Dogs are usually seen as friendly and silly companions that enjoy time with humans. However, dog bites are more common than you would think, and an agreeable dog can become dangerous in certain situations. This can leave you with emotional and physical injuries to deal with in the aftermath. A crucial aspect of the recovery process is compensation through settlement. We’ll explore various factors that come into play with dog bite injuries and what you can expect when it comes to compensation for your damages.
Levels of Dog Bites
Dog bites are categorized into increasing levels of severity using the Dr. Ian Dunbar aggression assessment scale. Gaining insight into these various levels can help with understanding potential compensation for victims of dog bites.
Level 1 Dog Bite
Level 1 dog bites do not involve a physical bite. Instead, this level is defined by aggressive or intimidating behavior such as growling or lunging with no skin contact by the dog’s teeth.
Level 2 Dog Bite
Level 2 dog bites involve skin contact by the teeth but no punctures. There may be minor surface abrasions or lacerations, but no vertical punctures should be noted.
Level 3 Dog Bite
Level 3 dog bites involve one to three punctures from a single bite that are no deeper than half the length of a dog’s canine teeth.
Level 4 Dog Bite
Level 4 dog bites involve two to four punctures from a single bite with at least one deeper than the length of the dog’s canine teeth. This type of bite may lead to bruising, tears, or slashing wounds and may involve the dog clamping down or shaking their head from side to side.
Level 5 Dog Bite
Level 5 dog bites involve multiple bites at level 4 or above. This is considered a repeat attack causing severe injuries to the victim.
Level 6 Dog Bite
Level 6 dog bites are any bites that result in death.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victim
There are various damages that you are able to be compensated for when it comes to dog bite cases. These settlements can vary depending on a variety of factors, but you will find that your attorney will aim to seek compensation for damages like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
In the past, we have obtained $300,000 for a case where a child was bitten by a neighbor’s dog, causing injuries that required multiple surgeries. Check out our results for more insight into cases we’ve won for our clients.1
- Past results obtained on behalf of clients afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.
What Affects the Average Settlement for Dog Bites?
Dog bite injury settlements can vary depending on multiple factors. Most cases will look into:
- Severity of dog bite injuries
- Impact on victim
- Medical expenses
- Liability of dog owner
- Insurance coverage
Maximizing a claim is possible when you understand the levels of dog bites and the factors that affect settlement. It is also helpful to seek legal assistance from a reputable firm. This allows you to better advocate for your rights and achieve a fair settlement for your injuries. Maximizing your compensation can happen with a strategy and a skilled team on your side. Learn more about ways to maximize your compensation in our blog post.
Trust the Team at DiPasquale Moore to Handle Your Case
The aftermath of a dog bite accident can be overwhelming especially if you are trying to focus on recovering while also dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings. The team at DiPasquale Moore is dedicated to providing compassionate and experienced legal representation to clients. Our firm has over 100 years of collective experience and will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
You can trust our team to fight for justice on your behalf. Reach out today for a free consultation and we’ll guide you through the next steps to get your life back on track.