Dog Bite Injury/Animal Attack Lawyer
Dogs bite nearly 5 million individuals a year in the United States. Practically half of those injured are children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. About 800,000 Americans each year seek medical attention for injuries from dog bites, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. About 16 individuals die every year after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's numbers do not consider the psychological trauma of experiencing an animal attack.
It is a basic fact of life that dogs bite. This includes any dog of any breed. A dog bite can be anything from a nip to a traumatic attack that leaves a severe injury. A severe injury sustained in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog bite victim to seek compensation for all medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damage caused by the bite.
If you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that took place in the Fontana area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury lawyers at First Law Group, want to assist you.
Serious Injuries From Dog Attacks
A serious bite is not a playful nip or even a minor injury that bruises someone who came into contact with a dog at the wrong time. A serious dog attack is one that includes biting and scratching that causes significant traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can also cause significant emotional and psychological injury.
According to dog bite statistics from the CDC, around 885,000 dog bite victims every year-- or 20 percent of all of those who are bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.
The most common victims are:
- Kids ages 5-9
- Elderly people
- Mail letter carriers
Dogs most often bite a person's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Typical injuries in dog attacks include:
- Cuts, bruises and scratches
- Puncture wounds
- Tearing (avulsion)
- Dislocations
- Fractures
- Amputations
- Crushing (head/ skull injuries)
DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website concerning dangerous dog breeds, reports that severe dog attacks can cause acute injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.
The CDC states that roughly 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This may include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim might require multiple operations over many years.
Seeking Compensation After A Dog Attack
Dog bite victims may seek compensation to cover their:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Other related losses
Claims can be made against the dog owner and, potentially, a third party if that party's negligence caused the injury.
People that have been seriously injured by an attacking dog deserve compensation and should not hesitate to seek it through civil legal action and contact a dog bite attorney-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The payment recuperated in a dog attack case usually comes from the dog owner's insurance, such as homeowners' insurance or business liability insurance.
The Insurance Information Institute and State Farm Insurance report that dog bites made up more than one-third of all homeowners' insurance liability claim dollars paid in 2013 and resulted in more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average payment for dog bite cases was $27,862.
An experienced attorney can examine your dog attack case to establish whether the dog's owner is liable and calculate the compensation you may be due for your injuries.
Many cases can be settled through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance company. If a proper settlement agreement can not be reached, we would prepare to pursue appropriate compensation for you in court.
Taking Action After An Attack
You can act to help yourself, a loved one or a friend that has been injured by a dog bite. Here are some steps you should try to follow:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any type of dog bite should be seen by a physician.
- Immediately report the injury to the police and obtain a copy of the police accident report.
- Obtain the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
- Obtain the name and contact information of any individuals who observed the attack.
- Photograph the animal that caused your injuries as well as the location of the incident.
- Photograph any kind of visible injuries you have endured as a result of the incident with the animal.
- Save any clothing that might have been damaged by the animal.
- Keep and, ideally, photograph any property damaged by the animal.
- Do not interact with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance provider. If you accept any kind of compensation, you may waive your right to sue for additional damages.
Get In Touch With Our Dog Bite Attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury or other animal attack that caused serious injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Get in touch with a Fontana dog bite lawyer at First Law Group, without delay and arrange a free consultation.
We will offer a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators who are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions about your legal options. Our dog attack attorneys will strive to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Fontana, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
