Animal Attack/Dog Bite Injury Attorneys 

Dogs bite approximately 5 million individuals a year in the U.S. Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. Roughly 800,000 Americans each year seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 require emergency room treatment. About 16 people die each year after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's figures 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 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 costs, pain and suffering and other damage caused by the bite.

If you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the San Fernando Valley 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 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 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
• Post letter carriers

Dogs usually 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 about dangerous dog breeds, reports that severe dog attacks can result in acute 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 may consist of skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may need a number of operations over several years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Attack

Dog bite victims may pursue compensation to cover their:

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

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

People who have been seriously injured by an attacking dog deserve 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 compensation 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 attacks made up more than one-third of all homeowners' insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2013 and resulted in more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average settlement for dog attack cases was $27,862.

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

Several cases can be settled through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance provider. If a proper settlement agreement can not be reached, we would be ready to seek 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 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.
• Obtain the name and contact information of any people 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.
• Keep any clothing that might have been damaged by the animal.
• Save and, if possible, photograph any property damaged by the animal.
• Do not communicate with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any form of reimbursement, you might forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

Get In Touch with Our Dog Attack Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog attack injury or other animal attack that caused serious injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Reach out to a San Fernando Valley dog bite attorney at Drake Law Firm, without delay and arrange a complimentary consultation.

We will provide a team of legal professionals, medical experts and investigators that are dedicated to your case. We can help you make informed decisions regarding your legal options. Our dog bite lawyers will strive to make sure you receive the compensation 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 Dog Bites Injury Lawyer in San Fernando Valley, 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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