Animal Attack/Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
Dogs attack 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) says. Roughly 800,000 Americans every year seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. About 16 people die annually after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's figures do not consider the psychological trauma of experiencing an animal attack.
It is a simple 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 serious injury suffered in a dog attack is reason to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog attack victim to seek compensation for all medical expenses, pain and suffering and other harm caused by the bite.
If you have suffered a serious injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that took place in the Ontario area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury attorneys at First Law Group, want to help 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 significant emotional and psychological injury.
According to dog bite statistics from the CDC, approximately 885,000 dog bite victims every year-- or 20 percent of all of those who are attacked by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.
The most common victims are:
- Kids ages 5-9
- Elderly individuals
- Post letter carriers
Dogs most often bite an individual's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Common 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 about dangerous dog breeds, reports that serious dog attacks can cause acute 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 might require a number of operations over several years.
Seeking Compensation After A Dog Bite
Dog bite victims might pursue reimbursement 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 resulted in the injury.
People that have been seriously injured by an attacking dog are entitled to compensation and should not be reluctant to seek it via civil legal action and contact a dog bite lawyer-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The settlement recuperated in a dog attack 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 accounted for 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 attorney can examine your dog bite claim to establish whether the dog's owner is responsible and calculate the compensation you might be due for your injuries.
Several claims can be settled through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance provider. 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 injured 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.
- Get the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
- Get the name and contact information of any people that observed the attack.
- Photograph the animal that caused your injuries along with the location of the incident.
- Photograph any visible injuries you have suffered as a result of the incident with the animal.
- Save any clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
- Save 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 type of compensation, you might forgo your right to sue for additional damages.
Reach Out To Our Dog Bite Attorneys
If you or a loved one has sustained a dog bite injury or other animal attack that caused severe injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Reach out to an Ontario dog attack attorney at First Law Group, right away and arrange a free consultation.
We will provide a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators that are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions about your legal options. Our dog bite lawyers will work hard to make sure 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 Ontario, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
