How Much Is A Dog Bite Lawsuit Worth in New York?

Curan & Ahlers
Aug 22, 2022
4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

You may think that owning a dog is like having another member of the family, but when the dog bites a human, it might feel more like having an otherworldly monster living in your home.

If you have been bitten by someone else’s dog and are seeking compensation for medical bills, costly surgeries or pain and suffering, then you may be considering filing a dog bite lawsuit. But how much is your case worth? And what factors determine the value of your claim? These are all important questions to ask before moving forward with legal action.

Fortunately, there are some clear indicators of how much a potential dog bite lawsuit is worth. It's not just about how much medical bills were or how long recovery took—although both of those factors also play a role. Here’s what you need to know about assessing your own personal situation in order to get the most from any potential settlement offer from the owner of the offending pooch.

What you should do after suffering a dog bite

If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to take care of the wound and follow-up with your doctor. Some general tips for treating a dog bite include:

Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Keep the wound covered with a bandage to protect it from dirt and bacteria.
Monitor the wound for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pain.
See your doctor if you experience redness, swelling, or pain that doesn't go away.

How much is a dog bite settlement?

A dog bite settlement can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury, the circumstances surrounding the attack, and the liability of the dog’s owner. In general, a fair settlement should cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and any long-term effects of the injury. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in New York, it’s essential to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to assess your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Some factors that may affect a dog bite settlement include:

The age and health of the person who was bitten
The breed and size of the dog
Where the bite occurred (home, public setting, etc.)

The amount of a dog bite settlement can vary widely, so it is important to speak with a lawyer if you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and can guide you through the process of filing a claim.

The settlement amount for a dog bite claim varies based on the specifics of the case, including the nature of the injury and the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to the World Animal Foundation, the average cost per dog bite claim is $58,545.

How much can I sue for a dog bite?

The amount you can sue for after a dog bite injury depends on several factors, including the severity of the bite, medical treatment required, and whether the dog has a known history of aggression. In New York, dog bite injuries are taken seriously, and courts often hold owners liable for the damage their pets cause.

Settlements may include compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Long-term trauma or disfigurement

In more severe cases, damages may exceed $1 million, particularly if the bite required surgery, led to permanent scarring, or involved a child.

If the dog had a prior history of biting or was classified as dangerous, the legal consequences for the owner may be more severe. This can strengthen your case and potentially increase your settlement amount.

To determine what your dog bite case might be worth, speak with a qualified personal injury lawyer who can evaluate the details of your claim and guide you through your legal options.

What is a typical dog bite lawsuit payout?

A dog bite case can have many outcomes depending on many factors, but what is a typical dog bite lawsuit payout?

Well, a typical dog bite lawsuit payout is anywhere from $60,000 to $120,000. This is what a jury would likely award if they were to find in favor of the plaintiff in a dog bite case.

But these numbers reflect only the amount of money that is being awarded to the plaintiff. The court would also order the owner of the dog to take out an insurance policy with a limit (high limit) of $300,000. If anything higher than $60,000 was awarded to the plaintiff, then the insurance company would be responsible for paying the remainder up to $300,000.

Why you need a dog bite lawyer

One of the most frightening situations that can occur is being bitten by a dog. Dog bite injuries can cause serious and life-changing injuries and can result in significant medical bills, time off work, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for your expenses and losses. A dog bite lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

A dog bite lawyer can help you with all aspects of your case, including filing suit against the dog's owner or keeper, negotiating a settlement with them, and representing you in court if necessary. A qualified attorney can answer your questions about your rights as a dog bite victim and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you are in need of a dog bite attorney, contact Curan & Ahlers today for a free case consultation.

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