Can I Recover Punitive Damages for a Dog Bite Injury? 3 Big Causes That can Help a Claim

A dog bite injury can leave victims with serious consequences.

A dog bite injury can be devastating for the victims. In fact, over 25,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery after suffering a dog bite injury.

Some of the most common injuries following a dog bite or attack include:

• Puncture wounds
• Disfigurement
• Concussions
• Broken bones sustained from falling during an attack
• Loss of vision from an attack to the eyes
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Depression and anxiety.

Some dog attacks are even fatal. 

In February 2024, a man was mauled to death by several pit bulls in Compton.

With nearly 4.5 million dog bites in the US each year, those injured in an attack might be unaware that they could be eligible to receive compensation.

However, compensation is possible. The amount a victim could receive in this type of personal injury claim is known as damages. 

Damages are generally known as either economic or non-economic. They are differentiated by the type of damages recovered.

Economic damages are tangible, like lost wages or medical bills. Non-economic damages are intangible, including depression or other stress disorders.

In some cases, personal injury victims can recover punitive damages. 

Punitive damages cannot be recovered on their own, so there must be other damages (economic or non-economic). Punitive damages are awarded to either punish or set an example following reckless behavior. 

How can punitive damages be recovered for a dog bite injury?

Think of the previously mentioned situation. The victim may be able to recover punitive damages for their dog bite injury as a way to set an example for others to walk their dogs on leashes.

Other situations where a dog bite injury could lead to punitive damages includes:

• An owner failing to help a dog with repeated attacks
• An owner ordering the dog to attack a victim

In short, yes, you may be eligible to recover punitive damages for a dog bite injury in the state of California.

This doesn’t mean it’s easy. Only a little over a quarter of those who seek punitive damages and win their case are awarded punitive damages, according to the US Department of Justice. 

The plaintiff must prove the defendant was guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice. In many cases, this is extremely difficult to prove. 

It’s not rare for those who suffer a dog bite injury to let dog owners walk away from the attack. Sometimes, the owner of the dog flees the scene. 

If a dog bite injury has left you with a severe injury, chronic pain, or mental trauma, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a personal injury attorney.

At C&B Law Group, our LA dog bite injury attorneys have decades of combined experience recovering damages for victims. We will fight within our legal power to ensure you receive the highest amount of compensation possible.

One of our clients was bit by a dog not on a leash. We fought for justice, and helped them recover a $300,000 injury settlement. 

You shouldn’t live in pain or fear following a dog bite injury. Let our team of LA personal injury attorneys assist you.

We can help you build evidence for your case. Additionally, we will deal with the defendant’s insurance company.

The other insurance company may try getting you to settle for a much lower amount than you deserve. Let our LA dog attack lawyers deal with them so you can focus on your recovery.

Your initial consultation with C&B Law Group is free. Additionally, we work on a contingency basis, so you won’t owe us attorney fees until your case is successfully settled.

Contact us today and tell us about your injury to see if we can help you.