New Hampshire Dog Bite Settlement Calculator
Victim & Incident Details (Comparative Fault)
Injury Details
Economic Damages & Insurance
Estimated Settlement Value
How Dog Bite Compensation Works in New Hampshire
New Hampshire follows a “strict liability” rule under RSA 466:19.
That means a dog owner is automatically responsible for injuries caused by their dog — even if the dog never bit anyone before or the owner had no reason to believe it was dangerous.
However, there’s one major exception: comparative fault.
Under RSA 507:7-d, if the victim is 51% or more at fault, they can’t recover damages.
If they’re 50% or less at fault, their settlement is reduced by that percentage.
For example:
- If your total damages are $100,000
- And you were 25% at fault (for provoking the dog)
- You could recover $75,000.
Using the New Hampshire Dog Bite Settlement Calculator
Our New Hampshire Dog Bite Settlement Calculator helps you estimate potential compensation based on:
- The victim’s age and gender
- The location and cause of the attack
- The severity of the bite (Dunbar Scale)
- Medical costs (past and future)
- Lost wages and disability
- Psychological trauma
- Insurance coverage limits
It’s free, anonymous, and designed to provide realistic ballpark figures — not inflated numbers.
How the Calculator Works
Let’s break down what happens behind the scenes when you click “Calculate Estimate”:
- You enter your details — medical bills, lost wages, future expenses, and the type of injury.
- The tool applies multipliers based on injury severity, body area, and long-term impact.
- It adds pain and suffering on top of economic losses using the Dunbar Bite Severity Scale (Levels 1–6).
- Then it adjusts for comparative fault (for example, trespassing or provoking the dog).
- Finally, it applies insurance policy limits to reflect real-world payout caps.
If your share of fault exceeds 51%, the calculator automatically shows a warning — you can’t recover damages under New Hampshire’s 51% fault rule.
Example Settlement Calculation
Let’s look at a simple example:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Medical bills | $10,000 |
| Lost wages | $2,000 |
| Future care | $3,000 |
| Total economic losses | $15,000 |
If the injury is a Level 4 bite (deep puncture wounds) and involves facial scarring, the pain and suffering multiplier might increase your total to around $75,000–$120,000, depending on emotional trauma and disability.
If the dog owner’s insurance policy limit is $100,000, that becomes your maximum settlement, even if your calculated damages are higher.
Factors That Affect Dog Bite Compensation in New Hampshire
Here are the biggest elements influencing your potential payout:
1. Bite Severity
The Dunbar Scale classifies bites from minor (Level 1–2) to fatal (Level 6).
More severe bites mean higher pain and suffering damages.
2. Injury Location
Facial and head injuries often lead to higher settlements due to visible scarring and emotional trauma.
3. Age of the Victim
Children and elderly victims typically receive more compensation due to vulnerability and long-term effects.
4. Permanent Scarring or Disability
Cases involving lasting scars, nerve damage, or physical impairment significantly raise settlement value.
5. Emotional and Psychological Impact
PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs are recognized as valid damages under New Hampshire law.
6. Insurance Coverage
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites, but payouts are capped by policy limits — often between $100,000 and $300,000.
7. Comparative Fault
Provocation, trespassing, or teasing the dog can reduce your recovery.
If your fault exceeds 50%, your claim is barred.
Average Dog Bite Settlements in New Hampshire
While every case is different, here’s a general guide:
| Type of Case | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Minor bites (no scarring) | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Moderate bites (stitches or small scar) | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Severe bites (facial scarring, nerve damage) | $75,000 – $200,000 |
| Permanent disability or PTSD | $200,000+ |
| Fatal dog attacks | Often exceed $500,000 |
Your own result may be higher or lower depending on the facts of your case and the available insurance coverage.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in New Hampshire
- Get medical help immediately.
Even small punctures can lead to infection. - Report the incident.
File a report with local animal control or the police. - Document everything.
Take photos of injuries, the location, and witness information. - Contact a dog bite attorney.
A lawyer can confirm liability, gather evidence, and handle negotiations with insurance companies.
Why Use the New Hampshire Dog Bite Calculator
Helps you understand your claim’s potential value
Reflects state-specific laws (RSA 466:19 & RSA 507:7-d)
Accounts for comparative fault and insurance limits
Offers a realistic, data-driven estimate
100% free and private
It’s not legal advice, but it gives you a clear starting point before speaking with an attorney.