The timeline for settling a dog bite injury claim can vary from a few months to over a year. Factors like injury severity, disputes over liability, and duration of treatment can affect how long it takes. Some dog bite cases resolve quickly, while others require more time, especially if the insurance company is uncooperative or a lawsuit becomes necessary.
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, working with a Maine dog bite lawyer can help you understand what might impact your case and how long the settlement process could realistically take.
What factors affect how long a dog bite claim takes to settle?
There are several things that can influence the timeline of a dog bite claim. Significant injuries often require longer courses of medical treatment and that can affect when settlement negotiations can even start. It’s generally advisable to complete your medical treatment or reach maximum recovery before engaging in settlement negotiations.
Gathering evidence to substantiate an injured person’s damages also can take time. Gathering medical records, establishing lost wages, and even collecting police reports and witness statements can take time. In some cases, your dog bite lawyer may need to file a lawsuit to move things forward, which adds additional time due to court schedules. While this can extend the timeline, it is sometimes necessary to ensure a dog bite victim receives the compensation they deserve.
What’s the typical timeframe for dog bite settlements?
There really is no typical timeframe because every case is unique. Some cases with minor injuries may settle in as little as three to six months. With more significant injuries, longer courses of treatment, and contested issues of liability, some cases take a year or even more to resolve.
Should I wait to settle until after treatment?
Yes, it’s usually best to wait until you’ve completed medical care or reached a point where your doctors don’t expect further improvement before attempting to settle a case or start litigation. Settling too early can leave you with unpaid medical bills if additional treatment becomes necessary. Your personal injury lawyer can help assess whether it’s the right time to begin negotiating with the insurance company or if you should wait.
How can a dog bite attorney help with the settlement process?
Having a dog bite attorney can make the process smoother and more efficient because they understand how to avoid common delays and keep your case on track while working toward the best possible outcome. They also know what information and documentation is necessary to prove your case and where to obtain it. Your lawyer can:
- Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Collect and organize evidence to support your claim
- Accurately calculate your damages, including medical bills and lost wages
- Advise you on whether a settlement offer is fair or if legal action is needed
- Help you coordinate between the liability insurance acarrier and any available health insurance to get your medical bills paid as soon as possible.
Our firm represented a physician who suffered extensive injuries after being attacked by a police dog. While his case involved situational complexity and legal challenges, we secured a $325,000 settlement that reflected the seriousness of his injuries and ongoing care.
Keep in mind that each case is different, and case results referred to on this website are not intended to be, nor should they be understood as, a representation that equivalent results will be achieved in any given case.
Talk to a lawyer about your dog bite injury claim
Every dog bite case is different, and the time it takes to settle depends on your injuries, the available evidence, and how the insurance company responds. At Shaheen & Gordon, we help dog bite victims throughout New Hampshire and Maine understand their rights and pursue fair compensation.
If you’re ready to explore your legal options, we’re here to help. Call (800) 451-1002 or contact us online to speak with an attorney. There’s no fee for your personal injury consultation, and we offer convenient appointment options, both in person and virtual.
