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Dog Bite Injury Accident

It is always the dog owner’s duty and obligation to make sure you aren’t bitten or attacked by their dog. In order to help and prevent dog bite injuries, owners have a responsibility to make sure their pets are trained and socialized—this includes maintaining to keep their dog’s vaccinations up to date and making sure they are properly restrained at all times. With over 78.2 million dogs in the United States, it’s imperative to understand how over 4.5 million people in the US get bitten by dogs every year. Close to one million victims of dog attacks require immediate medical attention and tens of thousands require reconstructive surgery due to disfigurement and permanent scarring. Victims of dog bites are entitled to monetary compensation for their losses including all medical costs, cost of revision surgery for scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering and lost wages. Contact our Personal Injury Lawyer today at 310-894-6440.

Our Lawyers Are Here to Help

Our experienced Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of clients who have been attacked and suffered serious injuries resulting from Dog Bites in and across the California area. All confidential legal consultations with our expert legal team are provided free of charge. Speak with an animal attack attorney regarding your claim and get your case started today by calling our office at 310-894-6440 to begin your free no obligation consultation. Remember, if there is no recovery, there is no pay, or you don’t pay at all.

2012 Dog Bite Statistics

  • According to the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, there were 27,752 reconstructive procedures performed to repair injuries from dog bites.
  • California had the highest number of dog bites with 451 claims.
  • Ohio ranked number four with 235 dog bites.
  • 5,879 postal carriers were bitten or attacked by dogs — 274 more than in 2011.
  • There were 165 dog bite claims in Pennsylvania last year. It was the number five state for dog bite insurance claims.
  • According to the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm, dog bites accounted for over 1/3 of all insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2012.
  • Dog bite claims dropped by 1.4% last year, the first decline since 2010.

2011 Dog Bite Statistics

  • According to Dogsbite.org, there were 31 fatal dog attacks in the United States in 2011
  • Over half of the attacks occurred to adults ages 21 and older, while 42% occurred to children 11 years and younger. Of the children killed in dog attacks, 68% occurred to children ages 1 and under.
  • The states that had the most fatal dog attacks in 2011 were California and Texas. Other states with deaths included North Carolina, Virginia, New Mexico, and South Carolina.
  • Family dogs made up 65% of the fatal attacks. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of the attacks occurred on the dog owner’s property.
  • Twelve of the fatal dog attacks involved more than one dog, and two of the attacks involved tethered dogs.

Dog Bite Victim Statistics

  • Nearly 2/3 of injuries among children ages 4 and younger are to the head or neck region, because of their height. Injuries are higher for boys than for girls.
  • Approximately 800,000 people seek medical attention for dog bites in the U.S. every year — about 1,000 people require emergency care for dog bite injuries every day (according to a study produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality).
  • According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of Americans hospitalized for dog bites nearly doubled over a 15-year period. The average cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay was $18,200. There were 4 times as many dog bite-related ER visits and 3 times as many hospital stays in rural areas than in urban areas.
  • About half of those injured in dog attacks are children. The rate of dog bite accidents is highest for those between the ages of 5-9 (according to the American Veterinary Medical Association).
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Humane Society of the United States, there are about 4.7 million dog bites every year in the U.S. These bites result in approximately 16 fatalities.
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 5 people who suffer dog bite injuries require medical treatment. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we are committed to protecting your rights when you’ve been the victim of a dog bite accident
  • Dog bite victims account for as much as 5% of all emergency room visits in the United States.
  • In the US, the most frequent victims of dog bite attacks are:
    1. Children
    2. The Elderly
    3. Postal Service Carriers

CDC Study: Breeds of Dogs Involved in Fatal Human Attacks in the U.S.

Based on the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the CDC reported the following information from a study of breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks from 1979-1998. While the information lists certain breeds of dogs, this data does not indicate that neither the CDC nor Edgar Snyder & Associates supports breed-specific legislation.
  • There were approximately 238 dog bite-related fatalities over the past 20 years. Approximately 25 breeds of dogs were involved in theses deaths; pit bulls and rottweilers were involved in over half of the reported deaths.
  • Nearly a quarter (24%) of the deaths involved unrestrained dogs off their owners’ property. Over half (58%) of the deaths involved unrestrained dogs on their owners’ property.
  • Approximately 17% of the deaths involved restrained dogs on their owners’ property. Less than one percent involved a restrained dog off its owner’s property.
    Approximately 27 people died of dog bite attacks in 1997 and 1998.

What to do after a Dog Bite?

