Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Dogs bite nearly 5 million individuals a year in the U.S. Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. About 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog bites, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. Around 16 individuals die every 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 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 severe injury. A serious injury sustained in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog attack victim to seek compensation for all medical costs, pain and suffering and other damage resulted in by the bite.

If you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that occurred in the Thousand Oaks area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury lawyers at Drake Law Firm, want to help you.

Serious Injuries from Dog Bites

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 includes biting and scratching that causes significant traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can additionally 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 people
• Post letter carriers

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

The CDC specifies that about 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This might consist of skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may require a number of operations over many years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims might pursue compensation to cover their:

• Past and future medical expenses
• 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 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 attorney-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The payment recouped in a dog bite 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 bites 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 settlement for dog bite cases was $27,862.

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

Several cases 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 pursue suitable compensation for you in court.

Taking Action After a Bite

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 try 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 acquire 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 individuals who 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.
• 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 may waive your right to sue for additional damages.

Get in Touch with 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 legal rights that deserve to be protected. Get in touch with a Thousand Oaks dog attack attorney at Drake Law Firm, without delay and arrange a free consultation.

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