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April 17, 2023 - Dog Injuries

Unleashing the Truth: Understanding Dog Bite Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Dog attacks and dog bites can cause immense physical, financial, and emotional losses that often support large settlements. While there is no way to put a final number on how much a dog bite case will settle for, better understanding the ins and outs of these cases will give you a far better idea of what your claim is likely to settle for. If someone else’s dog leaves you or someone you love injured, an experienced New Jersey dog bite attorney is standing by to help.

 

The Cost of Dog Bites: A Comprehensive Look at Settlement Amounts for Lawsuits

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the State of New Jersey was ranked in the top 10 when it comes to the estimated number of dog bite claims and their cost in 2022. Consider the following statistics shared:

 

  • There were 550 dog bite claims in New Jersey.
  • The average cost of these claims was $74,837.
  • The total value of these claims was $41.2 million.

 

As medical costs continue to rise, so too do the corresponding settlement averages. It’s important to also note that because these values are averages, some claims settle for less and many claims settle for much more. 

 

Claim Coverage

Dog bite claims are generally filed with the dog owner’s homeowner, renter, condo, or co-op insurance. Other possibilities, however, can include the following:

 

  • The dog owner’s mobile homeowner’s insurance 
  • The dog owner’s landlord’s insurance
  • The dog owner’s car insurance 
  • The dog owner’s canine liability coverage 
  • The dog owner’s general liability coverage or umbrella insurance policy 

 

Regardless of the circumstances involved in your claim, your dedicated dog bite attorney will explore all the possibilities in terms of which coverage applies and how best to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.  

 

Our Cases

Some of the results we’ve fought for and obtained for our valued clients at The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer include the following:

 

  • $900,000 for a boy attacked by a husky 
  • $450,000 for an HVAC service provider who suffered serious back injuries as a result of a dog attack
  • $300,000 for a teenage girl who suffered facial injuries and permanent scarring when attacked by a mixed-breed pit bull
  • $275,000 for a young woman who suffered calf wounds and permanent scarring from the bite of a rottweiler

 

Factors That Affect Dog Bite Settlements: Understanding How the Law Determines Damages

A wide range of factors will guide how your dog bite claim is settled. Every dog bite settlement is based on the losses the claimant suffers as a result of being attacked by the defendant’s dog. These losses are called legal damages, and In the State of New Jersey, claimants can seek compensation for losses that fall into several primary categories. 

 

Medical Expenses

When a dog bites into the flesh of a victim, they tear and gnash at the skin and underlying tissue, which leaves a jagged, smashed wound that is highly prone to infection, is very slow to heal, and is very likely to leave serious scars. When the bite is on the victim’s hand or another jointed area, the damage can be that much more challenging to recover from, and when the victim’s face is affected, it can lead to permanent disfigurement. 

 

The medical expenses related to a serious dog bite can be extensive and may include costs associated with long-term care related to secondary health concerns and injury complications. When joint damage is involved, ongoing physical and occupational therapy, along with multiple surgeries, are often required. 

 

Lost Income

Recovery after a serious dog bite can be slow going, and it can keep victims off the job, which – in turn – can drastically reduce their earnings. If the injury disrupts the claimant’s ability to continue developing their career or interferes with their earning potential, the related financial losses are that much more serious. When a victim’s career is negatively impacted, there are also emotional consequences to be considered. 

 

Pain and Suffering

It is difficult to accurately describe the pain and suffering associated with being attacked by someone else’s dog. When aroused to aggression, dogs can be vicious, and humans are especially vulnerable to their attack. As such, the physical and emotional pain and suffering experienced by victims can lead to PTSD-like symptoms that can hinder a victim’s overall recovery. 

 

Each of these categories of loss must be carefully assessed in order to obtain fair compensation that covers your complete damages. 

 

When to Seek Legal Action: How to Determine Whether a Dog Bite Case Is Worth Pursuing

Many people who’ve been harmed by the aggression of someone else’s dog are hesitant to reach out for legal guidance because they’re not sure where the legal line is drawn. While some states do implement a so-called one-bite law that affords dog owners the benefit of the doubt regarding a pet’s first offense, this is not the case in New Jersey. 

 

Even if the bite you suffer is the animal’s first show of aggression, your case is worth pursuing if you experience related medical expenses or lost earnings – and attendant pain and suffering – as a result. Your case is important, and your legal rights matter. 

 

Because your losses are all too real, reaching out for the legal guidance of a seasoned dog bite lawyer is always well advised. Only if you were trespassing on the property where you were attacked by the dog or if you directly provoked the animal are you barred from obtaining just compensation – and these caveats rarely apply. Discussing your claim with a knowledgeable dog bite attorney soon after the attack is the surest way of determining if you have a viable claim. 

