An AI or online calculator can be useful for planning—especially if it helps you think in categories like medical costs, follow-up treatment, and time lost from work.
However, Show Low residents often run into the same problem: the tool’s “average” assumptions don’t match the reality of their situation. For example:
- If your bite resulted in a deeper puncture wound or infection risk, your total costs may far exceed the initial visit.
- If you needed follow-up care (wound re-checks, dressing changes, or specialty treatment), the case value may depend on documentation timing.
- If the dog owner disputes what happened, the settlement often reflects the strength of proof—not just the injury label.
In short: use a calculator for direction, not as a promise.


