Dog bites are not only traumatic, but they can lead to physical and emotional injuries. If a dog has attacked you or a loved one, you may be wondering about the dog bite settlement timeline and how long it will take to resolve your dog bite lawsuit.
Dog bite cases typically take around 680 days, or about two years, to settle, but they can be resolved in as little as one month or take up to six years. The timeline varies because each case is different, and many factors influence its length.
BAM Personal Injury Lawyers understands the difficulties of dog bite cases. We are here to guide you through every step of the settlement process and facilitate it.
The timeline for settling a dog bite case can vary depending on many factors. While some cases may settle quickly within a few weeks, others may take several months or even longer to reach a fair settlement.
In Idaho, the dog owner is responsible for any injuries caused by their dog if the attack is not provoked.
The time it takes to settle a dog bite injury case depends on the severity of the injuries sustained. It will also depend on the insurance company's cooperation, the complexity of the case, and whether the dog owner accepts liability for the dog attack.
The first step in the dog bite settlement timeline begins immediately after the dog bite incident. Getting medical treatment as soon as possible is important to address the injuries sustained and prevent complications. Medical care not only ensures your well-being but also provides documentation of your injuries. Medical documents will play a significant role in your dog bite injury claim.
After receiving medical care, it is important to report the dog bite to the police or animal control. The report is official incident documentation and may be required during claims.
These steps help establish the full extent of your injuries and support your claim for fair compensation:
Once you have received medical treatment and reported the incident, you must contact an experienced dog bite lawyer.
Hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer is important to confirm that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement. Insurance companies often try to settle a dog bite claim quickly for a lower amount. Still, our attorneys will fight to recover compensation that accounts for the full extent of your injuries and losses.
One of the most important stages in the dog bite settlement timeline is gathering evidence and building a strong case. Your attorney will work to collect all the facts related to the dog bite incident. They will gather medical bills, witness declarations, and evidence proving the dog owner's liability.
Sometimes, consulting with medical experts or animal behavior specialists may be necessary. You want to be able to establish the full extent of the injuries and the circumstances of the attack.
This stage can take many weeks or even months, depending on the seriousness of the case and the availability of the evidence. Evidence will ensure that your claim is supported by strong documentation, which can lead to a fair settlement.
Once your attorney has gathered all the necessary evidence, the next step in the dog bite settlement timeline is to negotiate with the insurance company.
Most insurance companies assign an insurance adjuster to evaluate your claim and make an offer to settle. The insurance company's offer may initially be lower than you deserve, as they often try to reduce their payout.
Your attorney will negotiate and represent you. They will confirm that the settlement offer reflects the full extent of your injuries and losses. The negotiation process can take time. The extended time may be because insurance companies need extra documentation or try to dispute liability. Yet, with the help of experienced dog bite lawyers, you can increase your chances of getting a fair amount.
After the negotiation process, the insurance company will present a settlement offer. At this point, you and your attorney will evaluate whether the offer is fair and worthy of all the damages you have suffered. It is important to consider your current medical bills and any future medical help that will be required.
If the settlement offer is good, you can accept it and resolve your dog bite injury claim. However, if the offer does not properly compensate you for your injuries, your attorney may recommend to reject the offer and continue with negotiations. Sometimes, filing a lawsuit to recover the full reimbursement you deserve may be necessary.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the next step in the dog bite settlement timeline is filing a lawsuit against the dog's owner or insurance company.
Filing a lawsuit initiates the formal legal process, and if a settlement is not reached beforehand, your case may proceed to trial.
The litigation process can extend the timeline of your dog bite case. The legal process involves many stages, including discovery, depositions, and court hearings. However, many cases are settled before trial, as both parties may want to avoid the costs and uncertainties of a courtroom battle. Your attorney will guide you through this process and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Resolving may take several months or even longer if your case goes to trial. During the trial, both sides will present evidence, and a judge or jury will determine who is at fault and the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
If the trial ends in a favorable verdict, the court will award compensation for your medical statements, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
However, it is important to note that most dog bite cases are settled before reaching trial. The settlement process continues throughout litigation, and a fair settlement may still be reached at any point before the court issues a final verdict.
Whether your case settles or goes to trial, having experienced dog bite attorneys by your side can make a great difference in the outcome.
Many things can affect how long it takes to settle a dog bite injury case. Awareness of these factors can help you manage your expectations and work with your attorney to achieve a fair settlement.
Cases involving injuries like deep lacerations, nerve damage, or permanent scarring may take longer to resolve because the full extent of the medical treatment required may not be immediately clear. Additionally, cases involving long-term or permanent disabilities often involve more complex negotiations to ensure that the settlement covers all future medical needs.
If there is a dispute over liability, the settlement process may be delayed as both sides gather evidence to support their position. The dog's owner or insurance company may argue that the dog was provoked, that you were trespassing, or that the injuries were not as severe as claimed.
Insurance companies play a big role in the dog bite settlement timeline. Some insurance companies will try to settle quickly for a lower amount, while others may delay the process to wear down the victim and pressure them into accepting a lower settlement.
Legal and procedural factors, such as court availability, the difficulty of the case, and the number of parties involved, can also affect the timeline. For example, if the case goes to trial, the court's schedule will dictate the timing of hearings and the trial itself.
Whether your case is settled out of court or proceeds to trial will also impact the timeline. Settling out of court is generally faster, as it avoids the lengthy litigation process. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, going to trial may be necessary to secure the full compensation you deserve.
The following is a list of frequently asked questions about dog bite claims:
The time to settle a dog bite lawsuit can vary from a few months to over a year, depending on the abovementioned factors. Most dog bite cases, on average, settle within six months to a year. However, cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability may take longer. Communicate everything to your lawyer throughout the process to ensure an efficient and fair settlement, and remember to be patient.
In some cases, despite your best efforts, getting a fair settlement with the insurance company may be challenging. If this happens, your lawyer may recommend that you take legal action, file a lawsuit, and take the case to court.
Understanding the dog bite settlement timeline is important for victims seeking to recover fair compensation for their injuries. While various factors can influence how long it takes to settle your case, having an experienced legal team can help you handle the process more efficiently. BAM Personal Injury Lawyers is committed to ensuring that you receive all the money you deserve, whether through a quick settlement or, if necessary, court approval.
We know that the exact amount of your settlement depends on the full extent of your injuries and other circumstances, and we will work tirelessly to settle your case as quickly as possible.
Contact our law firm for a free consultation, and let us help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
We Care.We Help.
"*" indicates required fields