 

Maximizing Compensation: Tips for Navigating Dog Bite Lawsuits and Settlement Negotiations

On the path toward reaching a fair settlement, there are several steps you can take to help protect your claim and your health:

 

  • Focus on your health, by seeking the immediate medical attention that you need and by carefully following your medical team’s instructions and advice. 
  • Seek professional legal guidance as early in the process as you can. 
  • Keep in mind that the insurance company handling your claim is intent on keeping your settlement as low as possible by all available means, and skip providing them with a statement, which can be misinterpreted and used against you. 
  • Stay off social media while your claim is pending for the same reason. 

 

While you tend to your recovery, allow your dog bite lawyer to effectively and efficiently guide your claim forward.

 

Evidence in Your Claim

The success of your dog bite claim will hinge on the strength of your evidence, which you will look to your dog bite lawyer to carefully gather and skillfully compile. Such evidence can include all the following:

 

  • Your medical records, which support the extent of your current medical costs and the potential need for future related expenses 
  • Your doctor’s analysis of your current condition and prognosis 
  • Your pay records, which indicate the extent of the financial losses you have experienced
  • Any police reports generated
  • The testimony of eyewitnesses at the scene of the attack
  • Any videos or photos taken at the scene of the attack
  • Photos of your bite wounds
  • The testimony of those you know well – in relation to how the dog attack has affected you both physically and emotionally
  • The testimony of those with expertise in dog bite injuries and dog attacks

 

Your Attorney’s Role

Having a seasoned dog bite attorney in your corner can make a vast difference in the outcome of your claim. Your skilled legal counsel will ably take on all the following primary roles:

 

  • Helping you understand and successfully negotiate the dog bite claims process – and helping to ensure that you make well-informed decisions that protect your legal rights along the way
  • Gathering and crafting all the available evidence into a claim that proves the dog owner’s liability in the matter and that clearly identifies each category of covered loss you experience – in its entirety.
  • Communicating with the involved insurance company on your behalf – ensuring that you will not need to
  • Knowledgeably negotiating with the insurance company for a settlement that provides you with the compensation you need to regain your physical and emotional health and well-being to the extent possible.
  • Being well prepared to take your claim to court in the event that the involved insurance company refuses to engage in fair negotiations that honor your legal rights  

 

Discuss Your Claim with an Experienced New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Living through an attack by a ferocious dog is terrifying, and the legal damages you incur can feel insurmountable. Fortunately, the law is on your side, and with the skilled legal guidance of a formidable dog bite lawyer like David J. Cowhey at The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer in your corner, you’ll be in a much better position to defend your rights and go after just compensation that allows you to recover as fully as possible. 

 

We have extensive experience with dog bite cases – they’re all we do – so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at (866) 259-4377 for more information about how we can help you today.

 

  • The Cost of Dog Bites: A Comprehensive Look at Settlement Amounts for Lawsuits
  • Factors That Affect Dog Bite Settlements: Understanding How the Law Determines Damages
  • When to Seek Legal Action: How to Determine Whether a Dog Bite Case Is Worth Pursuing
  • Maximizing Compensation: Tips for Navigating Dog Bite Lawsuits and Settlement Negotiations
  • Discuss Your Claim with an Experienced New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer Today

I’ve been bitten by a dog

Talk to The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, New Jersey's most experienced and successful dog bite attorney.

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# (609) 513-0627

Dave was awesome helping me through the nightmare world of insurance claims after my daughter was attacked by a neighbors dog. Dave is very friendly, always available and extremally knowledgeable and connected to this process. I highly recommend you call him about your case,

John L.

David Cowhey, Esq. did a great job for my daughter, who had been bit by a dog and left with a scar on her leg. He is an extremely competent and responsive attorney. The whole process was very easy and he negotiated a great settlement! We are very happy. Highly recommend his professional services!!

J S

My experience with David Cowhey was amazing, he is a very knowledgeable and helpful lawyer. I got bit by a dog and it left a very noticeable scar on my leg and David was great to have on my side. He’s very easy to work with, would definitely recommend if you’re going through the same thing!

Michaela S.

Dave is so professional. My daughter was 6 when she was attacked by a friend of the family dog. I contacted Dave’s office and spoke with his secretary. She was so friendly and asked questions that made me feel comfortable. I was amazed by how fast the service was and everything was easy to understand. Dave made sure my daughter was compensated for her injuries and along with pain & suffering. There couldn’t be a more perfect choice but that’s because God helped me choose this great lawyer! He did an excellent job!!! She is 7 now and We are now able to move on better because of the help of Dave. Pick this lawyer!! I PROMISE YOU WONT REGRET ANYTHING AT ALL‼️ Thank you Dave!

