Mendez and Sanchez - Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in Alhambra, California

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Dogs attack approximately 5 million individuals a year in the U.S. Practically half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. Approximately 800,000 Americans each year seek medical attention for injuries from dog bites, and 386,000 require 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 serious injury. A severe injury sustained in a dog attack is cause 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 resulted in by the bite.

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

Serious Injuries from Dog Bites

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 very year-- or 20 percent of all of those that are bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Kids 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. Typical injuries in dog attacks include:

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

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website regarding 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 specifies 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 require multiple operations over several years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims might seek reimbursement to cover their:

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

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

Individuals 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 bite attorney-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The payment recovered in a dog bite 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 accounted for 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 bite case to determine whether the dog's owner is responsible and determine the compensation you may be due for your injuries.

Many cases can be resolved through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance provider. If a proper settlement agreement can not be reached, we would be ready to pursue appropriate compensation for you in court.

Taking Action After a Bite

You can act to help yourself, a loved one or a friend who has been wounded by a dog bite. Below are some steps you should attempt to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any dog bite should be seen by a physician.
• Immediately report the injury to the police and secure 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 people that observed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries as well as the location of the incident.
• Photograph any visible injuries you have endured 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 property damaged by the animal.
• Do not interact with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any kind of compensation, you might waive your right to sue for additional damages.

Get In Touch With Our Dog Bite Attorneys

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 an Alhambra dog bite lawyer at Mendez & Sanchez, right away and schedule a complimentary consultation.

We will supply a team of legal professionals, medical experts and investigators who are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions concerning your legal options. Our dog bite attorneys will strive to make sure you receive the settlement you deserve.

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OUR PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS IN ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA, ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY TO TAKE YOUR CALL. FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, CALL US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE.