What is the Average Settlement for a California Dog Bite Claim?

Ultimate Guide to Understanding Dog Bite Settlements

They are understanding California Settlements for Dog Attacks. Remember that no two dogs, bites, or victims are the same. The average dog bite settlement reported in the United States 2015 was $32,000. Some states are more expensive than a negligent dog owner or controller must pay. A few years later, in 2019, in California, the average dog bite payout was $51,264.60, with 2,396 reported insurance claims. This cost figure means that CA paid over $122.83 million in damages on behalf of the victims. (Source: State Farm and the Insurance Information Institute.)

The average dog bite settlement numbers for other states vary significantly, but the data trend towards larger dog bite settlements over time. For more information, contact our local dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles to learn how much you can expect for an average dog bite payout after forming an attorney-client relationship.

An Underlying Concern

We tend to think of dogs as man’s best friend. In many ways, this remains true. However, there are severe concerns about dog bites and the lack of discipline some owners instill in their pets. Poorly trained or untrained dogs can present a significant issue for owners and the general public. There are far too many dog bites and dog scratches annually. Attacks like this happen in California especially. Since the Golden State is the most populous, it has the most significant number of dog bites. Below, we will discuss some key issues surrounding a dog attack, specific dog bite cases, and how to handle dog bite claims.

By the end of the article, you will know more about the role of the dog bite victim and the dog owner, how to hire a dog bite attorney, and some critical info about dog bite settlements.

Common Issues with Dog Discipline

Dog bites happen every day. Each case is different and often requires a specialized personal injury lawyer. Furthermore, the average dog bite is still distinct from any other and sometimes results in severe issues.

First, we must understand the roles within a specific dog bite case. The dog bite victim and the dog owner often have different roles. In many cases, dog bites are caused by a lack of training and discipline. Without the proper training, the chances of a dog attacking a person increase dramatically.

Unfortunately, dog attacks are more likely to affect young people, especially children. In these dog attack cases, the injuries tend to be more severe. In some cases, they are even life-threatening. Bite victims are not all the same. However, more information is necessary to understand the role of dog owners and bite victims.

Types of Dog Bites

There are different types of dog bite attacks. Such dog bite cases are other, depending on the circumstances. Among the most common types of such dog bite cases, we have the following:

• Laceration is a common type of severe dog bite injury. It often follows a combination attack of both paws and the mouth. Such lacerations can be minor enough to cause severe blood loss and visible scarring.
• Puncture wounds: These are dangerous for a number of reasons. Puncture wounds from dog bites often break deep into the skin, causing several severe issues, including tissue damage and bleeding. In other cases, this often causes rabies and other infections that can take weeks or months to heal. In some cases, such poor health conditions can cause a risk of losing a limb.
• Rabies remains the most significant concern people have about dog bite attacks. In cases such as this, the risk of rabies cannot be intelligently dismissed. Rabies is a fatal disease that causes severe trouble. According to the CDC, immediate rabies vaccination is necessary; between one and two people die in the United States annually from the disease (Source CDC).
• Tearing Injuries are among the most concerning injuries and are more common in children. This type of injury combines the risks of the above injuries and dog bites.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to the CDC, almost five million Americans face dog bite injuries annually. About 42% of these cases are among children under 14. This severe risk of both dog attacks, multiplied by damages caused by age, is high. Furthermore, the risk for children is the reason for dog bite laws. California dog bite cases are especially concerning, especially considering the role of serious injuries.

First Steps after a Dog Bite

It would help to consider what to do after a dog bite attack. There are cases in which the dog owner is cooperative. You may likely need immediate medical aid. This fact remains mainly true whecasesnine bite case may sprebies.

If in doubt, get the rabies vaccine and get immediate care from a doctor. Contact your insurance company and learn more about the role of treatment after such a dog bite.

Medical care is evident. Waiting even a day for the proper care may be a severe issue. The risk of rabies is significant. The risk of infection is also a serious concern. The latter may not show up immediately but is far more likely if you cannot get the bite cleaned out and treated.

