Mendez and Sanchez - Dog Attack Injury Attorneys in Monterey Park, California

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Dogs bite approximately 5 million individuals a year in the U.S. Practically half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. About 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for injuries from dog attacks, 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 serious injury. A severe injury suffered in a dog attack is reason to hold the dog's owner accountable, and for the dog bite victim to seek reimbursement for all medical costs, pain and suffering and other damage caused by the bite.

If you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that occurred in the Monterey Park area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury attorneys at Mendez & Sanchez, want to assist you.

Serious Injuries from Dog Attacks

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 includes biting and scratching that results in 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 attacked by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

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

Dogs usually bite an individual'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 regarding dangerous dog breeds, reports that severe 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 may need multiple operations over many 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 caused the injury.

People who have been seriously wounded by an attacking dog are entitled to compensation and should not be reluctant 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 payment recouped in a dog bite 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 accounted for 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 payment for dog attack claims was $27,862.

An experienced lawyer can examine your dog attack case to establish whether the dog's owner is liable and calculate 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 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 wounded by a dog bite. Below 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 physician.
• 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.
• Get the name and contact information of any people who 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.
• Save any kind of clothing that might 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 company. If you accept any type of compensation, you may forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

Reach Out to Our Dog Attack Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog attack injury or other animal attack that resulted in serious injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Get in touch with a Monterey Park dog bite lawyer at Mendez & Sanchez, right away and arrange a free consultation.

We will supply a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators who are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions regarding your legal options. Our dog bite lawyers will strive to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

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MONTEREY PARK PERSONAL INJURY AND ANIMAL ATTACK LAWYERS ARE AVAILABLE 24-HOUR A DAY TO TAKE YOUR CALL. FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, CALL US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE.