How Long does it Take to Settle a Dog Bite Claim?

How long does it take for a dog bite settlement? The answer depends on the unique details of your case, such as the severity of your injuries, the availability of evidence, and the cooperation of the dog owner.

Some cases may resolve quickly, while others take longer due to the individual circumstances of your case.

Factors like the dog owner’s insurance status, disputes over liability, and the extent of your damages can all impact the timeline. Your Rhode Island dog bite lawyer can help you understand how Rhode Island laws may affect your claim and what to expect if you decide to take legal action against the dog owner. 

Here is more about dog bite lawsuit timelines and the factors that could impact your future settlement.

Factors That Impact How Long It Could Take to Settle Your Dog Bite Claim

The timeline for settling a dog bite claim varies depending on several factors that can affect the complexity of your case. Some of these factors include the availability of evidence, the dog owner’s insurance status, and whether there are disputes over liability.

Your Rhode Island personal injury lawyer can provide you with more information about your legal options during your initial consultation:

Availability of Evidence

Evidence plays a critical role in proving liability and the extent of your injuries in a dog bite claim. Medical records, photographs of your injuries, and incident reports can help establish the details of the attack and its impact on your life. If evidence is readily available, your case may move forward more quickly.

Delays can occur if additional documentation or witness statements are needed to build your case. Witnesses who are unavailable or unwilling to provide testimony may slow down the claims process. However, by building a powerful case against them, we may be able to get your dog bite injury claim resolved sooner.

Whether the Dog Owner Is Insured

The dog owner’s insurance status can significantly affect the timeline for resolving your claim. Cases involving insured dog owners often proceed more quickly than those requiring legal action against an uninsured party.

Some of the most common challenges that arise in cases involving uninsured dog owners include:

• Identifying alternative compensation sources – In cases where the dog owner does not have insurance, you may need to pursue compensation through personal assets or third-party liability claims. This process often involves additional research and legal steps to identify viable sources of recovery. Without an insurance policy in place, resolving the claim may take considerably longer.
• Negotiation delays – When a dog owner lacks insurance, negotiations can become more complicated. Uninsured parties may be less cooperative or financially unable to cover the full extent of your damages. These challenges often prolong discussions and require more strategic planning from your legal team.
• Increased litigation risk – Claims against uninsured parties are more likely to proceed to court due to limited options for settlement. Litigation involves filing a lawsuit, collecting evidence, and participating in court hearings, all of which can extend the resolution timeline. While this process can be lengthy, it may be necessary to recover fair compensation.

Disputes Over Liability

Liability disputes often arise when the dog owner argues that you provoked the animal or were trespassing on their property. 

Rhode Island’s comparative fault laws under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4 allow compensation to be reduced based on your percentage of fault. If the dog owner can prove you share responsibility for the attack, your dog bite settlement timeline may be extended.

How Rhode Island Dog Bite Laws Work

Rhode Island’s dog bite laws establish the rights of injury victims and the responsibilities of dog owners and include specific provisions for liability, exemptions, and comparative fault, which may impact your case. 

Understanding these legal nuances can help you determine how to respond to the first personal injury settlement offer. Some of the most important nuances you should take note of include:

• Liability of police dogs – Police dogs are generally exempt from liability when performing official duties, such as apprehending suspects or protecting officers. However, handlers may be held responsible if negligence or excessive force leads to unnecessary injuries.
• Exceptions for trespassing – Dog owners may not be held liable if the injured party was trespassing on the owner’s property at the time of the attack. 
• Special exemptions for service animals – Service animals are generally exempt from liability unless they cause harm while acting outside the scope of their training or duties. For instance, a service dog biting someone without provocation may lead to questions about the animal’s training and behavior. 

Injury victims must meet the burden of proof based on a preponderance of the evidence. This standard means we must show that it is more likely than not that the dog owner’s negligence caused your injuries.

For this reason, collecting strong evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, will be critical.

How Long Might it Take to Settle Your Dog Bite Claim

The time it takes to settle a dog bite claim depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case and the cooperation of the parties involved.

Some claims may be resolved in just a few weeks, especially if liability is clear and the dog owner is insured. More complex cases, such as those involving disputes or uninsured parties, may take months or even years to resolve.

Each step in the process, from gathering evidence to negotiating a settlement, can influence the timeline. Cases requiring extensive investigation or expert testimony often take longer to prepare and resolve. While delays can be frustrating, they may be necessary to ensure that every single loss is fully accounted for.

Our team will also consider the long-term impact of your injuries when determining the value of your claim. This includes future medical expenses, emotional trauma, and any ongoing disabilities caused by the attack.

By taking the time to build a comprehensive claim, you can maximize your compensation and secure the support you need for recovery.

Get Help from a Distinguished Dog Bite Lawyer in Rhode Island for Help Today

However long it takes to settle your dog bite claim, our legal team is here to maximize the compensation you recover and help you rebuild your life. Your dedicated Rhode Island dog bite lawyer with Gemma Law understands the long-term impact these injuries can have on you and your family. 

We will work diligently to hold negligent dog owners accountable, so contact us by phone or through our quick contact form to discuss your options going forward.