$175,000 Pre-Suit Settlement for Severe Dog Bite Causing Permanent Facial Injury in Kansas
This personal injury case arose from a dog attack that occurred in December 2023 while our client was visiting friends at their home in Lenexa, Kansas. As our client entered the residence, a pit bull mix burst through the front door and attacked without warning, lunging directly at his face.
The attack caused a severe avulsion injury to the upper lip, including partial loss of the vermillion border and underlying tissue. The injury resulted in permanent facial disfigurement, functional deficits, and ongoing pain and suffering. Our client was knocked backward by the force of the attack and required immediate emergency medical care.
Medical Treatment and Long-Term Impact
Our client was transported to University Health Truman Medical Center, where he underwent emergency reconstructive surgery. His treatment continued over the following year and included care from oral and maxillofacial surgeons and other specialists. Despite treatment, the injury resulted in permanent scarring, functional limitations, and ongoing symptoms, including difficulty with normal lip function.
Beyond the physical injuries, the attack caused profound non-economic harm, including emotional distress, loss of self-confidence due to facial disfigurement, and a diminished quality of life.
Insurance Negotiations and Expert Support
Foster Wallace represented the client in pre-suit negotiations with the homeowner’s insurance carrier, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. To fully document the long-term consequences of the injury, the firm retained a plastic surgery expert who prepared a report outlining the need for future scar-revision procedures and associated medical costs.
A comprehensive demand was presented that detailed the severity of the injury, permanent disfigurement, future medical needs, and the significant non-economic damages caused by the attack.
Resolution
After extensive negotiations and multiple counteroffers, the case resolved pre-suit for $175,000 shortly before the statute of limitations expired. Resolving the matter without litigation allowed our client to receive compensation efficiently while avoiding the additional delay and stress of a lawsuit. All medical bills and lien issues were resolved as part of the settlement, ensuring a clean resolution of the claim.
