Dog Bite Injury & Animal Attack Lawyer
Dogs bite approximately 5 million individuals a year in the U.S. Almost half of those injured are children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. Approximately 800,000 Americans every year seek medical attention for injuries from dog attacks, and 386,000 require emergency room treatment. Around 16 individuals die every year after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's figures 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 serious injury. A severe injury sustained in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner accountable, and for the dog attack victim to seek compensation for all medical costs, pain and suffering and other harm caused by the bite.
If you have sustained a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the Glendora area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury attorneys at First Law Group, want to assist you.
Serious Injuries From Dog Attacks
A serious bite is not a playful nip or even a small 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 considerable traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can also result in considerable 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:
- Children ages 5-9
- Elderly people
- Mail letter carriers
Dogs usually 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
- Bone fractures
- Amputations
- Crushing (head/ skull injuries)
DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website regarding dangerous dog breeds, reports that severe dog attacks can cause severe injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.
The CDC states that approximately 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This may include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may require a number of procedures over several years.
Seeking Compensation After A Dog Bite
Dog bite victims might seek compensation to cover their:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and decreased earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological distress
- Other relevant losses
Claims can be made against the dog owner and, potentially, a third party if that party's negligence caused the injury.
People who have been seriously wounded by an attacking dog deserve compensation and should not be reluctant to seek it via civil legal action and contact a dog attack lawyer-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The payment recuperated in a dog bite claim almost always 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 attacks made up more than one-third of all homeowners' insurance liability claim dollars paid in 2013 and led to more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average settlement for dog bite cases was $27,862.
An experienced lawyer can examine your dog attack case to establish whether the dog's owner is liable and determine the settlement you might 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 be ready 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 wounded by a dog bite. Below are some steps you should attempt to follow:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any type of dog bite should be seen by a physician.
- Immediately report the incident 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 people who witnessed 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 suffered as a result of the incident with the animal.
- Keep any kind of clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
- Keep and, ideally, photograph any kind of property damaged by the animal.
- Do not interact with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance provider. If you accept any form of reimbursement, you may waive your right to sue for additional damages.
Reach Out To Our Dog Bite Lawyers
If you or a loved one has sustained a dog attack injury or other animal attack that caused severe injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Reach out to a Glendora dog bite lawyer at First Law Group, immediately and arrange a complimentary consultation.
We will supply a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators that are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions regarding your legal options. Our dog attack lawyers will work hard 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 Glendora, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