Do not skimp on medical care. Ensuring that you or a loved one receives the care you or they need is crucial. It will significantly affect the healing process after a dog bites. It could make a considerable difference in the case of medical bills and a personal injury lawsuit.

Contacting a Legal Expert

You may have plenty of questions in the aftermath of such an accident. This may be the first time you have faced such emotional distress or had to contact local animal control. Perhaps you are concerned about the role of the dog’s owner or medical expenses.

You may be recovering from severe injuries and handling everything while seeking medical attention and facing emotional trauma. We can help with your health insurance and other issues. All of these issues are challenging in themselves. You need to understand the entirety of personal injury lawsuits and the role of personal injury and negligence laws.

Different Factors

There are many factors at play. An attorney can determine whether further medical treatment is necessary or how to compensate victims. The correct personal injury attorney can offer a free consultation. It cannot be just any attorney.

Only specialized injury lawyers with experience in canine attacks can help you in your time of need. They will determine the limit of your injuries, including potential nerve damage or broken bones, and gather time-sensitive information.

They can determine whether or not the victim provoked the attack or the other factors’ roles.

Contact the Best California Dog Bite Attorney

If you have been reading through the role of dog, bite attorneys and how to handle dog bites, now is the time to understand what to do next. Even if you or your family are in emotional anguish, the Ehline Law Firm APLC is here to assist.

We understand the role of such attacks– including such viciousness, free case evaluations, and how much compensation you or your family may be entitled to. There are more than several factors at play.

Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys

The Ehline Law Firm will determine whether or not you have additional care through your medical insurance or existing renters insurance.

The experts can determine the exact amount of punitive damages– which only an experienced attorney can choose in a dog bite lawsuit. We have handled many such dog bite attacks in the past.

Our experience allows us to determine the dog’s viciousness, potential history of attacks, and who or what should be held strictly liable. We’ve handled many dog-bite lawsuits, and no dog bite lawsuit in California is too complex for us.

We have a combination of lawyers who can address strict liability issues and a wrongful death claim.

Understanding the Context of Dog Bite Attacks

According to California law, dog owners only have one shot to train their dogs and prevent further attacks properly. The one-bite rule is central to several major dog bite cases. In such cases, the owner’s knowledge is key to a dog bite lawsuit, which is often based on various dog bite laws.

Together, these will determine the correct amount for a dog bite settlement. The average dog bite settlement varies by state but often covers medical bills and future costs. An experienced dog bite lawyer understands dog bite cases from both the victim and the dog owner.

The Costs Caused by Dog Bite Injuries

Several factors influence the average expenses. Such costs will also affect the role of your insurance company and strict liability. In fact, in many cases, the medical costs for the average victim have to do with the severity of the injury.

In such cases, the expenses taken on by any family will vary. In some cases, the bites will require a rabies shot. In other cases, the injuries caused will cost lost wages. In others, extensive treatment and physical therapy will be needed.

Whom Do I Call After a Dog Bite Case?

If you are the victim, your first call should be to the doctor’s office. Dog owners should secure their animals, and if the owner knew the dog was dangerous, they had better get a criminal defense attorney. Victims will need to take an ambulance to the hospital in some cases. Make sure that medical professionals properly treat you or your loved one.

Your second should be a bite injury attorney whounderstands such a personal injury case and tcanrecover punitive damages. An attorney like the Ehline Law Firm APLC would be the best example. Our dog bite attorney can help get you an above-average settlement or verdict. We will fight hard until we win your case.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or want to learn more about the average dog bite payout in Los Angeles for your case, Ehline can be reached at info@ehlinelaw.com and discuss forming an attorney-client relationship for your settlement or trial. Call us today at (213) 596-9642.

Legal References: 

Insurance Information Institute –

• “Dog Bite Liability Claims By State – Interactive Map,” “Spotlight on Dog Bite Liability.” California Civil Code 3342 CC. See, for example, Borns v. Voss, 70 P.3d 262 (Wyo. 2003). See, e.g., Coutlakis v. CSX Transportation, Inc., 796 S.E.2d 556 (2017). Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal.3d 804 (1975). Florida Statutes 768.81. 735 ILCS.