What is the average settlement for a dog bite case?

Every dog bite case will be unique, which means every settlement will be unique as well. However, generally speaking, a dog bite settlement will depend on two things:

1. The estimate of what the jury could award the plaintiff should the case go to trial.
2. If the dog owner/defendant feels they will be found liable for the dog bite.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, we at 844 See Mike are here for you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected and you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses, and this includes working on your behalf to ensure a favorable settlement.

The Defendant Feels They Could Lose the Case

For a defendant to settle a dog bite case, they must feel that they would lose a case taken to trial. Illinois has strict liability in the event of a dog bite, meaning that the defendant will be found liable if it can be proven that:

1. The plaintiff was legally allowed to be where the dog bite occurred.
2. The plaintiff did not provoke the dog.

Strict liability dog bite cases are easier to prove, easier to win, and defendants are more likely to settle early in the case.

The Plaintiff Must-Have Damages

Determining the amount of a settlement depends on the damages suffered. It is easier to determine a settlement amount for concrete and documentable damages such as current and future medical bills and lost wages.

For subjective damages, such as emotional distress and pain and suffering, determining the number of damages gets a little trickier. If a dog bite case involves serious injuries, the potential for large jury awards is high, which often pushes a defendant to settle, often for more than they normally would.

Illinois is one of the states with the highest awards for dog bite injuries, typically averaging $30,000-$40,000. But again, as each case is different, so will be the settlement issued. If you have further questions regarding a settlement for a dog bite claim, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.

We at 844 See Mike are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, including when you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at what we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First.

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.