A California dog bite victim can receive money for all of the following items:
- Medical treatment such as first aid, emergency room, hospital and ambulance;
- Any infections as a result of the dog bite (this sometimes happens and increases pain and suffering damages);
- Future medical treatment for scar reduction; depends on the depth of the dog bite;
- Psychological counseling to overcome the emotional trauma of the attack; fear of dogs, fear of being outdoors, and dealing with disfigurement. This can be common for a victim of a dog bite. I once represented a lady who had counseling because of the dog bite as she was attacked by a large pitt bull that jumped a fence as she walked past.
- Loss of earnings from work or the victim's business; this can also include future wage loss if there is a permanent impairment to a particular body part; if one exists, it needs to be documented under the AMA 5th Edition Guidelines by a medical doctor;
- Torn clothing and broken glasses or other personal property;
- Medications, and other out-of-pocket expenses;
- Co-pay expenses;