Mendez & Sanchez - Dog Attack Injury Lawyers in East Los Angeles, California

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Dogs attack nearly 5 million individuals a year in the United States. Practically half of those injured are children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. Approximately 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 require 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 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 responsible, 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 severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that took place in the East Los Angeles area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury lawyers 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 consists of biting and scratching that causes 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 that are attacked by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

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

Dogs usually bite an individual's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Common 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 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 may consist of skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim might need a number of procedures over many 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, potentially, 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 hesitate 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 attack case 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 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 payment for dog attack cases was $27,862.

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

Many claims can be settled 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.

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 doctor.
• Immediately report the injury to the police and secure a copy of the police accident report.
• Get the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
• Obtain the name and contact information of any people who witnessed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries along with the location of the incident.
• Photograph any visible injuries you have endured as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Save any clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
• Keep and, ideally, photograph any kind of property damaged by the animal.
• Do not communicate with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance provider. If you accept any type of reimbursement, you may forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

Reach Out to Our Dog Bite Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury or other animal attack that caused serious injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Contact an East Los Angeles dog attack lawyer at Mendez & Sanchez, without delay and arrange a free consultation.

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

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​​OUR PERSONAL INJURY AND DOG ATTACK LAWYERS IN EAST LA ARE AVAILABLE 24-HOUR A DAY TO TAKE YOUR CALL. FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, CALL US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE.