What Damages Can I Seek in a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

Dog bite injuries can cause more damage than some people realize. You have a right to claim compensation for the injuries and emotional trauma you have endured. While no compensation is guaranteed, it’s beneficial to see what you may get.

With the proper proof, you can work with a Sacramento dog bite lawyer to strengthen your case more. You should not be held liable for medical bills and missed time from work for damages you didn’t cause. However, you just need solid proof to back up your claim.

Statute of Limitations in California

It is advisable to promptly consult a personal injury lawyer in California who can evaluate the merits of the case within the first year. This leaves enough time to investigate, negotiate a settlement, or prepare for litigation. Allowing the two-year cutoff to sneak up could destroy any hope for recovery.

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is two years from the date of injury. This means plaintiffs have up to two years to take legal action, or they forfeit the ability to recover damages. It is important to act quickly and not let the deadline pass.

The time period starts when the dog bite occurs. If no lawsuit is commenced within the two-year timeframe, the claim expires. There are limited exceptions that could justify an extension of the limit.

Types of Potential Medical Bills

If a dog bites you, you may incur medical expenses for immediate and ongoing care. The bite may require an emergency room visit to clean the wound, get stitches, and prevent infection. You could need reconstructive surgery if the bite causes scarring or disfigurement.

After the initial treatment, you may require physical therapy and rehabilitation services over weeks or months. These services help restore function and mobility to the affected body part. Follow-up doctor visits are often needed to monitor healing and watch for complications.

In severe cases, you may be hospitalized for an extended period or need multiple surgeries over time. Disability and loss of income can occur if the injuries prevent you from working. Ongoing medical treatment and prescriptions may also be necessary.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

Dog bites often cause injuries that prevent someone from working for a period of time. You may miss work to recover from initial wounds and subsequent surgeries. Lost income from being unable to work can be recouped in a lawsuit.

Some injuries cause permanent impairments that reduce or eliminate the ability to perform certain jobs. Scarring, loss of function, or restricted mobility may limit career potential. Future earning capacity can be calculated by experts and factored into claims.

In a more severe case, you may be left completely disabled and unable to work at all. Loss of earning capacity over a lifetime can amount to substantial damages. Vocational experts can assess impairment and project the value of lost wages into the future.

Physical and Emotional Suffering

Dog bites often lead to significant pain, discomfort, and physical impairment. The initial wound can be extremely painful, especially if bones, tendons, or nerves are damaged. Recovery from surgeries and skin grafts is a long, difficult process.

Post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and fear are common emotional consequences of dog attacks. You may experience nightmares, depression, and phobias that disrupt daily functioning. Counseling and therapy may be needed to process the psychological trauma.

Disfigurement and loss of normal use of limbs can severely impact the quality of life long-term. Activities and hobbies that were once enjoyed may no longer be possible. Damages take into account past, present, and future pain and suffering.

Determining the Liable Party

The owner of the dog that bit you is usually legally responsible for the injuries and damages. Homeowners or renters insurance may provide coverage if the incident occurred on the dog owner’s property. However, some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with a history of aggression.

If the bite happened in a public place, liability may fall on a landlord, business owner, or public entity. Property owners can be sued for negligently failing to prevent a foreseeable attack. Government agencies may also be liable for incidents in public parks or facilities.

If the owner knowingly keeps an aggressive or dangerous dog, they can face civil and criminal penalties beyond damages. Special “strict liability” laws apply to owners of dogs trained to attack or fight. However, negligence must still be proven in most dog bite cases.

There Are No Damage Cap Limits in California

In California, there are no statutory caps on the amount of damages that can be awarded in a dog bite lawsuit. This means plaintiffs can recover potential full compensation for their injuries without any arbitrary limits imposed. Defendants are, therefore, exposed to substantial liability risk, which serves as motivation to take responsible precautions regarding their dogs.

Unlike some other states, California lawmakers have declined to establish damage caps that restrict the potential recovery for dog bite victims. As a result, successful plaintiffs may be awarded economic damages covering medical bills and lost wages, with no dollar limit. Compensation for noneconomic harms like pain and suffering is unrestrained.

Without damage caps in place, the financial impacts of a dog bite can be significant for defendants found liable. There is no ceiling protecting them from large verdicts reaching hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. This threat of uncapped liability furnishes incentives to carefully manage dogs in a responsible way so as to avoid harm.

Contact an Okemos Dog Bite Attorney

It is beneficial to take steps now to protect your rights. Consult an attorney as soon as possible after the incident. Our team at Triumph Law can evaluate your case and options for seeking fair compensation.

Waiting or struggling alone simply adds further hardship. An attorney can handle communications, negotiations, and filings while you focus on healing. Reach out today for a free consultation to discuss what can be done and take back control after an unfortunate animal attack.