The total amount paid out in our state alone was $4.8 million, which reduces the average dog bite settlement in our area to $30,434. The Top 10 States at a Glance California: 383 claims/ $47,781 avg. payout Illinois: 338 claims/ $33,136 avg. payout
How much is the average dog bite settlement?
Even still, they do process claims all over the country, so the information is relevant. According to their totals, the average dog bite settlement in the US is $34,839. State Farm also broke down their data regarding which states had the highest number of claims.
Can a dog bite case be settled out of court?
However, most cases involving dog bites resolve out of court with a handsome settlement. If the insurance company doesn't offer the victim enough money, then the victim is allowed to file a lawsuit to get what they believe they deserve. Sometimes, the length of a case can also depend on the quality of the attorney hired.
What are the damages in a dog bite case?
Plaintiff sustained bites to her legs and hands, and post-traumatic stress. $47,000 in medicals, $130,000 future lost income. Punitive damages against defendants. Defense argued plaintiff exaggerating injuries and no evidence of prior dangerous nature of dogs.
How much does renters insurance pay for a dog bite?
Both homeowners insurance and renters insurance can manage dog bite legal liability expenses. As an insurance company, they may pay up to $300,000 depending on liability limits. As the victim sues the owner, expect the case to take a while.
How much is a dog bite worth in Illinois?
What do Illinois Dog Bite Victims Recover on Average? Illinois plaintiffs recover large sums of money for their dog bite injuries. Generally, they fetch around thirty or forty thousand dollars. This is higher on average than many other fields of personal injury litigation.
How much money can you get from a dog biting you?
On average, dog bite settlements are worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $30,000 to $50,000. Expect to get a lower offer if the injuries you sustained from the attack are relatively minor. The dog owner may offer you that kind of settlement to get out of dealing with the legal process.
How long does it take to get money from a dog bite?
In most cases, you will get compensation within 30 days after a settlement agreement or trial verdict.
Can I sue for a dog bite in Illinois?
If your animal bites someone, you could be sued in both civil and criminal court . The injured person can sue you for any money they paid for their injuries. If you knew your dog was vicious or dangerous, and you failed to keep it locked up, you might also be guilty of a felony .
What is a Level 4 dog bite?
Level 4: One-four deep punctures from a single bite and lacerations or bruising from the dog holding on or shaking. Level 5: Multiple bite incident with more than 2 Level 4 bites. Level 6: Victim death.
What can I get if a dog bites me?
Dog bites can put you at specific risk of developing rabies or tetanus infections, as well as:brain inflammation from meningitis.endocarditis, or heart infection.staph (MRSA) infection.sepsis.
Can you claim if a dog bites you?
Can I claim compensation for a dog bite? You can make a dog bite compensation claim if somebody else's dog bit you and caused you physical harm, no matter how minor. By law, the owner has a responsibility to control their dog and keep others safe from harm, whether they are at home or in public.
What should you do if your neighbor's dog bites you?
Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Dog bites, in particular, can be dangerous as they carry a high risk of infection. It is crucial to follow all your doctor's orders and save all paperwork related to your treatment. This will help document your injury as you prepare to file a claim for compensation.
How do you write a demand letter for a dog bite?
Your demand letter should include:Statement of Facts: How the dog attack happened.Liability: Why the dog owner is liable for your injuries.Injuries: The kind of injuries you suffered and how they affected you.Damages: A list of the costs for all your damages.
Does Illinois have a one bite rule?
This rule holds that an individual dog gets one bite to show that it is dangerous and the owner must take steps to control it. In other words, the dog owner is not automatically liable the first time that their dog bites someone.
Do doctors have to report dog bites in Illinois?
In fact, according to the Illinois Dog Bite Statute, anyone with knowledge of a dog bite is required to report it to the state health administrator or their representative as soon as possible.
Why do you have to wait 10 days after a dog bite?
The 10-day confinement and observation period for dogs and cats that bite humans has stood the test of time as a way to prevent human rabies. This quarantine period avoids the need to destroy the biting dog or cat in order to test its brain for the rabies virus.
What happens if my dog bites someone in Colorado?
Colorado Revised Statute 13-21-124 covers dog bites and states that a dog's owner (not a walker or handler, mind you – just the owner) may be held responsible for any injuries if: The dog bites a person who was lawfully on the owner's public or private property at the time of the bite; and.
What is the average settlement for a dog bite in California?
In 2021, California ranked first in the nation as having the most dog bite claims (at 2,026 claims) and the highest average dog bite settlement at $59,561 per claim. Last year, insurance companies paid out more than $120.7 million in dog bite claims in California alone, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
What is the dog bite law in California?
California Dog Bite Law: Civil Code § 3342 According to California Law, Section 3342, the dog owner is liable for the damages it causes a victim who is bitten by the dog. The dog bite can occur in a public or private place, including the dog owner's property.
What happens if my dog bites someone in Florida?
