Mendez and Sanchez - Dog Attack Injury Attorneys in San Gabriel

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Dogs attack approximately 5 million people a year in the United States. Practically half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Approximately 800,000 Americans each year seek medical attention for injuries from dog bites, and 386,000 require emergency room treatment. About 16 people die every 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 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 reimbursement for all medical expenses, pain and suffering and other harm caused by the bite.

If you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that occurred in the San Gabriel 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 small injury that bruises an individual 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 considerable 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, 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 individuals
• Mail 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 severe dog attacks can cause acute 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 may consist of skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim might require multiple procedures over several years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Attack

Dog bite victims might pursue reimbursement to cover their:

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

Claims can be made against the dog owner and, potentially, 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 via civil legal action and contact a dog bite lawyer-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The compensation recuperated in a dog attack 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 attacks made up more than one-third of all homeowners' insurance liability claim dollars paid in 2013 and led to more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average payment for dog attack cases was $27,862.

An experienced attorney can examine your dog attack case to establish whether the dog's owner is liable and calculate the compensation you may be due for your injuries.

Several cases can be settled through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance company. 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 that has been wounded by a dog bite. Below are some steps you should attempt to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any type of dog bite should be seen by a medical professional.
• Immediately report the incident to the police and secure 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 who observed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries along with the location of the incident.
• Photograph any kind of visible injuries you have endured as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Keep any kind of clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
• Save and, if possible, photograph any 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 compensation, you may forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

Contact Our Dog Attack Lawyers

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog attack injury or other animal attack that caused severe injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Get in touch with a San Gabriel dog bite attorney at Mendez & Sanchez, right away and schedule a complimentary consultation.

We will provide a team of legal professionals, medical experts and investigators that are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions about your legal options. Our dog attack attorneys will work hard to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

OUR 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.