FEAR OF DOGS CAUSED BY DOG BITE / ATTACK
Dog bite cases often involve significant scars. Of course, dogs cause serious injuries in other ways as well. For example, the dog may run into someone or push them down. Our lawyers have had many cases involving broken bones or other injuries. These injuries are improved with medical treatment. However, there can be permanent problems – especially with scars.
In addition to these physical injuries, a dog attack often leaves the victim with psychological scarring. People love dogs and dogs love people. Unfortunately, after a dog attack, our lawyers find that the victims see dogs differently. This is especially true with children, but adults are affected as well. In the worst cases, the dog bite victim may have ongoing nightmares or even be afraid to leave their house. However, more commonly, we notice our clients are just much more hesitant around dogs.
When a young child is bitten, we notice that the child will even be afraid of their own dog. Sometimes, these fears will last years or even a lifetime. It is sad and frustrating that this happens, but it is real.
COMPENSATION FOR DOG BITE EMOTIONAL INJURY
The person attacked by a dog is entitled to compensation. That is what our dog bite lawyers do. We have represented hundreds of adults and children in dog attack cases throughout Minnesota. The starting point is always medical bills. In many of our cases, there is surgery to repair lacerations, and then future plastic surgery to improve the scars. Of course, even with plastic surgery, there can still be permanent scars and disfigurement.
Fortunately, most dog owners have homeowners insurance that will cover a dog bite.The focus of our lawyers is to make sure the insurance company pays all appropriate compensation.
However, compensation does not stop with medical bills. Money must be set aside for future needs. In addition, a permanent scar or disfigurement warrants compensation.Depending on the extent of the scar, the compensation can be significant. The emotional damage impact needs to be considered as well. Many of our clients have loved dogs, and that relationship is forever changed. Taking the enjoyment of dogs away from someone, especially a child, is a significant loss. That emotional impact often requires additional compensation.