Dog attacks are often sudden and frightening to the victim. Injuries can range from small puncture wounds to horrific bites to the face. Victims are often left with permanent scarring and psychological harm. These victims have legal rights and can demand compensation.
Most states have dog bite statutes that are designed to keep the owner responsible for physical and emotional harm caused by their aggressive pet. Some states have strict liability laws, which means that the owner is automatically responsible for injuries caused by a dog bite. In addition, there are areas that require owners to leash or chain their dogs, such as public parks. The failure to properly control a dog, on public or private property, is a basis to sue for such attacks.
The resulting injuries from a dog attack can often be more than just scarring. There are cases where the victim has nerve and muscle damage to their face. An uneven smile or loss of sensation on the face is also a potential outcome of severe dog attacks.
When the dog attack leaves significant scarring, cosmetic or plastic surgery which includes dermabrasion, scar reversion, to help diminish the scarring. These procedures are often expensive and may not be covered by health insurance providers. After a procedure, victims may experience psychological pain. Many children and adolescents already deal with low self-esteem and are very conscious of their physical appearance. A scar can only worsen the young victim’s willingness to interact with friends or their respective communities.
There are a number of risks associated with dog bite procedures. Examples include anesthesia complications, additional scarring, and infections. While surgery may be needed, there is no guarantee that the procedure will completely resolve the scar. Victims should know that the aftermath of a dog bite is extensive and could last several years.
Dog bite lawsuits demand monetary compensation. The victim can obtain damages that range from mental trauma, embarrassment experienced, and bodily pain. Cases also demand money for past medical expenses and future costs of other treatment. Younger victims may also have to wait until they reach adolescence to undergo a procedure to fix a scar, so funds are set aside to cover them at a later date.
There is no exact formula to know the exact amount for a particular settlement. This is where attorneys and insurance companies take their expertise in order to properly value a case. There are instances when victims suffer extreme scarring, and the case settles for several hundred thousand dollars or higher. It is essential to choose a top-rated personal injury attorney in order to win the highest settlement from a dog bite.
Key takeaways
Dog owners should research and follow their specific state’s rules
Dog bites to the face or to children are cases that demand substantial compensation
There is no exact formula to fix a severe dog bite
