Average Settlement for Dog Bite in California

• January 09, 2024
• Dog Bite Injury

Dog Attack Compensation in California

What is the average dog bite settlement in California?
Your dog bite settlement will vary depending on several factors including the location of the bite, the severity, insurance limits, medical bills, and more. So, it would be unjust to state an exact amount that your dog bite settlement could be worth. However, speaking with an attorney can give you a better idea on if you have a valid claim and the potential payout you could receive. Contact us today for a free consultation: 562-262-9917

Navigating through the complexities of dog attack compensation in California requires a thorough understanding of legal and medical processes following the incident. The average dog bite settlement can vary significantly from case to case. If the dog caused severe injuries, the person might have incurred more expenses, possibly meriting a higher settlement. In contrast, if the victim suffers minor bruises or no physical injuries at all, the damage award may be lower. An attorney can help you understand and assert your legal rights to help maximize your settlement. 

Michael Beliz has successfully helped numerous clients recover compensation in many personal injury cases, including claims involving dog bites. He understands the trauma and risks that his clients experience when they suffer a dog attack. He and his team provide aggressive yet compassionate legal representation to clients throughout California to help them reclaim their lives and recover compensation. 

What Is the Average Settlement for a Dog Bite Case?

Every situation leading to a dog bite is unique. For that reason, there is no average settlement for a dog bite case in California. Your chance of recovering compensation depends on a host of factors, such as: 

• Whether you choose to hire an attorney, 
• Location of bite,
• The severity of your injuries, 
• Your likelihood of making a full recovery, 
• The impact of the dog bite on your life, 
• The circumstances leading to the dog attack, and
• Insurance limits.

The best way to determine if you have a claim against a dog owner and how much that might be is to talk to a legal professional who regularly practices in this area of law. An attorney understands the nuances of California’s dog bite and personal injury laws and may give you some information on what to expect if you pursue damages. 

Christopher Cendana

2022-12-08

Would highly recommend The Beliz Law Firm to anyone and everyone! Michael was with us through our whole case and made sure we always knew what was going on and what to expect. It was like having a family member represent us. Thanks again, Michael!

tony meador

2019-06-28

A very honest Attorney that is very personable, knowledgeable and got good results

alan mai

2019-01-28

Eventhough they did not take my case they were very helpfull and pointing me in the right direction! thank you so much for being awsome!

J C

2018-04-05

Greatest personal injury attorney! Knowledgeable, fair, and patient. Strong work, with great results!

Alejandro Bustelo

2017-04-04

I was involved in a car accident last summer and Michael Beliz has really helped me out a lot. He came to my place and met with me on a weekend in order to sign the paperwork and he always makes sure I understand what the next step is. Not only that, he also goes the extra mile and I can tell he really wants to make sure I get the best possible deal. I definitely recommend the Beliz Law Firm if you need their type of services.

glenda rivera

2017-03-28

Michael Beliz is an exceptional attorney with excellent skills. He is professional, courteous and a compassionate lawyer I've met. Helping my mother getting through her ordeal was not I expected to be, she was relaxed and at ease. His communication ability with her is excellent. I am very pleased what he have done for my mom's case. I would highly recommend him. Michael Beliz is the name. Thank you! More power to you!!!

Jason Rogel

2016-12-03

The attention to detail, perseverance and dedication Michael Beliz puts into every case are what make him an amazing attorney with excellent results. I highly recommend the Beliz Law Firm to anyone seeking legal counsel for personal injury claims.

Jose Carrillo

2016-08-25

I have referred friends and family members to Michael Beliz, without hesitation. He has always done the best for them, and gotten them great settlements!

Michael Manlapeg

2016-08-08

I would highly recommend Michael Beliz as a personal injury attorney. He always follows through and is extremely attentive. Because of his knowledge, perseverance, and his ability to communicate effectively, I trust Michael to achieve the best possible outcome.

Eric Alspaugh

2016-08-05

Michael Beliz is an absolute expert in personal injury law. Michael understands his clients and their unique needs. Also, Michael is accessible and timely in correspondence. I trust Michael to take care of my family and friends!

What Might Affect the Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts?

While no one can reasonably guarantee a particular outcome, there are common types of damages that may arise in a given case. Three common sources of compensation include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The specific amount of these (or whether the victim receives these at all) depends on the surrounding circumstances. 

Medical Expenses

Dog bites can cause puncture wounds, broken bones, lacerations, bruises, and infections. These can result in the victim paying hospital bills, co-pays, prescription drug fees, and rehabilitation costs. Medical expenses are a common source of damages in a dog bite case. To recover these damages, you’ll need to show that they resulted from the dog bite. In addition, there may be future medical expenses like plastic surgery once the dog bite heals.   

Lost Wages

Many dog bite victims may have to miss work while they quarantine, receive treatment for their injuries, or recover after an attack. You may be entitled to reimbursement from the dog’s owner to cover the time you could not work because you had to attend attack-related medical treatments or stay home and recover. 

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering is another type of compensation dog bite victims may receive. This type of damage award compensates you for the pain and trauma involved in suffering a dog bite. It can include the trauma of the event and the effects you experience later on. 

How Can I Maximize the Average Payout for a Dog Bite?

There are steps you can take to help maximize the payout you may receive for a dog bite. These steps include seeking medical attention, taking swift action, and hiring an attorney. While none of these guarantee a particular outcome, they help set you up for possible success. 

Take Photos

Take photos of the dog and your injuries.  Keep taking photos of your injuries to show the healing process. Documenting your injuries from the very beginning will show the defendant how your life was affected from the attack.

Call Animal Control 

Call the local animal control. They will go out and gather information about the dog and the dog owner, in addition to getting statements from all interested parties and taking photos of the dog and any injuries. This information will all be put into a report that will be useful for your dog bite claim.   

Seek Medical Attention

Seeking medical attention after a dog bite is imperative to protect your health. Because dogs use their mouths so frequently and owners do not sanitize their pets’ mouths every day, dogs tend to have a lot of potentially dangerous bacteria in their saliva. The best practice is to go to the doctor even before you show signs of an infection. This helps protect your health and sets a strong foundation for your legal claim. 

Take Swift Action

California imposes a strict deadline on when injury victims can file a claim against an at-fault party for a personal injury. In most cases, this deadline is two years, but there are exceptions. Some claims may merit a longer or shorter time limit. An attorney can help you identify and meet this deadline. 

Hire an Attorney

Hiring an attorney can help you prepare, present, and effectively negotiate your settlement. Further, at-fault parties are more likely to take you and your dog bite claim seriously if you have an attorney to help you. A lawyer serves as your advocate to help ensure that your best interests are respected during the case. 

Find Out You Potential Dog Bite Settlement – Contact The Beliz Law Firm

Dog bites can be terrifying experiences, causing trauma and physical injuries. If you suffered an injury during a dog attack, acting quickly and effectively to protect your physical health and legal rights is essential. 

Michael Beliz understands the pain and challenges experienced by California dog bite victims. He can help you understand the applicable laws in your situation and will listen to your dog attack story. He has over 15 years of experience fighting for injury victims throughout California. If you experienced a dog bite in California, contact Michael today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Michael Beliz

Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011.  Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California.  He has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of personal injury cases, including vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.

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