According to The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)[1], approximately one in five dog bite injuries will need medical attention. The AVMA also reports that young children are more likely to get bitten by dogs than older individuals, and they are also more likely to sustain serious injuries.
When a dog attacks or bites you or a loved one, it can be a traumatizing experience. Even a seemingly minor incident can result in severe pain, a serious infection, and expensive medical bills. Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their dogs don’t harm anyone, but it happens far too often. For example, if someone neglects to put a leash on their dog, and then the dog attacks someone, the dog owner may be liable.
It’s almost always possible to prevent a dog bite. But when it happens, an injury victim often has the option to seek justice and monetary compensation through a dog bite injury lawsuit. While you await your just compensation from your dog bite lawsuit, you may have the option to receive personal injury pre-settlement funding for the case.
What is a dog bite lawsuit?
A dog bite lawsuit involves a situation where a dog owned by someone else bites you or a loved one. Since most dog bites are preventable, the person who owns the dog is typically held liable. Liability always covers medical bills resulting from the dog bite. But, in some cases, it can also extend to emotional distress and work missed as a direct result of the injury.
For a dog bite lawsuit to be viable, the case must meet certain requirements. The exact requirements vary by state[2], but generally, you have to prove the owner knew their dog could bite someone and that the owner failed to take proper precautions against this behavior. For example, a court may find that a dog owner should know their dog is prone to biting if it has bitten someone before, acts aggressively toward people, fights with other dogs, or jumps on people.
Some states have stricter liability laws, however. In states with tough dog bite laws, you may only have to prove that the dog bit you without provocation. If you’re not sure what your state’s laws are, you should discuss it with your lawyer.
The Importance of Dog Bite Lawsuit Settlements
Reaching a settlement in a dog bite lawsuit is crucial to both you and the defendant. Settling out of court could save the defendant significant money in court costs and lawyer’s fees. A prolonged battle could result in tens of thousands in legal fees on top of the final awarded amount.
For you, settling outside of court is the fastest way to receive the money you need to pay for medical bills, living expenses, and anything else that may come up. This is especially crucial if you’re out of work due to injuries, disability, or disfigurement from the dog bite incident. If a dog bite case goes to court, it could end up in a prolonged legal battle, taking months or years to settle. Until settlement of the case, you’re unable to receive any payment for the injuries you’ve suffered and could end up with significant financial hardships.
Challenges Faced by Dog Bite Victims During Lawsuit Settlements
Although many bite wounds will eventually improve with the right treatment, some victims are permanently disfigured as a result of a dog attack. Depending on the size of the dog and the extent of the attack, some victims may sustain more than just a bite. They may suffer multiple injuries that can, in some cases, be fatal.
Injuries can leave you out of work for long periods. When you’re unable to work, you may face significant financial hardships that are only exacerbated by the medical bills you now have to pay. Bills continue adding up, even when no money is coming in, and this can leave any dog bite victim possibly facing eviction, utility shut-off, or even bankruptcy in severe cases.
Plus, the emotional toll can be equally as devastating. Many victims of dog bites find themselves battling symptoms of PTSD, such as nightmares and flashbacks. Some also find themselves intensely afraid of dogs following the attack, which can be a fear that is triggered often. These fears may even limit you from going to places where dogs may be, including parks, beaches, and other areas you may have previously enjoyed going to.
If you are the victim of a dog bite, you’re likely working with a personal injury attorney to file and finalize your case. Unfortunately, these types of cases are often time-consuming, and you don’t always have the time to spare. But being able to hold out for a fair settlement amount is also vital to ensuring your financial health. While waiting to receive a fair settlement amount for your injuries, it’s a good idea to explore your financial options. One of these options is pre-settlement funding.
How Does Pre-Settlement Lawsuit Funding Work?
If your case meets certain requirements, then a pre-settlement funding provider like USClaims may offer to purchase an interest in the proceeds of your case, which translates to a portion of your total expected settlement amount. Once you submit your application, our experts estimate the value of your case and determine the portion advanced upfront. You can use the funds you receive to pay for rent, utilities, groceries, and other living expenses.
One of the requirements for receiving pre-settlement funding is that you work with a lawyer. Once you win your case and receive the settlement money, your lawyer will pay back your pre-settlement funding directly to USClaims.
Learn more at our pre-settlement FAQs page.
Fast and Reliable: USClaims for Pre-Settlement Funding for Dog Bite Lawsuits
If you’re the victim in a dog bite lawsuit case, speak with your lawyer about receiving pre-settlement funding through USClaims today. Read our customer testimonials to see what others are saying about our service. When you’re ready to get started, call us at 1-877-USCLAIMS to learn more about our process and how we can help you with animal bite pre-settlement funding.
FAQs
How long does it take to receive pre-settlement funding for a dog bite injury lawsuit?
Upon approval of your case, you should receive pre-settlement funding in 24 business hours. However, approval times may vary.
Is pre-settlement funding for a dog bite injury lawsuit considered a loan?
No. Pre-settlement funding isn’t a loan, but rather, it’s an advance on your future funds.
What happens if you lose your dog bite injury lawsuit?
If you lose your dog bite injury lawsuit, you don’t have to pay anything. USClaims only receives the agreed portion of your settlement if you win your case.
Sources
- “Dog Bite Prevention.” American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention.
- “Dog Bite Lawsuit Guide 2023 – Forbes Advisor.” Www.forbes.com, www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/dog-bite-lawsuit/.
