If you have a dog bite claim in California, it’s helpful to understand what to expect. One common question is about the typical dog bite settlement amounts in the state.
Our experienced San Bernardino dog bite lawyers at LA Century Law explain average dog bite settlement amounts.
What Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement in California?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average dog bite insurance settlement in California was $81,789 in 2025.
The Insurance Information Institute also reports that dog injury insurance payouts reached $1.57 billion in the United States in 2024.
Understanding Average Dog Bite Settlements
Each dog bite settlement is determined individually. A claim may be higher or lower than the average.
It can be hard to predict the value of an individual claim based on averages. Various factors affect the value of a dog bite settlement.
Factors That Affect the Value of Your Dog Bite Settlement
Factors that may affect a dog bite settlement include:
- Damages. In California, the victim may claim economic and non-economic losses.
- Liability. If legal liability is clear based on California dog bite laws, that may impact the value
- Applicable law. Dog bite laws vary by state, and applicable laws can influence the award amount.
- Insurance policies. The availability of insurance to pay compensation can impact compensation.
While the victim’s losses are a primary factor in determining a settlement amount, other things like the strength of the legal claim and ability to collect compensation can also influence the award.
What Damages Can You Recover in a San Bernardino Dog Bite Claim?
Types of damages that you can recover in a San Bernardino dog bite claim include:
- Medical bills: The cost of medical treatment
- Ancillary medical costs: Prescriptions, medical supplies, and out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages: Missed work due to injuries
- Scars, disfigurement: Permanent, visible disfigurement
- Impact on quality of life: Loss of bodily function
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and suffering
- Mental health injury: Anxiety, depression, fear
- Emotional anguish: The grief, anxiety, and sadness of being an injury victim.
If the victim is a minor, they may need additional personal care, which can come at a cost. Significant injuries may result in career disruption and long-term medical expenses. These losses can be identified and claimed.
How Serious Are Your Injuries?
The seriousness of injuries is a significant factor in determining a dog bite settlement. In general, the more serious the harm, the greater the award. An injury may be serious for several reasons:
- Emergency. A dog bite may be severe enough to require emergency care.
- Healing time. The dog bite might take longer to heal.
- Medical intervention. Injuries may require significant medical intervention.
- Complications. Complications can impact healing.
- Medical costs. The cost of medical care may be higher to treat severe injuries.
- Pain and suffering. There may be greater physical suffering.
- Disability and disfigurement. Severe injuries can often result in scars and disfigurement.
- Quality of life. A dog bite may impair quality of life in the long term.
Many people underestimate the value of non-economic damages. A dog bite can cause physical pain and emotional anguish. It can disrupt work, school, and personal activities. A dog bite can also result in permanent impairment. These factors matter when determining the amount of a dog bite settlement. A lawyer can provide a personalized evaluation of how your award might compare to the amount of an average dog bite settlement.
Why Medical Records Make or Break Your Settlement
Medical records can be important for a dog bite settlement for several reasons:
- Causation. Timely medical care can prove that the injuries are from a dog bite.
- Treatment. Records can confirm what treatment is necessary.
- Credibility. Records can move your claim beyond speculation or conjecture. With records, you’re more likely to receive a fair settlement without the need for trial.
- Pain and suffering. Medical records can justify a claim for pain and suffering.
You’ll likely need other evidence, but medical records can establish key aspects of a dog bite claim.
How California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law Works in Your Favor
California uses strict liability for dog-bite cases. For the victim seeking compensation, the law works in your favor.
It can be hard to prove what the dog owner knew or didn’t know, especially when you’re not personally aware of the dog’s history and the owner isn’t going to volunteer information. In California, it doesn’t matter. Strict liability makes the dog owner responsible for a dog bite.
How Insurance Companies Calculate Dog Bite Settlement Offers
Insurance companies calculate dog bite settlement offers based on damages, the strength of the case, and insurance policy maximums. When insurance companies calculate settlement offers, they evaluate their liability to settle the case for as little as possible. The documentation that you provide can be key to proving that you have a strong case. Having a lawyer shows the insurance company that you’re serious about getting compensation.
Why You Should Never Accept the First Settlement Offer
With insurance companies trying to close cases for low amounts, it’s common for the first settlement offer to be too low. You should see if the offer covers all types of losses. You can provide more information and continue negotiating for a higher amount.
It’s not enough to just reject a settlement offer and hope for a better one. You must provide evidence and justify what you’re claiming in your case. A lawyer can help you pursue your case strategically.
How a San Bernardino Dog Bite Attorney Can Maximize Your Compensation
A San Bernardino dog bite attorney can explain if you should expect more or less than average dog bite settlement amounts. They can maximize your compensation by identifying all categories of losses, gathering proof to justify the losses you are claiming, and proving the value of your award.
Get Legal Help Now
Are you wondering about average dog bite settlements and how they compare to your case? LA Century Law is a leader in dog bite injury claims. We’re taking new cases. Call or message us now.
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