Delaware Dog Bite Settlement Calculator
Dog & Owner Factors (Multipliers)
Victim & Incident Details (Comparative Fault)
Injury Details
Economic Damages & Insurance
Estimated Settlement Value
Quick Summary
- Delaware follows strict liability laws for dog bites (16 Del. C. § 3053F).
- Modified comparative fault applies: If you’re 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover compensation.
- Settlements consider medical bills, lost wages, pain, emotional trauma, and more.
- The Dog Bite Settlement Calculator uses real legal and medical factors to estimate compensation.
- There’s no legal damage cap in Delaware, but insurance policy limits may apply.
Delaware Dog Bite Laws: The Basics
Delaware uses a strict liability approach. That means a dog owner is generally responsible for injuries caused by their dog—even if it’s the dog’s first bite and the owner had no reason to think it was dangerous.
But there’s a catch: Comparative fault. If you were trespassing, provoking the dog, or otherwise partially responsible, your payout can be reduced—or barred entirely if your share of fault is 51% or higher (Del. Code § 8132).
How the Delaware Dog Bite Settlement Calculator Works
The calculator doesn’t just pull numbers out of thin air. It’s built to reflect real-world legal factors, including:
1. Economic Damages (Your Tangible Costs)
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Property damage (e.g., ruined clothing, phones)
These are added up to form your base compensation.
2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain, Trauma, Impact)
These are harder to calculate, so the tool uses multipliers to estimate them based on:
- Bite severity (using the Dunbar Scale)
- Location of injury (e.g., face vs. leg)
- Scarring, disfigurement, disability
- Psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD, fear of dogs)
- Age and gender of the victim
The calculator uses your medical costs multiplied by severity and other factors to estimate this part.
3. Fault Adjustments
The tool reduces your total if:
- You were trespassing
- You provoked the dog
- You shared any legal blame
If your fault exceeds 51%, the calculator will show zero compensation, per Delaware law.
4. Insurance Policy Limit
Even if the total compensation is high, if the dog owner’s insurance caps out at a certain amount (say $100,000), your final payout may be limited by that.
What Impacts Your Dog Bite Settlement in Delaware?
Here are the key factors the calculator takes into account:
| Factor Type | Examples | Impact on Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Dog’s History | Prior bites, signs of aggression | ↑ Increases multiplier |
| Owner’s Negligence | Dog off-leash, failed fence | ↑ Increases responsibility |
| Victim Actions | Trespassing, teasing the dog | ↓ Can reduce or block payout |
| Injury Severity | Deep bites, face injuries, permanent damage | ↑ Increases damages |
| Emotional Harm | PTSD, anxiety | ↑ Boosts non-economic value |
| Insurance Limits | Homeowner policy cap | May limit payout |
Using the Calculator: Step-by-Step
- Enter medical and wage loss amounts
Be honest and specific—every dollar counts. - Select details about the bite
Severity, location, scarring, and emotional effects. - Adjust for fault and behavior
The tool reflects Delaware’s strict laws on shared blame. - Check policy limit
If the owner’s insurance has a cap, your award may stop there. - Click “Calculate”
The tool shows an estimated payout, broken down clearly.
Note: This is an educational tool, not legal advice. Always talk to a Delaware personal injury attorney for specific guidance.
Realistic Example
Let’s say:
- Your past and future medical costs are $8,000
- You lost $2,000 in wages
- The bite was on your face, left scarring, and caused PTSD
- The dog had bitten before, and the owner let it roam off-leash
- You did not provoke the dog
You could be looking at a significant settlement, potentially exceeding $50,000–$100,000, depending on insurance limits.
Delaware’s 51% Bar Rule: Don’t Overlook It
If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover a dime. The calculator factors this in automatically, warning you if you cross that legal line.
No State Cap on Damages
Unlike some states, Delaware doesn’t limit how much you can recover in injury claims. But insurance policies often do. That’s why entering the policy limit in the calculator is important—it gives you a more realistic estimate of what you might actually receive.
Legal Disclaimer
The Delaware Dog Bite Settlement Calculator gives a ballpark figure, not legal advice. Every case is different. For a real estimate and to protect your rights, you need to speak with an attorney who handles dog bite claims in Delaware.