Damages in Modesto Dog Bite Cases

For many people, the aftermath of a dog bite includes costly medical care, time away from work, and lasting physical and emotional trauma. Dog owners are strictly liable when their dogs bite people in public or private places under state law. Our dog bite attorneys at Curtis Legal Group have the knowledge to determine the full range of damages in Modesto dog bite cases, and they could help you calculate how much to demand in compensation.

Can You Recover More Than Just Medical Expenses?

Hospital bills can accumulate quickly after a serious dog attack. Thankfully, the law allows you to recover both past and future medical costs as part of a lawsuit or insurance claim. However, the amount you can recover can extend beyond medical expenses. For example, if you are unable to return to work after a dog has bitten you, you can usually recover lost wages. If the injury limits future earning capacity, your claim can also include that loss of income. After a dog attack, our reputable Modesto lawyers evaluate all your financial losses to make sure your claim accounts for every category of compensation.

Pain and Suffering Compensation in Dog Bite Cases

Pain and suffering refers to the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished enjoyment of life that often follow a traumatic injury. This type of compensation does not come with a clear dollar value and usually varies based on the severity of the injury and its long-term effects. It is your lawyer’s job to demonstrate the amount of anguish you have endured, including:

• Nightmares
• Depression
• Lifestyle changes
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Inability to walk or jog around the neighborhood for fear of dogs

Courts and insurance adjusters often look at the length of recovery, the intensity of pain, and the psychological effects, which a lawyer could demonstrate via medical records, journal entries, witnesses, and a psychological evaluation. For example, a bite that leads to surgery, nerve damage, or long-term insomnia will likely support a larger pain and suffering award. Curtis Legal Group works with medical professionals and therapists in Modesto to document your non-economic damages from dog-inflicted wounds and ensure your case is compelling.

How Scarring and Disfigurement Affect the Value of a Dog Bite

Permanent scarring or disfigurement, especially when the injuries affect visible areas such as the face, neck, or hands, justify a higher settlement amount in a Modesto dog bite case. Individuals may need multiple surgical procedures and live with lasting cosmetic changes, which courts recognize as a distinct form of harm. In a notable case, Curtis Legal Group secured a $135,000 settlement for damages on behalf of an individual who sustained puncture wounds and permanent facial scarring after an animal attack.

Calculating Future Medical Care

Some dog bite injuries require long-term care, especially when they involve nerve damage, infection risk, or reconstructive surgery. California Civil Code၊ § 3342 holds dog owners liable for future medical costs. A letter or report from a treating physician can support this part of a lawsuit or insurance claim.

Future care might include physical therapy, revision surgery, or long-term psychiatric treatment. In Modesto cases involving children mauled by a dog, damages must account for the fact that scars or injuries will change as they grow. We work closely with medical specialists to calculate these future expenses accurately and include them in your settlement or verdict.

Call a Modesto Lawyer Today To Discuss Damages in a Dog Bite Claim

Curtis Legal Group’s founder, Ralph S. Curtis, a graduate of UC Davis School of Law and a longtime member of the Stanislaus County Bar Association, leads the firm with over 40 years of experience. Using our legal skills and local insight, we pursue full compensation for damages in Modesto dog bite cases. Call us today to set up a free case review.