Louisiana Dog Bite Settlement Calculator
Victim & Incident Details (Comparative Fault)
Injury Details
Economic Damages & Insurance
Estimated Settlement Value
Understanding Louisiana Dog Bite Laws
Louisiana follows a “strict liability” rule under Civil Code Article 2321. This means that dog owners can be held responsible for bites even if their pet has never shown aggression before—as long as the victim was lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog.
However, Louisiana also applies “pure comparative fault” (Article 2323). This means that if the victim is partially at fault—for example, by teasing the dog or trespassing—their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Example:
If a court finds that your total damages are $100,000 but you were 25% at fault, you could still recover $75,000.
What the Louisiana Dog Bite Settlement Calculator Does
The Louisiana Dog Bite Settlement Calculator helps estimate the potential value of a dog bite claim by analyzing key factors that influence compensation. The calculator uses logic based on Louisiana’s liability and fault principles to give you a custom, data-backed estimate.
You’ll enter key details such as:
- Your lawful presence: Were you trespassing or lawfully on the property?
- Provocation: Did you do anything that may have triggered the dog’s aggression?
- Victim details: Age and gender, which may affect emotional and physical recovery.
- Dog and owner history: Prior incidents or owner negligence increase potential settlement values.
- Injury details: The severity of the bite, location on the body, and long-term effects such as scarring or psychological trauma.
- Economic losses: Medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and insurance limits.
Once these details are entered, the calculator processes them to estimate:
- Economic Damages (medical expenses, lost income, property damage)
- Non-Economic Damages (pain and suffering, trauma, disfigurement)
- Comparative Fault Adjustments (reductions for shared responsibility)
- Insurance Policy Caps (if applicable)
The result? A realistic snapshot of what your total estimated settlement could look like in Louisiana.
Key Factors That Influence Dog Bite Settlements in Louisiana
1. Severity of the Injury
More serious injuries, such as deep punctures, bone fractures, or permanent disfigurement, increase the overall settlement value. The calculator uses the Dunbar Scale to classify bite severity.
2. Location of the Bite
Bites to the face, neck, or head often result in higher compensation due to visible scarring and emotional distress, compared to bites on arms or legs.
3. Age of the Victim
Children and elderly victims typically receive higher settlements because they are more vulnerable to long-term physical and emotional harm.
4. Psychological Impact
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or lasting fear of dogs can significantly increase compensation. The calculator accounts for psychological trauma multipliers.
5. Owner Negligence and Dog History
If the dog had a known history of aggression or the owner was negligent (e.g., no leash, poor fencing), settlement values rise sharply.
6. Insurance Coverage
Most dog bite settlements in Louisiana are paid through homeowner’s insurance. If the owner’s policy limit is low, it may cap your total recovery, even if your calculated damages are higher.
Example: How the Calculator Estimates Compensation
Let’s say you were lawfully walking in a public park when a dog attacked you without provocation. You had $10,000 in medical bills and $3,000 in lost wages. The dog had a prior biting incident, and you suffered deep punctures to your face with mild PTSD.
The calculator would weigh:
- Severity: Level 4 on the Dunbar scale
- Injury location: Face (high multiplier)
- Psychological trauma: Moderate PTSD
- Owner negligence: High (off-leash violation)
Your total estimated settlement might range between $75,000 and $120,000, depending on insurance caps and your exact fault percentage.
Why Use the Louisiana Dog Bite Settlement Calculator
Fast & Free: Get an instant estimate without needing a lawyer.
Custom to Louisiana Law: Incorporates state-specific legal principles.
Educational: Helps you understand how each factor affects your compensation.
Transparent: Breaks down economic and non-economic damages clearly.
Important: This calculator provides an educational estimate, not legal advice. Actual settlements depend on evidence, negotiations, and insurance coverage. Always consult a qualified Louisiana personal injury attorney for accurate legal guidance.
How to Maximize Your Dog Bite Claim
- Document Everything: Take photos of injuries, medical bills, and incident reports.
- Report the Incident: File an official report with local authorities or animal control.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Get treatment even for minor bites—this establishes a medical record.
- Consult an Attorney: A Louisiana dog bite lawyer can assess your case, handle negotiations, and ensure fair compensation.
- Use the Calculator: Before speaking with insurers, get an idea of what your claim might be worth.