Dog Bite Lawyer Green Tree

Dog bite injuries can cause significant physical and emotional pain. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Green Tree, Porta-Clark & Ward Attorneys will help you hold the owner accountable and seek the compensation you deserve. Our experienced dog bite lawyers will fight for your rights every step of the way. Contact us at (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation.

What Types of Compensation Are Available for Dog Bite Injuries?

Dog bites can cause severe physical and emotional trauma, leading to medical expenses, pain, and emotional distress. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you might be facing a lengthy recovery, not to mention the costs associated with medical treatment. In some cases, a dog bite injury can even lead to permanent scarring or long-term psychological effects.

When you suffer an injury from a dog bite, understanding your legal rights is important. You may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Types of Compensation Available in Dog Bite Injury Cases

Compensation for a dog bite injury can cover various damages related to the incident. Each case is unique, and the compensation you may be eligible for will depend on the circumstances surrounding the bite. Below are the types of compensation that could apply to your case:

Medical Expenses

The most immediate and obvious form of compensation you may be entitled to is coverage for medical expenses. This includes:

Emergency room visits
Doctor’s appointments
Surgical procedures, if necessary
Medications and pain management
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Psychological counseling for trauma

Dog bites often require immediate treatment to prevent infection or further injury. In some cases, surgeries or ongoing treatment are necessary to fully heal. These costs can add up quickly. If you have to miss work or need assistance with daily activities during your recovery, medical expenses can easily become a financial burden. Pursuing compensation for these costs ensures that you are not left to pay for the damages caused by the dog bite.

Lost Wages

Dog bites may lead to time away from work, whether due to the severity of the injury, the need for recovery time, or follow-up treatments. If your injuries keep you from being able to work or reduce your earning capacity, you may be eligible for compensation to cover lost wages.

For example, if your injury prevents you from performing your job or requires you to take unpaid time off, compensation can cover the income you lost during this period. Additionally, if the injury leads to permanent disability or a reduction in your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to future lost wages.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering compensation is intended to compensate the injured party for the physical and emotional pain they’ve endured due to the dog bite. While medical bills and lost wages are tangible damages, pain and suffering address the intangible effects of the injury, such as:

Physical pain from the bite and the healing process
Emotional distress caused by the trauma
Loss of enjoyment of life due to the injury

This form of compensation is more subjective and can vary widely from case to case. The severity of your injury, the impact it has on your daily life, and the emotional distress it causes will all be taken into account when determining the amount of compensation you are entitled to for pain and suffering.

Emotional Distress

Dog bite injuries can cause significant emotional distress, particularly if the bite results in scarring, permanent disfigurement, or trauma. Victims of dog bites may experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the traumatic nature of the attack. In some cases, the fear of dogs may develop, affecting the victim’s quality of life.

If you are dealing with emotional distress as a result of the dog bite injury, you may be entitled to compensation. This could include:

Counseling or therapy costs
Compensation for emotional pain or anxiety
Loss of enjoyment of activities due to emotional trauma

If the dog bite attack was particularly violent or caused significant emotional distress, the amount of compensation awarded may be higher.

Permanent Disfigurement or Scarring

In some cases, a dog bite can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement. This can be particularly distressing if the injury leaves visible scars on the face, hands, or other parts of the body. If you are left with permanent physical scars, you may be entitled to compensation for both the medical treatment required to address these scars and the emotional impact they cause.

In some cases, cosmetic surgery may be required to improve the appearance of the scars, and this cost can be included in the compensation claim. Additionally, permanent scarring may affect your self-esteem or social interactions, and compensation can address the emotional harm caused by these changes.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are a special type of compensation meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. These damages are not always awarded in dog bite cases, but they may be applicable in situations where the dog owner’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious. For example:

If the dog owner had prior knowledge that their dog was dangerous and failed to take necessary precautions
If the dog was unrestrained in a public area where it posed a clear danger to others
If the dog was intentionally aggressive and the owner did nothing to prevent it

Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim for specific losses, but rather to send a message that dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. The award for punitive damages can be substantial and can significantly increase the total compensation for the injury.

The Process of Pursuing Compensation

Pursuing compensation for a dog bite injury involves several steps, and it’s important to understand the process in order to navigate it successfully. Here are the general steps involved:

Report the Incident

The first step after a dog bite injury is to report the incident. This helps establish a record of the attack and can support your case. You should contact local authorities or animal control to report the dog bite, especially if the dog is a known threat or there is a risk to public safety. If possible, get the dog’s owner’s information and any details about the dog’s history of aggression.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if the dog bite seems minor, seek medical attention immediately. Dog bites can easily become infected, and it’s important to get proper treatment. Medical records will also be essential if you decide to pursue compensation.

Gather Evidence

Gathering evidence is critical to proving your case. Take photos of the injuries, including any scarring or disfigurement, and document any medical treatment. If there were any witnesses to the incident, get their contact information as they may be able to provide statements supporting your case.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Consulting with a personal injury attorney who has experienced in dog bite cases can help you understand your rights and the potential compensation you can receive. A lawyer can help you gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and navigate the legal process to ensure you receive fair compensation.

File a Claim or Lawsuit

Once you have the necessary information, your attorney can help you file an insurance claim or lawsuit. If the dog owner’s insurance covers the injury, the attorney will work to negotiate a fair settlement. If the case requires litigation, your attorney will represent your interests in court.

A Dog Bite Attorney Who Will Stand Up for You

Navigating a dog bite injury claim can be complicated, but having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Porta-Clark & Ward Attorneys will help you pursue the compensation you need to recover and move forward. Contact a dedicated Green Tree dog bite attorney today at (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation.