If you are bitten by someone else’s dog, you may be eligible for compensation for injuries incurred by the bite. Once you contact the dog owner, they will likely wish to discuss the details of a possible settlement. Now, you are faced with a very difficult choice. You can either accept the settlement or sue the dog owner and go to court.

What Types of Compensation is Available for Dog Bite Injuries?

If you are bitten by a dog, you may be eligible for a variety different types of personal injury compensation in California. Compensation will pay for damages and costs associated with the following:

• Payment for any and all medical treatment related to your dog bite wounds

• Disability or disfigurement payments for permanent damage

• Payment for emotional damages or distress from the bite

• Purchasing new clothes or items that were damaged during the attack

• Hiring someone to help around the house if you are unable to complete basic tasks because of your injuries

• Repayment of lost wages from the time you had to take off of work to recover, heal, visit the doctor, or go to physical therapy

• Any other costs related to the injuries and wounds from the dog bite

What is a Dog Bite Compensation Settlement?

A settlement is when you and your attorney privately negotiate with the dog owner and their insurance company to find compensation for damages you all can agree on. The compensation will be paid for by either the owner, their insurance provider, or a combination of both.

What are the Benefits of Settling a Dog Bite Compensation Case?

There are numerous benefits to settling a dog bite compensation case, including:

• The case is settled much more quickly then if you went to court

• You get paid cash compensation much quicker and can use the compensation to immediately pay your medical bills

• It allows for some sense of closure so you can move on and live your life

• Settlement agreements are never disclosed and remain confidential

• Your personal injury lawyer’s fees will be lower

• You will know exactly how much money you will receive

What are the Disadvantages of Settling?

The primary disadvantage of settling a dog pit injury case outside of court is that you may receive less money then if you had taken the case to court. However, more money is by no means guaranteed by going to court.

What is a Dog Bite Court Judgement?

In a dog bite court judgement, your case will be presented to a judge and/or jury. They will listen to the evidence presented by both sides, and ultimately determine who is to blame and how much compensation the injured party is due. This amount can be adjusted by a judge and the at-fault party can appeal the ruling to try to pay less compensation for damages.

What are the Benefits of Going to Court?

The main advantages of taking a dog bite suit to court are:

• You may get more cash compensation than if you had settled

• It will feel great when you win following a full trial

What are the Disadvantages of Going to Court?

While there is the potential for more money by going to trial, there are a lot of disadvantages as well.

• You may lose the case

• You may get less or the same amount of compensation then if you had settled

• Your dog bite attorney fees will be higher

• The trail will take a long time to complete

• The results of the case will be available to the public

Dog Bite Attorneys at Bates Law in San Diego

If you get bit by a dog and are seeking compensation for damages, the best thing to do is to contact an experienced dog bit attorney. The lawyers at Bates Law, APC will analyze the case and determine if it is best to accept an out of court settlement or go to court.

If you have been but by a dog or have any further questions, contact Bates Law, APC in San Diego today. Give us a call at (619) 222-0900.