Unfortunately, when it comes to dog bite settlement timelines, there is no set period for how long it will take for these cases to resolve. Although many of these claims will resolve in a few months, the timeframe for this settlement process will often depend on quite a few factors, including whether a dog bite victim will settle with the dog’s owner’s insurance company or head to trial.
How Long Will It Take for Your Dog Bite Case to Settle?
Typically, a dog bite case can take anywhere from weeks to even years to settle. This is because this timeline is often dependent on the circumstances of the incident.
For instance, if the dog’s owner or the insurance company is willing to quickly make a fair settlement offer, the issue can be resolved quickly. On the other hand, if the case goes to trial, it can take a long time for the case to wrap up. However, this is just one factor that can impact how long a case will take to settle.
In addition, other factors that can influence your timeline include:
- The type and extent of your injuries
- The amount of liability the defendant has
- Whether the dog has a history of biting
- Whether there is enough insurance to cover your injuries
That is why the best way to determine how long your case may take to settle is to speak with an experienced accident attorney as soon as possible. These lawyers can review your dog bite incident, determine whether you have a viable claim, and help you pursue the monetary damages you deserve.
Your Medical Care Can Impact Your Case Settlement Time Frame
The extent of your injuries and the medical care you will require are some of the most important factors in your case. If you suffered a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation related to:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stay
- Emergency services, including ambulance rides
- Surgeries and other medical procedures
- Prescriptions
- Follow-up appointments
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Health care related to PTSD or anxiety
Yet, because some of these expenses may occur months to even years after a dog bite incident, it is best to wait until you have fully healed or have a better understanding of the medical care you will need in the future to settle a dog bite case. Otherwise, you may miss out on a significant amount of money necessary to cover your ongoing medical expenses and treatments.
Insurance Companies Can Affect Settlement Timelines
Another factor that plays a significant role in how fast a dog bite case will resolve is the insurance company involved. Although many people assume that the insurance company will want to help them get all the money they need following an accident, this is typically not how insurance companies work.
You need to remember that the insurance company is a business, and like any other business, they want to make money. As a result, the longer they delay your case, the better chance they have of you settling for less than you deserve. Plus, these companies are also known to lowball settlement amounts and fight every detail of the case so that they have a better chance of avoiding spending a substantial amount of money on your claim.
Fortunately, when you work with an experienced dog bite attorney, you may be able to reduce the time it takes to settle a claim with the insurance company between the dog bite incident and the payout. In general, insurers know that when you work with knowledgeable and skilled legal representation, you will have an experienced legal team fighting on your behalf and going after the full compensation you are entitled to.
Settling Your Dog Bite Claim with an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
Following a dog bite incident, the last thing you want to worry about is taking on the insurance company to ensure you get the money you need as fast as possible. Thankfully, when you work with an experienced dog bite lawyer, you will not have to worry about taking on this fight alone or dealing with the deceptive tactics of the insurance company by yourself.
Instead, when you retain these lawyers to take on this legal battle on your behalf, these attorneys can work hard to fight for the compensation you need and the justice you deserve by:
- Reviewing your dog bite incident, determining the viability of your claim, and figuring out which legal options you have
- Thoroughly investigating the incident and gathering the documents and evidence needed to prove fault and damages
- Ensuring that your legal motions and documents are filed with the correct court before time runs out
- Handling all the negotiations and discussions with the other side and the insurance company and going after a fair settlement offer
- Taking your case to trial if the other side is not willing to provide you with a just settlement amount and fighting for the maximum financial recovery that you are entitled to
Contact Pacific West Injury Law Today for the Legal Assistance You Need
If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog attack or because of a dog bite, you should reach out to an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible. At Pacific West Injury Law, not only can we provide you with a more specific answer regarding settlement timelines, but the consultation will also be free. That is why contact us today and let us go over how our firm can help you fight for the money you need.
