Dog Attack Injury Lawyers

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. About 800,000 Americans each year seek medical attention for injuries from dog bites, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. About 16 individuals 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 severe 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 sustained a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the Sherman Oaks area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury attorneys at Drake Law Firm, want to help you.

Serious Injuries from Dog Attacks

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 includes 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 who are bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Kids ages 5-9 (approximately one-half of all children aged 12 and younger have been bitten by a dog)
• Elderly individuals
• Mail letter carriers

Dogs usually bite an individual's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Injuries in dog attacks may consist of:

• Cuts, bruises and scratches
• Puncture wounds
• Tearing (avulsion)
• Dislocations
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Crushing (head/ skull injuries)
• Infection (1in 5 bites become infected according to the CDC 2018)
• Death

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website concerning dangerous dog breeds, reports that serious dog attacks can result in severe 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 might require a number of operations over many years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Attack

Dog bite victims might seek compensation to cover their:

• Past and future medical costs
• Lost income and diminished 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.

Individuals that have been seriously injured 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 settlement recovered in a dog attack 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 bites made up 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 attack claims was $27,862.

An experienced lawyer can investigate your dog bite case to determine whether the dog's owner is liable and determine 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 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 injured by a dog bite. Here are some steps you should try to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any type of dog bite should be seen by a doctor.
• Immediately report the injury to the police and obtain 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 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 endured as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Keep any clothing that may 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 type of compensation, you might waive your right to sue for additional damages.

Get In Touch with Our Dog Attack Lawyers

If you or a loved one has sustained 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 Sherman Oaks dog attack attorney at Drake Law Firm, immediately and arrange a complimentary 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 strive 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 Animal Attacks in Sherman Oaks, 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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