Mendez - Sanchez - Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in Monterey Park, 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) claims. Roughly 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. About 16 people 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 reason 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 Monterey Park area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury attorneys 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 also result in significant emotional and psychological injury.

According to dog bite statistics from the CDC, approximately 885,000 dog bite victims every 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 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
• Bone fractures
• Amputations
• Crushing (head/ skull injuries)

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website regarding dangerous dog breeds, reports that serious dog attacks can result in acute 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 procedures over several years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims may pursue compensation to cover their:

• Past and future medical costs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological distress
• Other related losses

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

Individuals who have been seriously injured by an attacking dog are entitled to compensation and should not be reluctant to seek it via 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 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 led to more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average settlement for dog bite claims was $27,862.

An experienced attorney can investigate your dog attack case to establish whether the dog's owner is responsible and calculate the settlement 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 be ready to pursue suitable compensation for you in court.

Taking Action After a Bite

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.
• Get 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 as well as the location of the incident.
• Photograph any visible injuries you have endured as result of the incident with the animal.
• Keep any kind of clothing that might 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 company. If you accept any kind of reimbursement, you may waive your right to sue for additional damages.

Reach Out to Our Dog Bite Attorneys

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog bite injury or other animal attack that resulted in severe injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Contact a Monterey Park dog attack lawyer at Mendez & Sanchez, immediately and schedule a complimentary consultation.

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

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