Dog bite claims usually settle through the owner's homeowners or renters insurance. Severity (puncture wounds, scarring, nerve damage, infection risk) drives the pain-and-suffering multiplier more than in most other injury types because bites often leave visible, permanent marks.
This tool uses the multiplier method: (medical bills + lost wages) × a pain-and-suffering multiplier based on injury severity (1.5x for minor, 3x for moderate, 5x for severe), minus any reduction for your percentage of fault. It's the same starting-point approach insurance adjusters commonly use in negotiations — not a guaranteed outcome.
If you select a state, this tool applies that state's actual comparative/contributory negligence rule and, where researched, its noneconomic-damages cap for this claim type — see the methodology page for exactly which states and rules are currently covered. If your state's rule bars recovery at your entered fault percentage, this tool shows an explanation instead of a dollar amount — that percentage is your own estimate, not a legal finding, and several of these rules have real exceptions.
It depends on the state. Many states have strict liability laws holding owners responsible regardless of the dog's prior behavior; others follow a 'one bite rule' requiring proof the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
Yes, significantly. Visible or permanent scarring, especially on the face or hands, typically pushes the pain-and-suffering multiplier toward the higher end of the range.
You may need to pursue the owner's personal assets directly, or in some cases file a claim under your own umbrella or renters/homeowners policy if applicable.