DOG BITE INJURY/ANIMAL ATTACK LAWYER

Dogs attack nearly 5 million people a year in the United States Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. About 800,000 Americans each year seek medical attention for injuries from dog attacks, and 386,000 require emergency room treatment. About 16 people die annually 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 severe injury. A serious injury suffered in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner accountable, and for the dog bite victim to seek reimbursement for all medical costs, pain and suffering and other damage resulted in by the bite.

If you have suffered a serious injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the North Hollywood 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 small 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 considerable traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can additionally result in considerable 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 individuals
• Post letter carriers

Dogs most often bite an individual's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Typical 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 concerning 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 approximately 27,000 dog bite victims each year undergo reconstructive surgery. This might consist of skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim might require a number of procedures over many years.

SEEKING COMPENSATION AFTER A DOG ATTACK

Dog bite victims may seek compensation to cover their:

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

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

Individuals that 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 attack lawyer-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The payment 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 bites 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 settlement for dog bite claims was $27,862.

An experienced attorney can examine your dog bite case to determine whether the dog's owner is responsible and calculate 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 prepare 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 that has been wounded 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 incident to the police and acquire 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 visible injuries you have endured as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Save any kind of clothing that might 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 form of compensation, you may waive your right to sue for additional damages.

REACH OUT TO OUR DOG ATTACK ATTORNEYS

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog attack injury or other animal attack that resulted in serious injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Get in touch with a North Hollywood dog attack attorney at Drake Law Firm, immediately and arrange a free consultation.

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

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 Lawyer in North Hollywood, 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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