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:
Dogs usually bite an individual's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Common injuries in dog attacks include:
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:
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:
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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While other firms just handle your bodily injury claim, we offer a complimentary full-service package where we will also handle your property damage for no fee!
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