Dog attacks are frightening and terrorize the victims. While some attacks result in minor scratches or small puncture wounds, others result in horrific dog bites in the face of an adult or child. These vicious attacks can lead to severe disfigurement and permanent unsightly scarring. The victims of these attacks have legal rights and may demand substantial compensation.

Most states have dog bite statutes and laws that hold the dog owner or guardian responsible for damage caused by their attacking dog. Some states have strict liability laws, which means the dog owner is automatically held liable for injuries caused by a dog bite. Many states, counties, and cities even have their own leash laws that require an owner to keep or shackle their dog on public and private property. Failure to control your dog is a basis for prosecuting a resulting attack.

In addition to leaving permanent scars on the face, a bite can damage the nerves and muscles of the face. This neurological and muscle damage can have a terrible effect on the appearance and function of facial muscles. This includes an irregular smile and even loss of sensation on the face.

When there is a large scar, the victim may need plastic surgery or cosmetic intervention. Examples include scar revision, dermabrasion, and other procedures to minimize scar f. These procedures can often reduce the size or shape of the scar, but rarely completely eliminate the scar.

A visible facial scar on the face also causes psychological injuries in the victim, such as low self-esteem. Many children and even adults become self-conscious about their appearance and become introverts because they don’t want to interact socially. The effects of a dog bite on the face are considerable and last for many years.

If the victim chooses to have surgery to repair a scar, there are a number of risks associated with these procedures. Some risks include infections, further scarring, and risks of anesthesia. And, there is never a guarantee that the procedure will succeed or resolve the scar to the patient’s satisfaction. Cosmetic procedures are expensive and may not be covered by health insurance.

Dog bite lawsuits require monetary compensation for the victim. Collectible damages include payment for physical pain, mental trauma, embarrassment and humiliation, and other psychological injuries. The cases also demand money for past medical expenses and future costs of plastic surgery or other treatments. Younger victims may also have to wait until they reach their teens to have a scar repair procedure, so funds are set aside to cover them at a later date.

There is no settlement calculator or guideline for determining the amount of a settlement. Rather, lawyers and insurance companies use their experience to properly assess a case. Cases with large scars can be fixed for several hundred thousand dollars or more. The key to earning the maximum dog bite settlement is choosing an experienced personal injury lawyer for your case.