Dog bite injuries can cause lasting physical and emotional trauma. Get an instant estimate of your compensation range based on injury severity and your state's dog bite laws — then connect with a local attorney for free.
Dog bite claims are governed by strict liability laws in most states — meaning the owner is liable even if the dog had never bitten anyone before. Here is how to estimate your compensation.
Input your medical expenses, lost wages, and injury severity. Dog bite injuries often involve infection risk, scarring, and psychological trauma beyond the initial wound — include all treatment costs.
Our calculator accounts for your state’s liability standard — strict liability, one-bite rule, or negligence — and applies multipliers for permanent scarring and disfigurement which significantly increase award values.
A licensed personal injury attorney in your state can identify all liable parties including the dog owner and property owner, navigate homeowner insurance claims, and pursue full compensation for your injuries.
Dog bite victims are often reluctant to pursue claims against people they know. Understanding your rights helps you make informed decisions about your recovery.
Over 30 states have strict liability dog bite laws — meaning the owner is responsible regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent.
Most homeowner and renter insurance policies cover dog bite liability. You are not suing the dog owner personally — you are making a claim against their insurance policy, which is exactly what it is there for.
Permanent scarring — particularly on the face, neck, or arms — dramatically increases the non-economic damages component of a dog bite claim. Plastic surgery costs and psychological treatment are also recoverable.
Children bitten by dogs often experience significant psychological trauma, phobias, and PTSD that can affect development. Claims involving child victims typically include higher pain and suffering awards.
In states without strict liability, you must prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Prior complaints to animal control, previous bite reports, and witness testimony about the dog’s behavior become critical evidence.
Dog bites carry serious infection risks including Pasteurella, MRSA, and Capnocytophaga. Complications requiring hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, or additional surgeries substantially increase your claim value.
Dog bites are one of the most common personal injury claims in the United States, generating hundreds of millions in insurance payouts annually.
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