The Average Settlement for Dog Bite Cases in Atlanta
Key Points:
- Dog bites are a serious problem in Georgia. In 2020, there were over 5,000 dog bites reported in the state, and over 1,000 of those bites resulted in serious injuries.
- In the past the average settlement for a dog bite in Georgia is $25,000. Statistical data shows that between 2010 and 2020, the average dog bite settlement in Georgia was around $25,000. However, in our experience, settlements are climbing due to the public’s awareness that dog bites are a major public health issue. Since 2021, while the amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the attack, we have seen dog bite settlements be much higher.
- If you have been bitten by a dog, you should contact a lawyer to discuss your case. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
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How Much Is Your Dog Bite Case Worth?
The value of a dog bite case can vary depending on the severity of the injuries. Small cases with minor injuries may be worth up to $50,000. More serious cases with permanent injuries may be worth well over $100,000 or more, and we have even handled cases where the injuries were worth over $1 Million Dollars.
In Georgia, cases involving children, facial bites, and loss of fingers, ears, or noses tend to be worth more. The amount of compensation you receive may also be limited by the insurance policy of the dog’s owner.
If you have been bitten by a dog, you should contact a lawyer to discuss your case. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Here are some of the damages you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses: This may include the cost of medical care such as hospital visits, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, specialist visits and physical or occupational therapy.
- Lost wages: This includes the income you lost due to time off work to recover from your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain you experienced as a result of the dog bite injury.
- Emotional distress: This is compensation for any emotional trauma resulting from the dog bite.
- Scarring and disfigurement: This is compensation for the cost of plastic surgery to repair scarring or disfigurement caused by the dog bite.
- Punitive damages: These are damages awarded to punish the dog owner for reckless behavior or negligence leading to aggression.
Why Values for Dog Bite Claim Settlement Values Differ From Case to Case
Predicting case values for dog bite incidents is challenging due to the wide variety of factors that can influence the final settlement or judgement. Here are some reasons why it’s difficult:
- Severity and type of injury: Not all dog bites cause the same degree of harm. Some may result in minor injuries, while others could cause serious damage or even permanent disability. Medical costs, the need for ongoing care, and the impact on the victim’s life can all vary considerably.
- Comparative Negligence: In some cases, the victim’s actions may have contributed to the incident, and this can affect the amount of compensation they can receive.
- Overall Cost of the Dog Bite: Did the attack put you out of work? Did it result in any ambulance fees? Did the dog destroy anything of value? These are all items that can be added into a dog bite settlement.
- Insurance coverage: The dog owner’s insurance policy limits will also affect the amount that can be recovered.
- The skill of the attorney: The expertise and negotiating skills of the victim’s attorney can greatly impact the outcome of the case.
What Coverage on a Property Insurance Claim Will Pay for Dog Bite Injuries
In a typical homeowners’ insurance policy, coverage for dog bite injuries falls under the personal liability and medical payments coverage portions of the policy.
- Personal Liability Coverage: This type of coverage protects homeowners in the event they are found legally liable for bodily injury or property damage to others. For example, if a homeowner’s dog bites a neighbor, personal liability coverage would cover associated costs up to, but not exceeding, the policy’s stated limit(s). This might include the injured party’s medical expenses, lost wages and even their emotional trauma stemming from the dog bite in question.
- Medical Payments Coverage: This type of coverage pays for medical expenses incurred by guests injured at a homeowner’s property, regardless of who is at fault. This may include compensation for previous and/or future medical treatment related to the injury.
It’s important to note some insurance policies have exclusions towards certain breeds of dogs perceived to be dangerous or aggressive. Coverage may be outright denied, or premiums may be higher for those breeds. As always, it’s imperative to review policy documents carefully before you sign, and to discuss specific questions with a qualified insurance agent or broker.
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The typical minimum limit for personal liability coverage in a homeowners’ insurance policy is usually around $100,000 in the United States. However, many experts recommend that homeowners carry at least $300,000 to $500,000 in liability coverage.
Higher amounts of coverage may be necessary depending on the homeowner’s personal circumstances. For instance, homeowners with significant assets to protect, those who own potentially dangerous dogs, or those who have a swimming pool or trampoline (items often associated with higher risk) might want to consider higher limits or an umbrella policy that provides additional liability coverage beyond the basic policy limits.
The Medical Payments: This type of coverage, also known as MedPay, is a typical component of standard homeowner’s policies. It is designed to handle minor injuries and associated medical costs regardless of who is at fault, which provides a level of financial protection for incidents occurring on your property. Payouts from MedPay usually range between $1,000 and $5,000, although these limits can be adjusted from the outset based on your needs. MedPay limits are usually lower than those for personal liability coverage because they are not intended to address serious injuries or long-term expenses. Personal liability insurance covers more severe injuries related to dog bites. As always, consult an insurance agent or broker to discuss the terms of your policy and to make sure you get the coverage you need.
Property insurance companies in Atlanta often offer various provisions for dog attacks under their homeowners’ insurance policies. Dog bites are six figure cases sometimes The details and limits of coverage can vary considerably between different insurers, but many of them will typically cover expenses related to dog attacks, such as medical costs for injuries inflicted by your pet. In many instances, this can include the costs of emergency medical treatment, surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, and in some cases, even lost wages if the victim has to miss work due to the injury.
Property insurance companies in Atlanta often offer various provisions for dog attacks under their homeowners’ insurance policies. The details and limits of coverage can vary considerably between different insurers, but many of them will typically cover expenses related to dog attacks, such as medical costs for injuries inflicted by your pet. In many instances, this can include the costs of emergency medical treatment, surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, and in some cases, even lost wages if the victim has to miss work due to the injury. We commonly see settlement values for dog bite claims be anywhere from 25k to 100k. If the bite is bad, it can be upwards of 500k.
