Dog Bit/Animal Attack Injury Lawyers

Dogs attack nearly 5 million people a year in the United States. Practically half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. Approximately 800,000 Americans each year seek medical attention for injuries from dog bites, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. About 16 people die each 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 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 severe injury sustained in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog bite victim to seek reimbursement for all medical costs, pain and suffering and other damage caused by the bite.

If you have sustained a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that took place in the Studio City area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury lawyers at Drake Law Firm, 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 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 also 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 bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Kids ages 5-9
• Elderly people
• Mail letter carriers

Dogs usually bite an individual'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 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 multiple operations over several years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Attack

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 caused the injury.

Individuals who 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 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 resulted in more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average payment for dog attack cases was $27,862.

An experienced lawyer can investigate your dog attack case to establish whether the dog's owner is responsible and determine the settlement you might be due for your injuries.

Several 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 suitable 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. Here 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 injury to the police and obtain a copy of the police accident report.
• Get the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
• Obtain the name and contact information of any individuals who witnessed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries along with the location of the incident.
• Photograph any kind of visible injuries you have suffered as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Save any clothing that might have been damaged by the animal.
• Save and, ideally, photograph any kind of property damaged by the animal.
• Do not communicate with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any kind of compensation, you might forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

Contact Our Dog Bite Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog attack injury or other animal attack that resulted in severe injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Reach out to a Studio City dog bite attorney at Drake Law Firm, without delay and schedule a free consultation.

We will provide a team of legal professionals, medical experts and investigators who are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions regarding your legal options. Our dog bite attorneys will strive to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Drake Law Firm, we've assisted numerous personal injury clients to get the compensation they require to recover. We won't let you accept unfair treatment from other law firms and we will defend you from beginning to end. If you need help with a Dog Bite Injury  in Studio City, California, give us a call at (844) 513-7253 for a FREE consultation or visit our website at DrakeLawGroup.com to get started on your case today! 

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