Raleigh Dog Bite Settlements

Raleigh dog bite lawsuit settlements occur after a person has a harmful interaction with a dog. If a person settles their case before going to trial, they will not appear in front of a jury or a judge. They may go to mediation, so they would be confronted with the insurance company for the dog owner, and perhaps even the dog owner themselves, and their claim would be settled. They would receive an amount of money that both parties were able to reach through a compromise process.

The amount would likely be less than the person who is hurt thinks that the damages were worth but by the same token, more than the dog owner or their insurance company thinks it is worth. If you or a family member have suffered a dog bite, a dedicated dog bite lawyer can help guide you through this challenging time.

Trial vs Settlement

Someone may choose to settle rather than go to court because settling can be quicker. Many people have anxiety about having to be in front of a judge or jury. Not only is their whole life on display when they go to trial but it can be very time-consuming. It can take up to two years between filing a lawsuit before the case actually goes to trial. Therefore, people find closure once the case is solved rather than dragging it along, which can add insult to injury.

On the other hand, a person may decide to go to court rather than settle if the insurance company has completely denied the claim. If the insurance company said that the person who was hurt was in some way negligent themselves , or if the company was not offering enough money, it might make more sense to go to trial. Raleigh dog bite settlements can take serious thought depending on how one would like to proceed.

Damages

Economic damages would be classified as lost wages if a person is injured so badly that they cannot work medical bills, the treatment that they have received, any past medical treatment, and ongoing future medical treatment. Non-economic damages are referred to what is commonly called pain and suffering: physical pain and emotional suffering. A jury can award either a lot of money or little bit to no money, depending on the facts of the case. These are factors that are considered during Raleigh dog bite settlements.

If a person has a dog bite and they receive six months of treatment, two surgeries, and are away from work that entire time, then those are hard numbers of economic damages. Their medical bills and lost wages will be higher than the person who goes to the emergency room, does not receive follow-up treatment, goes back to work, and only has that single medical bill. Surgeries, time in the hospital, and time out of work can all add up to be a more significant claim than a minor injury that requires little to no treatment and has no impact the person’s day-to-day life.

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How a Raleigh Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

Working with a Raleigh dog bite attorney can help a person determine what is fair, but what is important to consider are the hard numbers, and the economic damages. A common misconception is that non-economic damages should be three times the person’s medical bills. Each case, however, is different. It is up to the lawyer to come up with an amount they think is fair compensation. An experienced attorney can help you avoid some of the common mistakes that accompany Raleigh dog bite settlements.