Florida is a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bites, which means that the dog owner will be held liable if his or her dog bites another person, regardless of whether the dog owner had prior knowledge or warning that the dog could potentially bite.
How long does it take to file a dog bite claim in Illinois?
Each state has varying time limitations. The statute of limitations for dog attacks in Illinois is two years. The two-year time frame starts on the day of the injury. Anyone who wishes to seek compensation for their injuries must either settle their claim or file the case in court before the two-year period lapses. Missing the statute of limitations means that the plaintiff, no matter how severe his or her injuries or amount of financial losses, cannot recover anything from the parties responsible.
How to contact an Illinois dog bite lawyer?
Our Illinois dog bite lawyers are available 24/7 to discuss your claim. Call us at 312-422-0500 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation during which we will discuss the potential value of your Illinois dog bite claim, what your rights are and how our firm will fight aggressively to protect your rights. Call right now to make sure you receive the full amount of financial compensation possible.
How long does it take for a dog bite to get infected?
Infections will not necessarily appear immediately. Depending on the strain of bacteria that infects the wound, the incubation period could be as long as five to eight days.
What is proximate cause in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, proximate cause is the mechanism that caused an injury in the natural course of the event. Proximate cause breaks down into two parts, one factual and one legal. The factual component is the “but for” test. The legal component questions whether the injuries were foreseeable. Interestingly, the victim need not prove that the dog owner subjectively could foresee the injury. Rather the question is whether a reasonable person could foresee the injuries.
What is a vicious dog in Illinois?
A vicious dog is one that attacked a person and caused serious injuries or killed someone, or has been declared a dangerous dog on three occasions.
What happens if a dog threatens an attack?
Thus, if a dog threatens an attack and the victim trips and consequently falls on a defect in the sidewalk attempting to escape from the dog, then the dog owner is liable for any injury, such as a broken arm, that happened while the victim tried to flee from the imminent attack. In this hypothetical scenario, the dog owner is liable for damages related to the broken arm such as medical bills, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering because “but for” the threatened attack, the victim might not have fallen. Additionally, it is foreseeable that a person would fall trying to escape from the dog. Conversely, the dog owner might not be liable for damages if the victim suffered additional injuries in a car accident caused by a someone who ran a red light while on the way to the hospital for treatment of the broken arm because the subsequent car accident is not foreseeable.
Why are pit bulls called vicious dogs?
Pit bulls have a reputation for being vicious attack dogs. The breed’s reputation is well-deserved. While some pit bull advocates argue that pit bulls are a product of their training, even the well-trained and mild-mannered pit bulls can launch an attack at any time. The breed was genetically bred to fight to the death in a pit, hence the name.
How much does insurance pay for dog bites?
Both homeowners insurance and renters insurance can manage dog bite legal liability expenses. As an insurance company, they may pay up to $300,000 depending on liability limits. As the victim sues the owner, expect the case to take a while.
How Much Can the Victim Earn From a Dog Bite?
As stated earlier, the average earnings for a claim related to a dog bite is $44,760. As this is the average, a victim can earn more or less money depending on how strong their case is. If the injury sustained from the dog bite is severe and affects the general quality of life of the victim, then they may be able to earn significantly more. Likewise, minor cases may settle for $10,000 in a small claims court. As with all elements of the legal system, the victim needs to prove that the owner did not correctly stop their dog from biting. Therefore, even if everything is 100% true, if there's zero evidence of the incident occurring, the victim is highly unlikely to earn anything.
How long can you sue someone for a dog bite in Ohio?
The laws cannot be complicated to understand thoroughly, so it's best if the victim sought out an attorney. In some situations, the client can only have a year to file a case.
How long does it take to get a dog bite case settled?
Instead, it can take several months, typically six months if the goal is to see a jury. In more populated areas, this can take up to two years. Factors relevant to the case, such as recovery time and the severity of the dog bite can influence the length of a case. If it's excruciatingly minor, it may even be thrown out of court. However, most cases involving dog bites resolve out of court with a handsome settlement. If the insurance company doesn't offer the victim enough money, then the victim is allowed to file a lawsuit to get what they believe they deserve.
How many dog bites were there in 1994?
A study by the CDC found that nearly 4.7M dog bites occurred in 1994, so these injuries are relatively commonplace.
What to do if you get bitten by a dog?
After getting away from the dog, the victim needs to identify both the dog and its master. Ideally, the victim calls 911 to report the incident (documentation is crucial to build a legitimate case). After doing so, the victim needs to be away from the dog to not get attacked again. The dog owner should exchange necessary information with the victim. If there are witnesses, they may also exchange contact info. Contacting animal control may be needed for some situations.
What to do if you get a dog bite?
One of the most vital actions to take is hiring a specialized lawyer that focuses on dog bites. Dog bite injuries are a different subject matter compared to assault, battery, murder, etc., so there are different attorneys that specialize in these various subjects. Ideally, a person finds a lawyer that knows how to deal with varying types of insurance. Beyond homeowner and renters insurance, health insurance can also help cover some medical bills. A personal injury attorney can work in some scenarios, but typically it's better to get a lawyer specialized in dog bite injuries.
