Woman Mauled by Dogs to Receive $21 Million Settlement: Understanding Dog Bite Liability and Compensation
Dog bite incidents can be traumatic, life-altering events, leaving victims with severe physical and emotional scars. While the average dog bite settlement is around $65,000, some cases, particularly those involving severe injuries and negligence, can result in significantly higher compensation. Recently, a woman mauled by dogs is set to receive a $21 million settlement, highlighting the potential for substantial compensation in dog bite cases. This blog post will delve into the legal aspects of dog bite liability, factors influencing settlement amounts, and steps to take if you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog attack.
The Horrific Incident: A Community’s Plea Ignored
In February 2022, a 38-year-old woman, Gyongyi Maas, was jogging in her Auburn, Washington neighborhood when two dogs escaped from a nearby property and viciously attacked her. Neighbors who heard her screams rushed to help but were unable to stop the attack due to the dogs’ ferocity. The attack left Maas with critical injuries, including broken bones and severe lacerations to her face, head, arms, torso, and legs, requiring over 20 surgeries in two years.
What makes this case particularly egregious is that the community had repeatedly contacted King County authorities for years, reporting criminal activity, unsanitary conditions, and aggressive dogs at the property. Despite over 75 calls to various county departments, including the Sheriff’s Office and Animal Care Services, no effective action was taken to address the hazards. In fact, aggressive dogs associated with the property had been impounded and released prior to the attack.
Landmark Settlement: Acknowledging the County’s Negligence
The court ruled that King County had a “duty to protect the community” from dangerous animals. The $21.5 million settlement, reportedly the largest personal injury settlement paid by King County, reflects the severity of Maas’s injuries and the county’s negligence in failing to respond to the community’s concerns. In addition to the monetary settlement, the property owner agreed to pay the limits of their homeowner’s insurance policy and sell the property to facilitate its cleanup and neighborhood restoration.
Dog Bite Laws and Liability: Who is Responsible?
Dog bite laws vary by state, but they generally fall into two categories: strict liability and the “one-bite rule.”
- Strict Liability: In states with strict liability laws, dog owners are automatically responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had shown aggression in the past.
- One-Bite Rule: In states with the “one-bite rule,” dog owners are only liable if they knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous. This means that the owner is typically not held responsible for the first bite unless there was prior evidence of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Some states, like New York, combine elements of both strict liability and the one-bite rule. In New York, the owner of a previously adjudicated “dangerous” dog is strictly liable for medical costs, but for other damages, the victim must prove the dog had a dangerous tendency and the owner was aware of it.
Even in strict liability states, there may be exceptions if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or was a veterinary professional, dog groomer, or trainer acting in the performance of their duties.
Factors Influencing Dog Bite Settlement Amounts
Several factors can influence the amount of compensation awarded in a dog bite case:
- Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries, such as those requiring surgery, resulting in permanent scarring, nerve damage, disfigurement, or long-term disabilities, typically lead to higher settlements.
- Medical Expenses: Compensation can cover past and future medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Victims can recover lost earnings if the dog bite caused them to miss work or prevented them from working altogether.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, anxiety, and psychological impact, such as PTSD.
- Negligence: Proving that the dog owner was negligent, such as by failing to restrain the dog or address a known risk, can increase the settlement amount.
- Insurance Coverage: Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies typically cover dog bite claims, but coverage limits can affect the potential payout.
- State Laws: State-specific laws, such as strict liability statutes or the one-bite rule, can significantly impact liability and compensation.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it’s crucial to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and seek immediate medical attention, even for minor wounds, as infections can occur.
- Report the Incident: File a report with local animal control or law enforcement. This is especially important if you don’t know the dog’s owner or if the dog wasn’t wearing a tag.
- Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible, including photos of your injuries, the dog, and the scene of the attack. Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
- Identify the Dog’s Owner: Get the dog owner’s name, contact information, and insurance details.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all related expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and other costs incurred due to the injury.
- Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer: Consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer who can evaluate your case, advise you on your legal options, and help you pursue fair compensation.
Seeking Justice and Compensation
Dog bite incidents can have devastating consequences, but victims have the right to seek justice and compensation for their injuries. Understanding dog bite laws, factors influencing settlement amounts, and steps to take after an attack can help victims navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog attack, contact our law firm today for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you need to recover and rebuild your life.