Mendez & Sanchez - Dog Attack Injury Attorneys in Los Angeles

Dogs attack approximately 5 million individuals a year in the U.S. Almost half of those injured are children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Roughly 800,000 Americans every year seek medical attention for injuries from dog bites, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. Around 16 people die each 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 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 serious injury sustained in a dog attack is reason to hold the dog's owner accountable, and for the dog bite victim to seek compensation for all medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damage caused by the bite.

If you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the Los Angeles area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury attorneys at Mendez & Sanchez, want to help you.

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 also 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 bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

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

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

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website concerning 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 specifies that about 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This might include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may need a number of procedures over several years.

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Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims may pursue reimbursement 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 resulted in the injury.

People that have been seriously wounded by an attacking dog deserve compensation and should not be reluctant 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 compensation recuperated in a dog attack 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 accounted for 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 settlement for dog attack claims was $27,862.

An experienced attorney can examine your dog attack case to determine whether the dog's owner is responsible and determine the compensation you may 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 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 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 type of dog bite should be seen by a physician.
• Immediately report the incident to the police and acquire 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 individuals 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 may 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 kind of reimbursement, you may waive your right to sue for additional damages.

Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog attack injury or other animal attack that resulted in serious injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Contact a Los Angeles dog attack lawyer at Mendez & Sanchez, right away and arrange a free consultation.

We will supply a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators that are dedicated to your case. We can help you make informed decisions concerning your legal options. Our dog bite lawyers will work hard to make sure you receive the settlement you are entitled to.

OUR DOG BITE AND PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS IN LOS ANGELES ARE AVAILABLE 24 HR A DAY TO TAKE YOUR CALL. FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, CALL US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE.