Dog Bite/Animal Attack Lawyers

Dogs bite 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) says. Approximately 800,000 Americans every year seek medical attention for wounds from dog bites, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. Around 16 individuals die every 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 sustained in a dog attack is cause 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 resulted in by the bite.

If you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the Burbank area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury attorneys at Drake Law Firm, want to assist you.

Serious Injuries from Dog Bites

A serious bite is not a playful nip or even a minor injury that bruises someone who came into contact with a dog at the wrong time. A serious dog attack is one that consists of biting and scratching that results in considerable traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can additionally cause 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 bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

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

Dogs usually bite a person'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 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 states that approximately 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This may include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim might need multiple procedures over several years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims may pursue reimbursement to cover their:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced 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 caused the injury.

People who have been seriously wounded by an attacking dog are entitled to compensation and should not hesitate to seek it through civil legal action and contact a dog attack attorney-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The settlement 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 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 attack cases was $27,862.

An experienced lawyer can examine your dog bite case to determine whether the dog's owner is responsible and determine the settlement 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 a Dog Bite

You can act to help yourself, a loved one or a friend who has been wounded 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 medical professional.
• Immediately report the incident to the police and obtain a copy of the police accident report.
• Get the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
• Get the name and contact information of any individuals 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 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, if possible, photograph any kind of property damaged by the animal.
• Do not communicate with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance provider. If you accept any kind of reimbursement, you may forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

Reach Out to Our Dog Bite 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 legal rights that deserve to be protected. Contact a Burbank dog attack attorney at Drake Law Firm, immediately and arrange a complimentary consultation.

We will offer a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators that are dedicated to your case. We can help you make informed decisions concerning your legal options. Our dog attack 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 Burbank, 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!