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Common Injuries and Other Losses in Clinton Dog Attacks
If you or someone you love has been bitten or mauled by a dog, it is crucial that you seek medical attention immediately. You want to minimize potential infection risks. A doctor’s evaluation of your injuries will be helpful in case you need to file an injury claim later.
Some of the injuries people may suffer because of dog bites include but are not limited to:
- Amputation
- Disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries
Dog bites also may result in possible psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims may need to seek counseling or take medication for the mental effects of dog bites.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that children account for over half of the 4.7 million people bitten by dogs every year, and 1 in 5 dog bites require medical attention. Dog bites can result in serious infections including rabies.
What Types of Compensation Can You Receive in a Clinton Dog Bite Lawsuit?
Many dog bite victims have fears about filing injury claims because the dogs’ owners are friends, neighbors, or relatives. People worry that filing a dog bite claim will make their acquaintances personally liable and cause them financial stress.
Most dog bites are covered by a dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy. In fact, dog bite claims represent the largest share of homeowners’ insurance claims. The homeowner typically does not personally bear any costs for settling a dog bite claim. The insurance company, however, will do whatever it can to settle the case for the lowest possible amount.
Since South Carolina law provides a way for dog owners to avoid liability when a person did something to antagonize a dog, many insurers will have claims adjusters ask people about their actions leading up to a dog attack. Even if you are confident that you did not take any action that provoked a dog to respond aggressively, decline to make a recorded statement to an insurance company.
The insurer’s goal is to minimize their client’s liability and any payout. In some cases, an insurance company may offer you a lump-sum settlement to resolve your case. But the offer is likely to be a fraction of the fair value of the claim. It is the insurer’s goal to get you to accept a settlement for as little money as possible, relieving the insurer of legal liability.
Our Clinton personal injury attorneys are seasoned negotiators and are successful in resolving most injury claims without going through a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, the victim may need to file a lawsuit to seek compensation.
If a dog bite case goes to trial, then you may seek compensatory damages for your injuries related to the dog attack. Compensatory damages involve economic damages and noneconomic damages. Economic damages refer to costs such as medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. Noneconomic damages typically include awards for emotional distress, or pain and suffering.
Dog bites are common injury claims. If you or your loved one has been seriously injured by a dog in Clinton, you should have an experienced attorney review the details of how the dog attack occurred and explain your legal options. It is important to have an attorney on your side who has successfully handled these types of claims.
