What is Your Claim Worth? A Simple Guide to “Damages”
After a dog bite, the bills can start piling up quickly—medical treatments, time off work, and the emotional toll it takes. It’s natural to wonder, “What is this claim actually worth?” and “Who is going to pay for all of this?”
Let’s start with the second question, because the answer is often reassuring. In the vast majority of cases, you are not taking money directly from the dog owner’s pocket. Instead, claims are typically paid by their homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policy. These policies have specific coverage for incidents like this.
Now, let’s break down the different types of compensation—or “damages,” as they’re called in the legal world—that you may be able to claim.
The Two Main Types of Damages
Think of compensation in two main categories: the bills you can hold in your hand, and the impacts you can’t.
1. Economic Damages (The Tangible Costs)
These are the most straightforward types of damages because they represent direct financial losses that can be calculated with receipts, bills, and pay stubs.
- Medical Expenses (Past and Future): This is the most obvious one. It includes everything from the initial emergency room visit and stitches to future needs like plastic surgery for scarring, physical therapy, or counseling for trauma.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can be compensated for the income you’ve lost. If the injury is severe and affects your ability to work in the future, you may also be compensated for “loss of future earning capacity.”
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This could include things like prescription costs, bandages, or even transportation costs to and from your doctor’s appointments.
It’s incredibly important to keep every single bill and receipt related to your injury. These documents are the foundation for calculating your economic damages.
2. Non-Economic Damages (The Intangible Impacts)
These damages are harder to calculate, but they are just as real and often represent the most significant part of a dog bite claim. They are meant to compensate you for the human, non-financial toll of the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: This is compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you have endured and may continue to endure. The severity and duration of the injury play a huge role here.
- Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish: A dog attack is a terrifying event. This damage category covers things like anxiety, fear (especially developing a fear of dogs), nightmares, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is especially significant in cases involving children.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Visible scars, especially on the face, hands, or arms, can have a lifelong impact on a person’s self-esteem and social interactions. The location and severity of the scar are key factors in determining this value.
There is No “Magic Calculator”
It’s important to understand that there is no simple formula or online calculator that can tell you exactly what your claim is worth. Every case is unique. The final amount depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of the evidence, the laws in your state, and the strength of the negotiations with the insurance company.
Our Final Thought:
The goal of this guide is to help you understand what you are entitled to claim so you can be sure you’re not overlooking any aspect of your injury. By tracking your expenses and understanding the different types of damages, you put yourself in a much stronger position.
Disclaimer:
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of any specific outcome. The value of any legal claim can only be determined after a thorough review of the facts. We always recommend consulting with a qualified professional.