Dogs are among the most popular pets in the U.S. They give owners an opportunity to exercise and provide them with companionship. Unfortunately, they can also be a source of liability and major expenses. Pet owners have to pay for food, grooming and veterinary care. They have to train their dogs, as they are also subject to strict liability rules if their dogs attack other people and cause injuries.
Those dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite attack may need to negotiate an insurance claim with the company that provides premises liability coverage for the dog’s owner. In some cases, they may even need to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover their losses. The three types of expenses below are relatively common after canine attacks.
1. Medical bills
Obviously, a dog bite incident leads to injury and requires medical intervention. Depending on the severity of the incident and the health of the person attacked, the care required could range from trauma care to address the wounds and prevent infection to surgery to address disfiguring scars. In addition to the immediate physical medical expenses, there may also be mental health costs to consider. The trauma of a dog bite incident may leave someone in need of counseling.
2. Lost wages
A dog bite incident could put a person in the hospital or force them to take time off to care for their children. They may lose multiple days of wages or more, depending on the circumstances. In scenarios where workers must take an extended leave of absence, their attendance history at work might impact their future advancement opportunities. Additionally, disfiguring scars, broken bones and even the psychological trauma caused by a dog bite attack could negatively influence an individual’s earning potential.
3. Property damage losses
Dog attacks can produce significant property damage. Obviously, the clothing that a person wore at the time of the attack may have suffered damage. Especially in scenarios where the attack involves a professional in work gear or someone in designer clothing, that damage could be costly. Dog bite incidents might lead to people damaging or breaking pieces of jewelry if they fall or fight the animal. Additionally, any electronics that the person carried may have suffered damage.
It can be challenging for those recovering from a dog attack to accurately estimate their losses. Discussing a dog bite incident and the injuries it caused with a legal professional can benefit injured people as they look at their options for compensation.