Dog bite accident: What compensation are you entitled to?

Dogs are often considered to be man’s best friend. However, they can cause serious injuries through their bites. Dog bites can cause tetanus, rabies, scarring, and muscle damage. The medical costs accompanying a dog bite can be significant. Luckily, you don’t have to cover the costs alone.

You can file a case against the owner to recover compensation. Dog bite laws can be complex. For example, Nassau County, NY, has a one-bite rule that may exempt the owner from liability if the dog has never bitten anyone. You may need the help of Nassau county dog bite lawyers to navigate the compensation process.

Read on to learn what dog bite compensation you can receive if you’re injured.

Financial recovery after a dog bite injury

After a dog bite, it’s normal to worry about who will cover the compensation cost. The dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance is usually responsible.

Sometimes, however, the owner may not have insurance. Alternatively, the policy may not cover the total amount of the compensation. So, the owner may be personally responsible for paying compensation. Here are some common types of dog bite compensation.

Medical expenses

You may get compensation for your medical expenses. It covers doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and more. If the dog bite is severe, you may require reconstructive surgery. You can recover the cost of the procedure under medical expenses.

Ensure you safeguard any medical receipts related to the treatment you receive for a dog bite. They will help prove your treatment costs. Your medical records are also essential in the fight for compensation. They show the extent of the injuries you sustained.

Lost wages

You might have to miss work due to your dog bite injuries. If that happens, you can recover lost wages.

A dog bite can also affect your ability to work in the future. Hence you may receive compensation for the loss in earning potential.

Pain and suffering

Another type of compensation that you can recover is pain and suffering. You might experience physical and emotional distress because of the dog bite. Pain and suffering refer to compensation for such subjective losses.

Recovering compensation for pain and suffering can be complex. The reason is that it’s hard to place a dollar amount on such a subjective loss. To obtain compensation, you’ll have to show that the dog bite affected your quality of life. Witness testimonies can help you prove the impact of the injury on your everyday life.

Other than pain and suffering, there are other forms of subjective losses. They include:

• Mental anguish
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Property damage

During an attack by a dog, some of your property may get damaged. You may be able to recover compensation for such property loss. You’ll need to provide proof of the damage and the cost of repairs or replacement. Doing so will help strengthen your compensation claim.

Punitive damages

In some cases, the dog owner may be found to be particularly negligent in their actions. For example, a dog may be dangerous, and the owner knows the risk it poses to others. However, the dog owner may have let it run loose even with the knowledge of its viciousness.

In such a case, the court may award you punitive damages. The defendant pays punitive damages in addition to other compensatory damages. These damages punish the responsible party for their particularly egregious behavior. They also deter the owner and others from acting negligently in the future.

Loss of consortium

Occasionally, dog bite injuries can affect your relationship with your partner. Hence, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium. They cover the loss of companionship and intimacy you experience due to the injuries.

Final thoughts on dog bite compensation

If you get attacked by a dog and sustain injuries, you have a right to recover damages.

You can get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Knowing the damages, you’re entitled to recover will help you prepare for the claims process.