Nieja M,

My entire experience with Dave and his team was 5 stars. They specialize in one thing, and this experience taught me why you want an attorney who specializes. Dave's knowledge, experience, and confidence is what made things go smoothly and quickly. Professional and quick responses always. If someone was bitten by a dog I recommend this guy, he will get you what you deserve.

Morgan K.

My wife got bit by a dog last spring; she immediately received medical care and we made a police report- all within 2 hours. Shortly thereafter, we decided to choose Attorney David to represent her. He walked us through the process. It is much more comfortable knowing that his practice only involves dog bites. He knows his stuff! We have just received notice that a fair settlement has been reached. If you have been bitten by a dog, my wife and I would highly recommend David Cowhey for an attorney. Thank you to David and his professional staff!

David D.

My 8 year old son was bitten by a neighborhood dog, leaving permanent scars on his abdomen. I immediately contacted David Cowhey. He explained the process very clearly and made it very easy for us to come to a fair settlement for my son. He was a perfect advocate for us, and he is very compassionate for the victim. We are very pleased with the hard work David has done for our son.

Stephanie D.

Lawyer Dave Cowhey (& his office) helped my wife, son and me immensely over the past 15 months. He is tremendously professional, responsive and proactive, as well as being, a great attorney. Thanks to Dave, we are now able to put our 'incident' behind us. I highly recommend his services - he will work hard and long for you to get you the settlement you deserve.

Seth K G

My experience with Dave and his law firm was wonderful. While I was nervous to start the process of something that I knew nothing about, he was extremely helpful and explained everything clearly and concisely. He answered all of my questions - day or night, weekday or weekend, and made sure I was comfortable at each step. I would highly recommend Dave and his firm!

Ariella L.

I absolutely loved my entire time of working with with Dave. He always kept my best interest in mind and made sure that I was taking care of. He was amazing at communicating all steps in the process with me, and never hesitated to answer any of my questions. Would highly recommend!

Amanda G.

Dave was extremely responsive and guided me thru the process with compassion. His specialization in dog bites really helped facilitate the process. He knows all the insurance issues and, despite the backlog of cases due to Covid, was able to settle my claim for more than we anticipated as well as earlier. I would definitely recommend Dave as I felt comfortable that I was getting the best advice every step of the way!

Kristen J.

Dave did extremely well by me and my family. He was nothing short of professional and assisted us through the entire process. I called him the day of the dog bite, and I followed his instructions to the "T". Him, and his staff, were knowledgeable on every step of the process. From medical advise, to advise on setting up our structured settlement for our child. If you need help right away, don't wait.... call him asap!!!

William W.

Dave was amazing, he handled my case with care , answered every question , email and helped me to understand the steps we needed to take. I had never dealt with a lawsuit before so of course I was nervous and thought I was going to get ripped off but nope. He was very professional and attentive. Hope I never need him again but should I ever need a lawyer for a dog bite i'm calling him first!

Neyia W.

Dave Cowhey was amazing during our case which was very personal in the sense that involved family members. He was candid and professional and always gave us his honest opinion to all our questions and concerns. He's a family man and understands how upsetting the situations are at hand. I wish he was a lawyer for everything honestly, he was fantastic! Highly recommended Dave and his team.

Courtney R.

My one year old dog and I were viciously attacked by a pit bull. I didn’t want to file a law suit initially until I realized the severity of the injuries both mentally and physically. Most lawyers are all about the money not for the justice and compassion of the victim. I am blessed to have found David. He was our hero who understood our situation was efficient knowledgeable and above all sincerely compassionate

Karol M.

Dave was hands on and always available. Steered me through the entire process and helped cover my medical costs and compensation for my scar and injury. Went over and Beyond and made me feel at ease and confident in a positive outcome. Would recommend to all.

COACH B

Honest, fast, responsive and professional. Great experience working with Mr. Cowhey and I highly recommend to handle any dog bite case.

Lilian P.

We contacted Dave when our 5 year old son was attacked by our neighbor's dog, resulting in deep wounds (and now scars) on his face and arm. Dave was extremely knowledgeable/helpful from the start, explaining how everything would work, and he was always available via phone/text if we had questions come up throughout the process. He always gave us all of the options/routes we could take and let us decide what was the best move for our family. He advocated for the best outcome for our son and always kept us in the loop. We were able to settle in a friendly hearing with the homeowner-insurance company, which was simple and straightforward, thanks to all of Dave's hard work behind-the-scenes. We definitely could not have navigated this process ourselves and we are very thankful for the help of Dave and his team!

Elisa H.

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I’ve been bitten by a dog

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or call us at

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