After a dog bite in Owings Mills, you might be very concerned about your future medical bills. As every American knows, healthcare isn’t cheap in our nation – and it makes sense to plan for expensive bills whenever you suffer even a minor injury. In all honesty, you cannot budget your medical needs by simply reading an online article. Each dog attack is different, and injuries may vary in severity. That said, here are a few basic guidelines:
What Do the Dog Bite Statistics Say?
While it might be difficult to predict the specific cost of your dog bite, various statistics can shed light on this issue. The National Institutes of Health states that each year, the cost of dog bites in the United States is $165 million. With thousands of dog bites and attacks each year, this suggests that the cost per person is quite high.
In addition, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality states that the average inpatient cost for a dog bite is about $18,000. This is an above-average hospital bill, as a person can expect to pay about $12,000 for the average injury-related hospitalization.
The average dog bite victim also stays in a hospital for 3.3 days. Again, this indicates a more severe outcome than the average injured hospital patient – who only stays for about 2 days. Statistics indicate dog bites are more than twice as expensive to treat on a per-day basis. While the average dog bite victim pays $5,500 per day., the average hospital patient pays only $2,200 per day.
The Cost of Reconstructive Surgery After a Dog Bite
Severe dog attacks can cause disfiguring facial scars, and reconstructive surgery could be necessary for some patients. Although scarring can be painful and debilitating, it can also cause significant mental health concerns.
Unfortunately, reconstructive facial surgery is prohibitively expensive for many dog bite survivors. A single procedure on a specific part of the face can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Other procedures can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the most expensive treatment is associated with complete reconstruction of the entire face.
This highlights the need to explore all potential options for compensation after a dog bite in Maryland. Most patients cannot afford to shoulder these costs without assistance – even if they have medical insurance.
Options for Paying for Your Dog Bite Injuries
It might be easier to pay for your dog bite injuries than you realize. A consultation with a dog bite lawyer in Baltimore could be a positive step, and a lawsuit may be possible. When you sue a negligent party for allowing a dog attack, you can recover enough compensation to cover your medical bills. This compensation can also cover your lost income, emotional distress, and many other damages. Call Furman Honick Law today and speak with a partner for a free case evaluation.
Sources:
hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb101.jsp
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6582734/