It is not easy to know how long it will take to resolve your dog bite claim because every case is unique. However, there are some common factors in these cases that can make it take longer to settle your claim. Understanding what they are can give you a better sense of how long you may have to wait to receive your money.
Factors That Affect How Long it Will Take to Settle Your Dog Bite Claim
Under Virginia dog bite laws, you may be entitled to compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering from the dog’s owner. However, it may not be easy to reach a settlement for what you deserve with their insurance company. Here are some factors that can affect how long this process will take:
- Your recovery. It is important to wait until you fully recover from your injuries, or as much as you will, to settle your case. You cannot know how much you should receive in your settlement for your future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering until you reach this stage of your medical treatment.
- Seriousness of your injuries. If you suffered serious injuries, the value of your claim will be higher. You may need to fight longer and harder to convince the insurance company to pay you all the compensation you deserve than if you suffered a minor injury.
- Litigation. If the insurance company refuses to be reasonable or the statute of limitations, which is the time period to sue, will expire soon, you will need to retain an experienced premises liability attorney to file a lawsuit against the dog owner. It can take longer to go through the litigation process, although it is still likely that your case will be settled before it goes to a jury trial.
If you suffered injuries in a dog attack, our skilled premises liability lawyers are here to explain your options to you and how long it could take to settle your case. To get started, call our Norfolk office to schedule a free consultation today.
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