  • Safety. You should quickly methodically walk away from the scene. Many animal attack experts claim that running will cause the dog to come after you. If you have been attacked by a dog don’t assume that the attack by the dog or another dog is over. Dogs often return to continue their attacks on the individual.
  • Medical Attention. Even if you believe you have not been seriously wounded you should seek medical attention. Often as a result of the shock of the incident many do not feel the pain of the injuries they have suffered. Injuries from dog bites often manifest themselves hours or even days after the dog attack.
  • Owners Information. Where they live, address, telephone number.
  • Encountered Witnesses. The testimony of witnesses can be beneficial compensation for your injuries.
  • Don’t Apologize. Any words you may have said can be used against you when you are seeking compensation for your damages and injuries. Even politeness can be used against you.
  • Contact the Police. If you have a trusted personal injury animal attack lawyer contact him if you have any questions regarding the process
  • Talk Less. If the other party’s insurance company contacts you, your best response is to get in touch with a Pit Bull Lawyer for your injury and ask him to speak with the other party’s agents.
  • Negotiation. Jumping the gun on the settlement can be a costly mistake. Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer who is skilled and adept in negotiating with insurance companies. If home insurance companies play hardball a skilled aggressive Dog Bite Attorney will take the defendant to litigation and trial.
  • Get an Attorney. A Dog Attack attorney adept in fighting home insurance companies and protecting your right to compensation will be able to substantially increase the amount of compensation you receive for your damages and injuries.
  • Get Better. Fighting insurance companies and defendants is OUR JOB. We will make you receive the maximum compensation for your loss. Set up a free, no obligation consultation to find out if you have a case with an experienced Dog Bite Accident Attorney at 310-894-6440.

Which Dog Breeds are dangerous?

Believe it or not, statistics report that there are over 1,000 dog bite injuries every day. It’s not common for every dog to have a vicious side; there are certain breeds that are more prone to inflict dog bites on victims. Common breeds to exhibit this type of behavior are Rottweiler’s, Pit Bulls often referred to as APT American Pit-bull Terrier, Presa Canarios, and breeds that have these partial mixes. Here is a list of some of the most prevalent dog breeds which have been involved in dog attacks and dog bites on humans.

List of 12 Dangerous Dog Breeds

  • Chow
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Rottweiler
  • Pit Bull
  • Boxer
  • Alaskan
  • Presa Canario
  • Malamutes
  • German Shepherd
  • Huskies
  • Alaskan Malamutes
  • Presa Canario

Where do Dog Bites OCCUR?

Majority of dog bite attacks take place either in or around the home. A recent study suggested that around 60% of dog mauling take place in one home and in the neighborhood where one lives. It is difficult to claim legal damages and hire a lawyer against a neighbor, or a friend whose dog attacked and injured you or your loved ones. It is vital that you understand that the vast majority of these cases are settled with the dog owners insurance policies; most of the time a dog owner does not pay out of pocket for injuries caused by his dog.

Most Common Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks

Common injuries resulting from attacks after you have been bitten by a dog are as follows:

  • Facial Lacerations
  • Facial Disfigurement
  • Trauma to the Eyes
  • Lacerated Nerves – Resulting in Severe Nerve Damage and Paralysis
  • Broken Nose and Broken Limbs from falling
  • Loss of Body parts – Amputations of the hands, nose, ears
  • Lacerations to the body
  • Spinal Cord Damage
  • Brain Damage
  • Torn Knee and Ligament
  • Emotional Distress including Post Traumatic Stress and Feelings of anxiety around other dogs
  • Pain and Suffering

Dog Attacks, particularly against children, have witnessed increasing publicity over the past decade. However despite great tragedies dog attacks remain a great danger to many residents. California has witnessed a rise in the ownership of particularly harmful dog breeds which are prone to bite humans and cause severe dog bite injuries to those attacked.

Dog Breeds and Danger Posed to You or your Children: It’s not common for every dog to have a vicious side; there are certain breeds that are more prone to inflict dog bites on victims. Common breeds to exhibit this type of behavior are Rottweiler’s, Pit Bulls [often referred to APT American Pit-bull Terrier], Presa Canarios, Dobermans, German Shepherds and breeds that have these partial mixes. Unfortunately, approximately 70% of dog bite victims are children and about 80% involve bodily harm and some end in fatalities. One should be very careful and vigilant in the safety of their loved ones If a neighbor owns any of these breeds or your home is frequented by a person who brings any of these dogs to your place.

List of 6 Dog Bite Prevention Tips for Kids

There are numerous steps parents and children need to take in order to prevent dog attacks. Some simple steps include:

  • Never approach unfamiliar dogs
  • When approached by an unfamiliar dog remain motionless
  • Never allow your children to play with dogs unsupervised
  • Avoid direct eye contact with dogs
  • Report any dogs not on their leash to local authorities and animal control
  • Do not run and scream while in the presence of a dog

Dog Bites and Your Child

Unfortunately, approximately 70% of dog bite victims are children and about 80% involve bodily harm and some end in fatalities. One should be very careful and vigilant in the safety of their loved ones if a neighbor owns any of these breeds or your home is frequented by a person who brings any of these dogs to your place. Children are easily susceptible to dog bites because of their size. Many dogs view children as simple prey and their predatory instincts push these dogs towards attacking. The most important advice we can give you is not legal advice but safety advice ; we always advise clients to protect their kids as much as possible from dogs that have a tendency to bite humans.

