has never demonstrated any kind of aggression or bitten anyone before, dog owners are still responsible for the dog’s first attack.
• Strictly liable. The animal’s owner is strictly liable for any bites or damages their animal causes to victims. It is important to note that the one exemption to this rule occurs in cases where the alleged victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property.

Damages Recoverable in a Dog Bite Case

In 2021, a third of all homeowner’s liability claim payouts were for dog-related injuries or damages, totaling up to $811 million. Though every dog bite case is different, when trying to determine how much your settlement might be worth, it is important to understand the kinds of compensation you could seek. The most common types of damages you can recover include:

• Medical expenses. This can include all medical costs related to the dog bite or attack, such as all emergency transportation, surgeries, treatments, medications, physical therapy, diagnostic tests, hospitalizations, and doctor visits.
• Lost income. This encompasses any wages you have lost due to having to take off work because of your injuries. It can also include any lost employment benefits and the loss of future earning capacity if your injury keeps you from returning to work.
• Pain and suffering. This can be scarring, physical pain, emotional distress, or the loss of your quality of life.

FAQs

What Should I Do After Suffering a Dog Bite Attack?

After suffering a dog bite attack in California, you can take certain steps to protect your personal health and the viability of any potential claim you may wish to pursue. First, you will want to officially report the attack to the police. Then, make sure your wound is properly taken care of by medical professionals. You will also want to take photos of your bite and fill out any required claim paperwork.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Charge in CA?

While it may prove difficult to offer an exact number as to how much a personal injury lawyer might charge for their services in California, several common variables are often taken into account when setting a fee for a personal injury case, such as a dog bite. These include the complexity and duration of your case and the skill level of your dog bite attorney.

What Does a Level 3 Dog Bite Look Like?

In California, a level 3 dog bite occurs when the animal’s teeth break the surface of your skin, leaving bloody tears or marks on your body. This can happen through a single bite or multiple bites. These are considered extremely serious cases. Although they might not cause long-term complications, they could lead to infections or diseases, which can quickly become life-threatening.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite in California?

When you suffer a dog bite attack in California, having an attorney on your side can be highly beneficial. They can make sure the liable party is held accountable for their actions. They can also obtain the full scope of compensation and justice you deserve after suffering such a traumatic situation.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in California Today

If you have been attacked by a dangerous dog in California, the team at The Law Office of Frank S. Clowney III can represent your interests. Contact our offices today to schedule your initial consultation with our attorneys and learn more about our personal injury services.