Mendez and Sanchez - Animal Attack Injury Lawyers in Pasadena, California

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Dogs attack 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. Roughly 800,000 Americans each year seek medical attention for wounds from dog bites, and 386,000 require emergency room treatment. Around 16 people die every year 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 serious injury. A serious injury suffered in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog bite victim to seek reimbursement for all medical expenses, pain and suffering and other harm resulted in by the bite.

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

Serious Injuries from Animal Attacks

A serious bite is not a playful nip or even a small injury that bruises an individual who came into contact with a dog at the wrong time. A serious dog attack is one that consists of biting and scratching that causes significant traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can additionally result in significant 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:

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

Dogs usually bite an individual'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
• Bone fractures
• Amputations
• Crushing (head/ skull injuries)

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website about 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 roughly 27,000 dog bite victims each year undergo reconstructive surgery. This might consist of skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may need multiple operations over many years.

Seeking Compensation After an Animal Attack

Dog bite victims might seek compensation to cover their:

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

Individuals 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 bite attorney-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The compensation recuperated in a dog bite case usually 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 made up more than one-third of all homeowners' insurance liability claim dollars paid in 2013 and resulted in more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average payment for dog attack cases was $27,862.

An experienced lawyer can examine your dog bite claim to determine whether the dog's owner is liable and calculate the settlement you might 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 who has been wounded by a dog bite. Here are some steps you should try 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 acquire a copy of the police accident report.
• Obtain the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
• Obtain the name and contact information of any individuals that witnessed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries as well as the location of the incident.
• Photograph any kind of visible injuries you have suffered as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Keep any clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
• Save and, ideally, photograph any property damaged by the animal.
• Do not interact with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any form of reimbursement, you might waive your right to sue for additional damages.

Get In Touch With Our Animal Attack Lawyers

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury or other animal attack that resulted in severe injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Contact a Pasadena dog bite attorney at Mendez & Sanchez, immediately and arrange a complimentary consultation.

We will supply 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 lawyers will strive to ensure you receive the settlement you are entitled to.

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