If you have suffered a dog bite, you may be entitled to receive legal compensation. Damages awarded will depend on the alleged provocation of the dog’s attack and the severity of the bite. Other considerations may include the extent of psychological damage or pain and suffering, long-term rehabilitation, and loss of enjoyment of life. An attorney can assist you with pursuing a dog bite claim. The following tips can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Damages are proportionate to the alleged provocation
The damages awarded in a dog bite case are divided into two categories: economic and non-economic. Damages are proportionate to the level of alleged provocation. The defendant’s negligence may be defended by claiming the victim provoked the animal. Provocation includes taunting, hitting, chasing, and aggressively playing with the dog. This may constitute provocation, and the defendant can avoid liability for the dog bite by demonstrating that they were the aggressor in the incident.
While the victim has to prove that they were not the aggressor, the jury found that the dog’s barking during the verbal dispute constituted sufficient notice of the attack. Dog barking can send many different messages and was sufficient to cause a dog bite. However, the jury found that the dog owner was partially to blame for the attack by failing to follow the warning signs.
Psychological damages
Although the physical injuries that result from a dog attack are obvious, the mental suffering that occurs as a result of the dog attack is just as significant. Besides the emotional trauma of the attack, victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, and depression. Such damages can be compensated under certain circumstances. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog attack, contact the Harold J. Gerr Law Offices to discuss the legal options.
A dog attack can cause a traumatic experience, not only for the victim, but for the entire family. Oftentimes, the victim will experience emotional distress and physical pain for years to come. These damages may lead to extensive medical treatment and even new fears about animals. Furthermore, the victim may experience post-traumatic stress disorder, which can lead to further emotional distress. Psychological damages from dog bite legal compensation may be helpful in these situations.
Pain and suffering
The financial and emotional consequences of a dog attack can be devastating. Not only is the victim physically weakened, but his or her psychological state is also impacted. The trauma from the attack can cause debilitating fear of dogs, insomnia, and PTSD. In some cases, the victim may be entitled to pain and suffering awards in the future. Listed below are some common damages that may be covered by a dog bite legal compensation award.
General damages for dog attacks are also possible. In Virginia, the average settlement amount is $50,000, but the damages may exceed that amount. This is due to the fact that the severity of the injury can impact the value of the damages. Besides medical expenses, victims may also be entitled to mental anguish and pain. Typically, general damages are determined using a multiplier method: the total of special damages is multiplied by a number between 1.5 and five. This multiplier may be lower for minor injuries, but for more serious dog attacks, the multiplier may be as high as four or five.
Long-term rehabilitation
Aside from monetary damages, a dog attack can result in emotional scarring. Many victims develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after the attack. The psychological aftermath can cause chronic anxiety and depression, as well as a fear of dogs and being in social situations. If these consequences are severe, a dog bite victim may be entitled to long-term rehabilitation. A qualified attorney can help determine the compensation you should receive for your injuries.
If your dog attack resulted in serious injury, you may be able to recover financial compensation for future medical expenses. In extreme cases, dog bites can result in amputation and permanent scarring. Furthermore, the dog owner may be held liable for ongoing care and rehabilitation. In such cases, a Billings personal injury lawyer dog bite attorney can also file a wrongful death claim. This lawsuit may result in compensation for funeral costs, and in some cases, even a wrongful death claim.
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