MENDEZ AND SANCHEZ - DOG ATTACK ATTORNEY IN MONTEBELLO, CALIFORNIA

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Dogs bite roughly 5 million people 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 annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. About 16 individuals die annually after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's numbers do not consider the psychological trauma of experiencing an animal attack.

It is a basic 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 severe injury suffered in a dog attack is cause 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 Montebello area or anywhere else in California, the dog attack attorneys at Mendez & Sanchez, want to help you.

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SERIOUS INJURIES FROM DOG 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 results in considerable 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, around 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 individuals
• 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 consist of:

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

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website about 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 might include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may need a number of operations over several years.

SEEKING COMPENSATION AFTER A DOG ATTACK.

Dog bite victims may seek compensation to cover their:

• Past and future medical expenses.
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Other relevant losses.

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

People that 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 lawyer-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The payment recouped in a dog attack claim 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 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 investigate your dog attack claim to establish whether the dog's owner is liable and calculate the compensation you may be due for your injuries.

Several 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 seek appropriate compensation for you in court.

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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. Here are some steps you should try to follow:.

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any dog bite should be seen by a doctor.
• 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.
• Get the name and contact information of any individuals that witnessed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries along with the location of the incident.
• Photograph any kind of 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, if possible, photograph any kind of property damaged by the animal.
• Do not interact with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance provider. If you accept any form of reimbursement, you may forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

REACH OUT TO OUR DOG ATTACK ATTORNEY IN MONTEBELLO.

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog bite injury or other animal attack that caused serious injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Contact a Montebello dog bite lawyer at Mendez & Sanchez, without delay and schedule a complimentary consultation.

We will offer a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators who are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions about your legal options. Our dog attack lawyers will work hard to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.

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