Injuries from a dog bite can be debilitating and painful. You may require extensive medical care and sustain other losses. The Law Office of David E. Gordon represents injured clients in legal proceedings to recover damages in Memphis dog bite cases. Filing a lawsuit with assistance from a dedicated dog bite attorney can be an effective way to obtain compensation for damages in Memphis dog bite cases.
Types of Economic Damages
People injured in a Memphis dog bite case can recover what are known as economic damages. These are financial losses that result from the bite injury and can include:
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Costs for past and future medical care
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and home care costs
Calculating economic damages requires careful consideration of a person’s injury, age, occupation, and prognosis. Understanding the potential scope of economic damages is important for evaluating settlement offers from the dog’s owner or another liable party. The attorneys at David E. Gordon have extensive experience in serious injury cases. We understand the importance of this compensation, which needs to last a lifetime, and can calculate the expected damages based on the unique circumstances of an injured client’s case.
What Non-Economic Damages Are Recoverable in a Dog Bite Case?
The other type of available damages in Memphis dog bite cases are non-economic damages. Unlike economic damages, this compensation provides for the losses that are harder to quantify. They generally cover the various forms of pain and suffering an injured person experiences, including any mental anguish or emotional distress. Non-economic damages can also cover any disfigurement from a dog bite injury, such as permanent scarring. The impact of a dog bite on your relationships or enjoyment of life may also establish additional noneconomic damages.
State law limits a person’s non-economic damages to $750,000. However, this amount can increase to $1,000,000 if the injury is catastrophic. Examples of potential catastrophic injury in a Memphis dog bite case can include spinal cord injury that results in paraplegia, amputation of multiple limbs, or the wrongful death of a parent.
How Comparative Fault Can Affect Damages in a Memphis Dog Bite Case
Another issue that can affect damages in Memphis dog bite cases is the occurrence of any comparative fault on the part of the injured person. Comparative fault is when the plaintiff has some responsibility for causing their injury. The plaintiff’s compensation in these cases is reduced by the percentage of fault a jury assigns to them after considering the facts of the case. Additionally, a plaintiff is not allowed to recover if they are 50 percent or more responsible for their injuries. Dog bite cases are unique in that some situations may also prevent recovery of compensation because state law excludes dog owners from liability.
Schedule a Free Consultation with The Law Office of David E. Gordon
If you or a loved one were recently bit by a dog or another animal, consider meeting with our attorneys for a free case evaluation. We can help you estimate the potential damages in Memphis dog bite cases and discuss legal options for recovering compensation. We are proud to serve our injured clients and help them receive the justice they deserve. Schedule a free consultation with David E. Gordon today.
