Animal Attack Injury Lawyers

Dogs bite roughly 5 million people a year in the United States Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. About 800,000 Americans every year seek medical attention for injuries from dog bites, and 386,000 require emergency room treatment. About 16 people die annually after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's numbers 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 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 suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the Thousand Oaks area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury lawyers at Drake Law Firm, want to assist you.

Serious Injuries from Animal Attacks

A serious bite is not a playful nip or even a small injury that bruises an individual who came into contact with a dog at the wrong time. A serious dog attack is one that consists of biting and scratching that causes significant 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, roughly 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 an individual's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Typical injuries in dog attacks consist of:

• 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 acute injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.

The CDC states that roughly 27,000 dog bite victims each year undergo reconstructive surgery. This may consist of skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may require a number of procedures over many years.

Seeking Compensation after an Animal Attack

Dog bite victims might pursue reimbursement to cover their:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and diminished 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 wounded 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 compensation recouped 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 out in 2013 and led to more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average payment for dog attack cases was $27,862.

An experienced attorney can investigate your dog bite case to establish whether the dog's owner is responsible and determine the compensation you may be due for your injuries.

Several claims 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 seek appropriate compensation for you in court.

Taking Action after an Attack

You can act to help yourself, a loved one or a friend who 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 medical professional.
• Immediately report the incident to the police and acquire 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 that witnessed 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.
• Keep 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 kind of reimbursement, you might waive your right to sue for additional damages.

Reach Out to Our Animal Attack Lawyers

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog attack injury or other animal attack that resulted in serious injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Reach out to a Thousand Oaks dog bite attorney at Drake Law Firm, without delay and arrange a complimentary consultation.

We will offer a team of legal professionals, medical experts and investigators who are dedicated to your case. We can help you make informed decisions concerning your legal options. Our dog attack attorneys will work hard to make sure you receive the settlement you deserve.