Dog Bite Injury Compensation Amounts
Dog bite claims are some of the most painful personal injury claims that we handle at Negretti & Associates. Our clients not only suffer physical injuries, but they also endure psychological trauma. There is a real mental component to being bitten by a dog. A bite will rattle most people and make them hesitant around dogs for the rest of their lives.
As we work with clients, we’re often asked questions about dog bite injury compensation amounts. With hopes that we can offer some insight into dog bite compensation and help you be better informed going forward, we have compiled answers to this list of commonly asked questions.
That said, if you have been involved in a dog bite and you don’t find the answer to your question, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to have a one-on-one conversation about your dog bite. You can contact us online, call us at 1-833-827-3535, or send us a text. We can ensure that you are taking all the necessary steps toward getting the compensation you deserve.
What Is the Average Compensation for a Dog Bite?
Let’s debunk a myth about dog bite injury compensation amounts.
There is no “average compensation” for a dog bite claim. There is no such thing as a settlement calculator for a dog bite claim.
Saying that there is an average dog bite is like saying every dog bite is the same. It not only minimizes the bite itself, but it also puts compensation in a box. This is factually flawed logic — a way of thinking that the insurance industry would love for you to subscribe to.
You see, if you believe there is an “average,” then insurance can convince you to resolve your case for an average, which may equate to pennies on the dollar.
Remember, your dog bite is not like any other. The bite you suffered is unique. It is personal. Your compensation should be, as well.
If an attorney gives you an average, consider them average and find another one!
How Much Do Insurance Companies Pay for Dog Bites?
Rather than ask the question How much do insurance companies pay for dog bites? recast the question as How much should I be compensated in order to resolve my claim? By flipping the script, you’re putting yourself in a much stronger position.
After all, you were the one who has been bitten. You are the one who decides whether the insurance company is offering you proper compensation.
The obvious question that follows is What is proper compensation? This is where a good, experienced attorney can be an incredible resource. A good attorney will summon his or her professional experience and past successes to arrive at an idea of proper compensation.
Understanding and advising on proper dog bite injury compensation amounts is exactly what the attorneys at Negretti & Associates excel in. We have handled a lot of different types of dog bite claims. When you hire Negretti & Associates, you automatically have a competitive advantage over an insurance company. We don’t advise clients to settle a claim if we wouldn’t take the settlement ourselves.
How Likely Is It for a Dog Bite Case to Go to Trial?
Dog bite cases, and frankly all personal injury cases, are unpredictable. When you initiate a claim, there is always a possibility of trial. It would be disingenuous to tell you that there is no way your case is going to trial.
How likely is it for a dog bite case to go to trial? The likelihood is greater than zero percent. But it’s a slight number — less than 5 percent.
The important thing to remember is that, as a client of a law firm, you are in control. You have the final say in how far your case goes.
As your dog bite case develops, up until you file a lawsuit, you are in the proverbial “driver’s seat.” However, once you file a lawsuit, you lose what we call total control and you become only partially in control. That’s because you have now engaged in a legal proceeding with another party. The court oversees that proceeding and has a say in what happens with your case.
How Long Will a Dog Bite Trial Last?
If your case were to end up in trial, the complexity of your case would be one factor in determining how long your trial would last. The more complex your case is, the longer the trial might be.
However, the court has the final say on the length of your trial and will shepherd things along to ensure that both parties get equal time to present their respective cases.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Dog Bite Claim?
As discussed above, you should settle your claim when the insurance company offers you proper compensation for your dog bite. Until that time, you should not settle your claim.
In order to achieve proper a dog bite injury compensation amount, you need to offer the insurance company documented evidence of your dog bite. You have to offer the insurance company a comprehensive package of information to convince them to resolve your claim for proper compensation.
A comprehensive package is not limited solely to medical bills. It is also not just limited to photographs of your injuries.
Just as you wouldn’t make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without the bread, don’t settle your claim without fully understanding what ingredients you need to send the insurance company.
A trusted advisory board like the attorneys at Negretti & Associates can help you put together that package of information to ensure that when you decide to settle your dog bite claim, you are doing so for proper compensation.
Contact Negretti & Associates with Your Dog Bite Questions
If you have been bitten by a dog, it’s important to get medical treatment right away. After that, you’ll need to begin collecting evidence as quickly as possible.
Negretti & Associates offers a team of experienced dog bite lawyers in Arizona, California, and Colorado. Contact us so that we can evaluate your situation and help you determine if your case is worth pursuing. Call us at (602) 531-3911 in Arizona, (619) 777-3370 in California, or (720) 636-3444 in Colorado. You can also contact us online or send us a text.
