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Types of Dog Bites
The Dunbar Bite Scale divides dog bites into 6 levels:
Level 1: Aggressive but no skin contact - The dog is aggressive, showing its teeth, snapping and growling, and possibly snagging clothing, without actually making contact with the victim’s skin.
Level 2: Teeth make contact, but do not break the skin - The dog’s teeth may leave a mark, but don’t break the skin.
Level 3: A single bite with shallow wounds - The dog's teeth break the victim's skin and leave bloody marks behind. A level 3 dog bite is a severe injury that requires immediate medical attention.
Level 4: A single bite with deep wounds - A bite with 1 to 4 perforations deeper than half the length of the dog’s tooth.
Level 5: Multiple bites with deep wounds - Similar bites to Level 4, but in this case multiple bites occur. Dogs responsible for Level 5 bites are typically considered dangerous dogs.
Level 6: Death of victim and/or flesh consumed - A dog reaches Level 6 when their attack has resulted in the death of the victim, or if they have consumed flesh from the victim. Dogs who commit Level 6 bites are not safe to be around humans or even other dogs.
Related Article: What is Breed-Specific Legislation?
What is the Time Frame for Settling a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
It can take a considerable amount of time to settle your dog bite case if you want to receive full compensation for your claim. You should not agree to the insurance company’s offer until you have spoken with an experienced dog bite lawyer.
However, once you agree on a settlement, it will take about 4 to 6 weeks to get your check. It could take even longer if the insurer delays completing the final steps in the settlement process. They could lag in ordering the check, require excessive levels of approval before payment, or only issue checks on certain days of the month.
Related Article: Top 10 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds
If You or a Loved One was the Victim of a Dog Bite
Regardless of the type of dog bite you were the victim of, you should be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Dog bite lawsuits are complex and emotional, depending on the severity of the injury, liability laws where the bite happened, the applicable statute of limitations (SOL), as well as a variety of other factors.
When researching who to hire for a dog bite claim, be sure the attorney is experienced in this area of litigation, with the necessary staff and resources to recover just compensation for your injuries.
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FAQs
1. What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Dog Bite Settlement?
Victims can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and sometimes punitive damages, depending on the severity and circumstances of the incident.
2. Do I Need a Lawyer to Negotiate a Dog Bite Settlement?
While not legally required, having a lawyer can significantly improve your chances of securing a fair settlement by navigating legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies effectively.
3. How Is Liability Determined in Dog Bite Cases?
Liability in dog bite cases is typically determined by state laws, which may consider the owner's negligence, the dog's history, and whether the victim provoked the dog or trespassed.
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The Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers focusing on plaintiffs' representation in lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new legal challenges in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was involved with such matters, you should contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.