How long it takes to settle a dog bite claim depends on a variety of factors, including:
- How complicated your case is
- The severity of injuries you sustained
- Whether the insurance company cooperates or not
- The evidence you have to support your case
Even though accepting the insurance company’s first settlement offer could quickly resolve your case, it may not be in your best interest. This could especially be the case if your medical expenses are still developing, and you have not reached maximum medical improvement.
Our firm will bring your case to its fair conclusion. This could take anywhere from a matter of weeks to a matter of months.
- Legal Representation Can Make Your Case Easier For You
- What Types of Damages are Available For Dog Bite Victims?
- Connect With Our Team to Begin a Free Case Review
Legal Representation Can Make Your Case Easier For You
It is understandable if you feel lost just thinking about filing a claim or lawsuit. Not knowing how long the process might take can add to feelings of frustration and confusion.
With over 25 personal injury practice areas, we can answer your questions and address your concerns. Here are just some of the ways our firm can help you fight for a settlement:
Updating You
This is your case, so you need and deserve to know what is going on at all times. Our legal team will:
- Contact you with every significant new development
- Answer your questions patiently, respectfully, compassionately, and comprehensively.
- Provide information and advice so that you can make the best decisions at every step of the legal process
Identifying the Liable Party
In most dog bite cases, the liable party is the dog’s owner. We will find out who they are (if you do not already know) and determine whether any other parties could be held accountable for your losses, like a negligent landlord.
Relaying All Messages
While you follow your doctor’s orders, undergo medical procedures, and attend physical therapy, your attorney will:
- Send out notifications about your case
- Assert your claim with the liable party’s insurance company
- Negotiate for an appropriate monetary settlement
- Advocate for you in the courtroom, if the circumstances of your case call for it
Collecting Evidence
A strong case will prove that the dog bite happened, your bite injuries have upended your life, and the liable party owes you compensation. There are many possible sources of valuable evidence, including:
- Witness statements
- Witness video or photos
- Expert testimony
- Medical records
- The police report
- Dog bite report with the local animal control department
- Surveillance cameras
Calculating Your Case’s Value
As discussed below, you could qualify for two types of damages. Our team can help you list and quantify all of the ways that your bite has affected you.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-932-0400
What Types of Damages are Available For Dog Bite Victims?
You have the right to claim and sue for both economic and non-economic damages. Each is defined and discussed below.
Non-Economic Damages
Any physical, mental, or emotional harm you experienced because of the bite injury is classified as non-economic damage. Common examples are listed below:
- Scarring or disfigurement: You have scar tissue that affects your physical appearance or range of motion.
- Impaired quality of life: You are no longer able to take care of yourself (e.g., go to the store, do the dishes) without assistance.
- Loss of consortium: You have noticed a negative change in your marriage directly attributable to your injury.
- Disability: You experienced a temporary or permanent loss of use of any part of your body.
This is an incomplete list; you could still qualify for non-economic damages even if you do not think you qualify for any of the items highlighted here.
Economic Damages
Any financial harm you experienced because of the bite injury is classified as economic damage. Common examples are listed below.
- Lost wages: You could not go to work until your injury healed, resulting in a temporary decrease in income.
- Lost earning capacity: You are no longer able to earn as much as you did before, resulting in a permanent decrease in income.
- Medical expenses: You sought any type of professional treatment for your injuries.
- Other expenses: You had to hire services you do not normally need, such as a babysitter or a housekeeper.
Again, this is only a partial list. For more complete information, speak to our legal team. We can determine the value of your expenses based on the information in your case.
After a dog bite incident injuring you or someone you love, the best course of action is talking to our Long Island dog bite lawyers to understand your legal options. Your settlement’s success also depends on how fast you initiate the legal process. Our team will explain all you need to know about statute of limitations, paperwork, discovery, and so on. The sooner you make your claim, the higher chances you have to a satisfactory recovery – just like in any personal injury case. Our attorneys will handle everything while you heal from your injuries and try getting your life back on track.
Connect With Our Team to Begin a Free Case Review
Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will help you get the settlement or verdict you deserve. Call us today at (516) 932-0400 for a free case review. Our multilingual staff is ready and able to help you in Spanish, Greek, Bengali, Tamil, or Kannada if preferred.
We charge no attorney’s fees until you get your money.
Call or text 516-932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form