DOG BITE INJURY/ANIMAL ATTACK LAWYER

Dogs bite nearly 5 million individuals a year in the U.S. Practically half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. About 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for injuries from dog bites, and 386,000 need 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 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 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 occurred in the North Hollywood area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury lawyers at Drake Law Firm, want to help 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, roughly 885,000 dog bite victims every year-- or 20 percent of all of those that are attacked by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Kids ages 5-9
• Elderly people
• Mail 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 regarding 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 specifies that approximately 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This might include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may need a number of procedures over many years.

SEEKING COMPENSATION AFTER A DOG BITE

Dog bite victims may pursue compensation to cover their:

• Past and future medical costs
• 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 resulted in the injury.

People that 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 attack attorney-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The compensation recouped in a dog bite case 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 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 claims was $27,862.

An experienced lawyer can examine your dog bite case to establish whether the dog's owner is liable and determine the compensation 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 seek appropriate 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 injured by a dog bite. Here are some steps you should attempt to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any kind of dog bite should be seen by a physician.
• Immediately report the incident to the police and secure 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 as well as the location of the incident.
• Photograph any 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.
• Keep 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 kind of compensation, you might forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

CONTACT OUR DOG BITE LAWYERS

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury or other animal attack that resulted in severe injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Reach out to a North Hollywood dog attack lawyer at Drake Law Firm, without delay and schedule a free consultation.

We will offer a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators who are dedicated to your case. We can help you make informed decisions concerning your legal options. Our dog bite lawyers will work hard to ensure you receive the settlement 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 an Animal Attack 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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