Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Dogs bite approximately 5 million people a year in the United States. Practically 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 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 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 accountable, and for the dog attack victim to seek compensation for all medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damage 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 Van Nuys 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 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 results in considerable 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, around 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:

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

Dogs usually bite a person'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
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Crushing (head/ skull injuries)

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website concerning 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 specifies 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 might require a number of operations over several years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims might seek compensation to cover their:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Other relevant losses

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

Individuals that have been seriously wounded by an attacking dog deserve compensation and should not hesitate to seek it via civil legal action and contact a dog attack lawyer-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The compensation recovered 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 attacks accounted for 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 bite claims was $27,862.

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

Many claims can be resolved through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance provider. If a proper settlement agreement can not be reached, we would prepare to seek appropriate 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. Here are some steps you should try to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any dog bite should be seen by a physician.
• 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 people who witnessed 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 suffered as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Save any kind of clothing that may 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 provider. If you accept any form 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 resulted in serious injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Contact a Van Nuys dog attack lawyer at Drake Law Firm, immediately and schedule 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 lawyers will strive to ensure 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 Dog Bite Injuries in Van Nuys, 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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