How can The Kryder Law Group and its Illinois Dog Bite lawyers can help with your injury claim?
The days and weeks after a dog or other animal attack can be chaotic. You may be in the hospital, out of work and have medical bills piling up. You may find that so much has changed in a short time that you do not know where to start first. Having the proper guidance is very important.
How to get a copy of a dog bite report?
To obtain a copy of this report, you will have to submit a request under the Freedom of Information Act, commonly known as a FOIA request. The county where the incident occurred will maintain the dog bite record.
What should I do if I’m bitten by a dangerous dog?
The first thing you should do following a dog bite is call 911. It is important that you contact the police to assist you in exchanging information with the dog owner, as well as generating an incident report. This will allow the authorities to contact Animal Control and report the bites.
Who is at greater risk of being a victim of a dog bite?
The statistics suggest that children are at a greater risk of being involved in a serious animal attack incident. Many of the bite wound cases handled by The Kryder Law Group have involved minor children. Adults are generally more aware of the dangers an unfamiliar dog presents. Adults generally approach dogs with more caution.
What is the scarring of a dog bite?
Disfigurement is what sets dog bite cases apart. Dog bites can cause scarring of tissue that is many times worse than any other recoverable item in a lawsuit. Severe bites by larger dogs can tear flesh and leave extensive scarring. Many wounds caused by dogs are difficult for surgeons to close because bite wounds can leave irregular patterns.
What damages can you get for a dog attack?
Under the law, you are entitled to certain types of damages beyond the base medical expenses. These damages can come in the form of lost wages as a result of seeking treatment, the intangible pain and suffering that is associated with dog attacks, and most importantly, disfigurement and scarring of tissue.
What to do if you are bitten by a dog?
Seeking care for your wounds will also document your injuries with a medical professional. This document trail is essential when presenting a dog bite claim or lawsuit. Be as detailed as possible when being evaluated by a doctor – if you are missing time from work as a result of being bitten, mention this to your doctor. If you are experiencing trauma or emotional distress as a result of being bitten, ask about counseling options.
How much did the average dog bite payout in 2003?
The Insurance Information Institute's data show that the average dog bite claim payout has been steadily on the rise. In 2003, the national average was $19,162 ( http://bit.ly/21OVQJQ ). By 2015, the number had jumped to $37,214. This is an increase of 94.2 percent. For its part, Illinois had 931 dog bite claims in 2015, a 7 percent increase from 2014. Nationally, the number of claims per year stayed relatively flat between 2003 and 2015; the net increase was - 0.8 percent.
Why are dog bites increasing?
McBride believes that the increase in bite cases is also related to increased dog density in cities and towns. While dog parks and dog beaches are a "lovely concept," they can be a hazard if you don't know how your dog will get along with others.
What breed of dog bites the most?
In fact, McBride says, the dogs that bite most often are smaller ones like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds. Smaller breeds can be very aggressive and headstrong. If they are not handled properly, they can exhibit behavior problems, she says.
What does it mean when a dog bites a human?
A dog-on-human bite is evaluated like a normal human injury. This means that non-economic damages, such as emotional distress, are also in play . On the other hand, dog-on-dog attacks are generally limited to the actual value of the harm, she says. This includes the cost of vet bills, which can be high.
Is dog bites on the rise in Illinois?
In Illinois, and nationwide, dog-bite claims are on the rise. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites and dog-related injuries accounted for more than one third of homeowner insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2015 ( http://bit.ly/21OVQJQ ). In Illinois, this is due, in part, to the Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/1, et seq.).
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite?
However, " [a]lthough on its face the Act would appear to hold any legal owner of a dog strictly liable for injuries," it does not impose strict liability on the owner. Id. at ¶ 13. A plaintiff must still show "a factual or reasonable basis for liability." Id. For example, if a dog is in the care of another person at the time it bites someone, the owner will most likely not be held liable (though the individual caring for the dog might be).
How much was the Georgia dog attack case worth?
Georgia. $72 million Inclusive of compensatory and punitive damages awarded by jury, later reduced to $36 million by Court. Inherent dangers of keeping in attack-trained dog in a residential neighborhood; Foreseeability that dog would escape and attack a child in the neighborhood.
What dog knocked down an elderly lady?
Knocked down by Golden retriever on elderly lady. Defense argued that plaintiff provoked dog to jump.
Why is it so hard to pin down average dog bite settlement amounts?
It can be difficult to pin down average dog bite settlement amounts because no two cases are ever exactly alike. We do know that the number of cases has recently dropped across the United States, but the amount that insurance companies are paying out continues to climb.
Does it matter what the settlement amount for a dog bite?
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what the average dog bite settlement amounts are, because your case will likely not fit into this mold. The courts will consider the extent of your injuries as well as how your life will be impacted going forward. An experienced attorney will be able to examine the facts of your case and give you a better understanding ...
