Idaho Dog Bite Settlement Calculator & Compensation

What Is the Idaho Dog Bite Settlement Calculator?

Our Idaho Dog Bite Settlement Calculator is a free, interactive tool that estimates how much compensation a victim might receive. It uses real legal and medical factors — based on Idaho statutes and injury models — to provide an approximate settlement value.

It considers things like:

• The dog’s past behavior
• Owner negligence
• Victim’s actions (e.g., provocation or trespassing)
• Medical costs and lost wages
• Injury type and psychological trauma
• Caps on pain and suffering

Note: This is not legal advice, but it gives you a starting point to understand your potential compensation.

How Idaho Dog Bite Law Works

1. The “One-Bite” Rule

Idaho follows what’s known as a modified one-bite rule. This means:

• A dog owner is not automatically liable the first time their dog bites someone…
• Unless they knew — or should have known — the dog was dangerous.

Liability is stronger if:

• The dog has a bite history.
• The owner violated leash or fencing laws.
• The owner encouraged aggression.

Idaho doesn’t have strict liability for all dog bites. You must prove negligence or prior knowledge of the dog’s aggression.

Comparative Fault in Idaho (50% Bar Rule)

Idaho uses modified comparative fault under Idaho Code § 6-801. Here’s what it means:

• If the victim is 50% or more at fault, they get nothing.
• If the victim is less than 50% at fault, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.

So, if a jury finds you 30% at fault, and the total damages were $100,000 — you’d only receive $70,000.

Fault can include:

• Trespassing
• Provoking the dog
• Ignoring warnings

What Compensation Can You Get?

Your settlement may include:

Economic Damages (Concrete Costs):

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income (wages, future earnings)
• Property damage (like torn clothing or broken phones)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering):

• Physical pain
• Permanent scarring
• Emotional trauma or PTSD
• Anxiety around dogs

Pain and suffering damages are capped in Idaho:
As of July 2025, the cap is $509,013.28 – unless the owner acted with willful misconduct, in which case the cap might not apply.

How the Calculator Works (Behind the Scenes)

The calculator runs through four core categories:

1. Liability Assessment

• Did the dog have a known aggressive history?
• Was the owner negligent?
• Was the aggression encouraged?

Each of these adds a multiplier that affects the pain and suffering estimate.

2. Victim Factors

• Were you trespassing?
• Did you provoke the dog?
• What’s your age and gender?

Victim actions may reduce your settlement through comparative fault.

3. Injury Severity

• Dunbar scale (bite depth & number)
• Body location (face injuries get higher compensation)
• Physical impact (disability, scarring)
• Mental impact (PTSD or fear)

These factors scale your pain & suffering estimate.

4. Economic Loss

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Future costs

The total economic loss forms the base of the settlement estimate. Then multipliers are added to estimate pain and suffering.

Example Scenario: How It All Adds Up

Let’s say:

• The dog had a prior bite.
• The owner let it roam off-leash.
• You were walking on a public sidewalk.
• You didn’t provoke the dog.
• You suffered deep puncture wounds to the face and have PTSD.
• Your medical bills and wage loss totaled $30,000.

Using the calculator, the estimate might be:

• Economic Damages: $30,000
• Pain & Suffering (capped): $509,013.28
• Total before fault reduction: ~$539,013
• Your fault: 0%
• Estimated Settlement: $539,013.28

When You May Not Be Eligible

The calculator will warn you if:

• You’re 50% or more at fault.
• The dog had no prior issues, and the owner wasn’t negligent.

In both cases, Idaho law likely bars your claim.

Reminder: This tool gives you an estimate. To get the most accurate number — and protect your rights — speak with a qualified Idaho personal injury lawyer.