How Much Is a Dog Bite Case Worth in New York?
Getting bitten by a dog can turn your life upside down. After an attack, you could find yourself dealing with medical bills, lost work, and, for some people, the emotional impact can stay with them for a long time. Because of the devastating effects of a dog bite, it’s only natural to wonder: How much is a dog bite case worth?
If you’re in New York and wondering what your dog bite claim might be worth, you’re not alone. However, the truth is that it’s hard to state an exact number. Every case is unique. Several factors can play a part in influencing the value of a claim.
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Number
Dog bite settlements in New York vary widely. Some cases settle for a few thousand dollars, whereas others can settle for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Instead of stressing about averages, you should focus on the types of damages the law lets you claim and the factors that can influence the value of your claim.
What You Can Get Compensated For
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in New York, here are some of the damages you might be compensated for:
- Medical bills: everything from ER visits and surgery to medication and rehab
- Lost wages, if the bite kept you off the job
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety
New York takes medical costs seriously and holds dog owners “strictly liable” for any bite-related medical bills. So, even if the dog was never aggressive before, those expenses are usually covered.
Getting More Than Medical Costs
If you’re hoping to recover more, such as money for pain and suffering, or emotional distress, you’ll have to show that:
- The dog had a history of dangerous behavior, or
- The owner was careless in keeping the dog under control
A Recent Legal Change
Recently, New York’s Court of Appeals made a big decision in Flanders v. Goodfellow. Now, you can sue for negligence, even if the dog had zero history of acting out, as long as the owner was careless. For example, maybe they let the dog run loose or failed to use a leash. That opens the door to more compensation for victims.
Key Factors That Influence the Value of a Case
Several factors can affect the value of your claim, including:
- Severity of injuries: Deep wounds, infections, or nerve damage usually mean higher payouts.
- Lasting effects: Scars, disfigurement, or psychological trauma usually boost a claim’s value.
- Evidence: Solid evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and photos, strengthens a case.
- Insurance coverage: Sometimes, the insurance policy limits what you can collect.
- Comparative negligence: If you partly caused the bite, maybe by provoking the dog, your payment could be diminished under New York’s comparative negligence rules.
In summary, there’s no set amount for dog bite cases in New York. What you get depends on factors such as the severity of your injury, the long-term impact of the injury, the strength of your evidence, and liability. Consulting a New York dog bite lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation and avoid settling for less than you deserve.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been injured in a New York dog bite, don’t guess what your case is worth. Contact an experienced Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer today at Jacobson Law to understand your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.