Mendez and Sanchez - Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in San Gabriel, California

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Dogs bite roughly 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. About 800,000 Americans every year seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. Around 16 people die every 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 severe injury. A serious injury sustained in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog bite victim to seek reimbursement for all medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damage resulted in by the bite.

If you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the San Gabriel 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 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 considerable emotional and psychological injury.

According to dog bite statistics from the CDC, around 885,000 dog bite victims very year-- or 20 percent of all of those who are attacked by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Children ages 5-9
• Elderly people
• Post letter carriers.

Dogs usually bite a person'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 specifies that roughly 27,000 dog bite victims each year undergo reconstructive surgery. This might include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim might need multiple operations over many years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims might pursue compensation 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.

Individuals who have been seriously injured by an attacking dog deserve compensation and should not be reluctant to seek it via civil legal action and contact a dog bite attorney-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The compensation recouped in a dog attack 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 in 2013 and resulted in more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average settlement for dog bite cases was $27,862.

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

Many cases 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 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 injury 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 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.
• Keep any kind of clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
• Save and, ideally, 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.

Get In Touch with Our Dog Attack Lawyers

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 legal rights that deserve to be protected. Contact a San Gabriel dog attack lawyer at Mendez & Sanchez, without delay and schedule a free consultation.

We will supply a team of legal professionals, medical experts and investigators that are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions regarding your legal options. Our dog bite attorneys will work hard to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.

OUR PERSONAL INJURY AND DOG BITE ATTORNEYS IN SAN GABRIEL ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY TO TAKE YOUR CALL. FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, CALL US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE.