Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dogs attack approximately 5 million individuals a year in the United States Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. Roughly 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog bites, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. Around 16 people 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 sustained in a dog attack is reason to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog attack victim to seek reimbursement for all medical costs, pain and suffering and other harm caused by the bite.

If you have suffered a serious injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that occurred in the Calabasas area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury attorneys 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 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 additionally result in significant 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 that are bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

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

Dogs usually bite an individual's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Common 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 about dangerous dog breeds, reports that serious dog attacks can cause severe 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 might consist of skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim might need a number of operations over many years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims may seek reimbursement 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, possibly, a third party if that party's negligence caused the injury.

People who have been seriously wounded by an attacking dog are entitled to compensation and should not hesitate 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 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 bites made up 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 settlement for dog bite cases was $27,862.

An experienced lawyer can investigate your dog attack claim to determine whether the dog's owner is liable and calculate the compensation you may 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 doctor.
• Immediately report the injury to the police and obtain 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 people that observed 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.
• Keep any kind of clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
• Save and, if possible, photograph any property damaged by the animal.
• Do not interact with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any type of reimbursement, you might forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

Reach Out to Our Dog Bite Attorneys

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

We will supply a team of legal professionals, medical experts and investigators that are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions about your legal options. Our dog attack attorneys will strive to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.