Dogs bite roughly 5 million people a year in the U.S. Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. About 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. About 16 individuals 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 serious injury. A severe injury sustained in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog attack victim to seek reimbursement for all medical expenses, pain and suffering and other harm resulted in by the bite.

If you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that took place in the Encino area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury lawyers at Drake Law Firm, want to help you.

Serious Injuries from Dog Bites

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 results in considerable traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can also cause considerable 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 who 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 a person's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Typical injuries in dog attacks include:

• Cuts, bruises and scratches
• Puncture wounds
• Tearing (avulsion)
• Dislocations
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Crushing (head/ skull injuries)

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website regarding dangerous dog breeds, reports that serious dog attacks can cause 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 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 costs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological distress
• Other relevant losses

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

People who 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 settlement recovered 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 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 attorney can examine your dog attack case to establish whether the dog's owner is responsible and determine the settlement you may be due for your injuries.

Many 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 pursue suitable compensation for you in court.

Taking Action after a Bite

You can act to help yourself, a loved one or a friend who has been injured by a dog bite. Here are some steps you should attempt to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any dog bite should be seen by a physician.
• 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.
• 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 clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
• Keep and, if possible, photograph any 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 might waive your right to sue for additional damages.

Get in Touch with Our Dog Bite Lawyers

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog attack injury or other animal attack that resulted in severe injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Get in touch with a Encino dog bite attorney at Drake Law Firm, without delay and arrange a free consultation.

We will supply 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 attack lawyers will strive to make sure you receive the settlement you are entitled to.