Dogs attack 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) says. Roughly 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog bites, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. About 16 individuals die each 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 serious injury suffered in a dog attack is reason to hold the dog's owner accountable, and for the dog bite victim to seek compensation for all medical expenses, 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 Woodland Hills area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury attorneys at Drake Law Firm, want to help you.

Serious Injuries from Animal Attacks

A serious bite is not a playful nip or even a minor 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 results in considerable traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can additionally cause 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 that 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 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 about dangerous dog breeds, reports that serious dog attacks can result in acute injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.

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

Seeking Compensation After an Animal Attack

Dog bite victims may seek compensation to cover their:

• Past and future medical costs
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological distress
• Other related losses

Claims can be made against the dog owner and, possibly, a third party if that party's negligence resulted in the injury.

People that have been seriously injured by an attacking dog deserve compensation and should not be reluctant to seek it through civil legal action and contact a dog attack attorney-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The compensation 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 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 payment for dog bite claims was $27,862.

An experienced lawyer can examine your dog bite case to determine whether the dog's owner is responsible and calculate the compensation you might be due for your injuries.

Many cases can be resolved 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 who has been wounded by a dog bite. Here are some steps you should attempt to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any dog bite should be seen by a doctor.
• Immediately report the injury to the police and acquire a copy of the police accident report.
• Obtain the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
• Get the name and contact information of any individuals that 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.
• Save and, if possible, photograph any property damaged by the animal.
• Do not communicate with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any form of reimbursement, you may forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

Reach Out to Our Animal Attack Lawyers

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog bite injury or other animal attack that resulted in serious injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Contact a Woodland Hills dog bite attorney at Drake Law Firm, right away and arrange a complimentary consultation.

We will offer a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators that are dedicated to your case. We can help you make informed decisions regarding your legal options. Our dog bite attorneys will work hard to make sure you receive the settlement you are entitled to.