Liability for a Dog Bite

Establishing Liability in dog bite cases and dog mauling law suites in the state of California is usually an unproblematic Endeavor. However, one needs to be abreast of dog bite laws in California and legal procedure in California courts in order to be able to maximize compensation from Insurance companies. Doe owners are usually responsible for the actions of their dogs. The home insurance policy of the dog owner will usually foot the bill. However in many instances home insurance companies have been unwilling to justly compensate victims. That is why a tenacious and skilled Dog bite injury lawyer is needed to maximize your settlement.

If you have been a victim of dog bites, and the owner had lost control of their pet, you are entitled to compensation for such a horrible experience. You may have medical bills, wages lost due to doctor’s appointments, and emotional trauma that may affect you for the rest of your life. This experience is not your fault, and while it’s not fair that you have to experience it, there are ways to help ease your suffering.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Claim?

Establishing Liability in dog bite cases and dog mauling law suits in the state of California is usually an unproblematic endeavor. However, one needs to be abreast of dog bite laws in California and legal procedure in a California court in order to be able to maximize compensation from Insurance companies. Dog owners are usually responsible for the actions of their dogs. The home insurance policy of the dog owner will usually foot the bill. However, in many instances, home insurance companies have been unwilling to justly compensate victims. That is why a tenacious and skilled Dog bite injury lawyer is needed to maximize your settlement

Dog Bite Compensation Claims

If you have been a victim to dog bites, and the owner had lost control of their pet, you are entitled to compensation for such a horrible experience. You may have medical bills, wages lost due to doctor’s appointments, and emotional trauma that may affect you for the rest of your life. This experience is not your fault, and while it’s not fair that you have to experience it, there are ways to help ease your suffering.

In order to maximize compensation to a victim of a dog bite an attorney needs to be abreast of dog bite laws, local ordinances, California personal injury laws, and legal procedure in County Superior Courts. You should not attempt to settle a dog bite incident alone. Full compensation for your injuries will likely require legal representation from a Dog Bite Attorney. The level of compensation available to dog bite victims are based on numerous factors including the severity of the injury and the permanence of the harm cause by the attack. There are several types of recovery available including.

  • Compensation for medical and hospitalization costs.
  • Cost of future medical needs including rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery for permanent scarring and disgruntlement.
  • Lost wages, lost income and future reduction of salary because of the injuries you have suffered.
  • Pain and suffering – including mental trauma, post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety.
  • Punitive damages – where possible.

We advise any person who has been inflicted by dog bite to initially consult an attorney before talking to the dog owner or insurance adjusters. Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs. That is why a tenacious and skilled Dog bite injury lawyer is needed to maximize your settlement.

“Statute of Limitations for Filing Lawsuit against Owners of Dogs: California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 335-349.4 places a statute of limitations of two years from the date of the injury or accidents to file a civil claim in the court of law.”

What to Do After Attack by Dog?

LAW MART Lawyer Referral Service is dedicated to finding the right attorneys for the clients who have been attacked and suffer injuries resulting from Dog Bites. Our Skilled Dog Bite Attorneys have the knowledge and experience to defend you against animal attacks and dog mauling in the court of law. You are not alone, we are here to help. Our Dog Bite Attorneys make sure our clients’ claims receive the highest level of compensation possible for the injuries they incur.

Animal attacks particularly Dog Attack against children have witnessed an increase in publicity over the past decade. However, dog attacks remain a danger to many in Southern California. California has witnessed a rise in the ownership of particularly harmful dog breeds which are prone to bite humans and cause severe dog bite injuries to those attacked.

Unfortunately, approximately 70% of dog bite victims are children and about 80% involve bodily harm and some end in fatalities. One should be very careful and vigilant in the safety of their loved ones if a neighbor owns any of these breeds or your home is frequented by a person who brings any of these dogs to your place. Children are easily susceptible to dog bites because of their size. Many dogs view children as simple prey and their predatory instincts push these dogs towards attacking.

We Fight To Recover Your Remedies

Based on the specifications of your case – the details of the accident, how severe your injury was, it is ultimately going to determine what you could be entitled to sustain based on your case. However, what you can be compensated for if your case prevails can often be put into several different categories.

The categories of compensation can include:

  • Medical bills: Should you win your case, you could be awarded compensation for medical bills you’ve had to pay as a result of your injury. This includes both past and future bills stemming from the injury, and can potentially cover expenses such as transport or in-home rehabilitation services.
  • Lost wages: Lost wages can be awarded if your injury has caused significant missed time at work, or has made you unable to perform your job. You could be entitled to even more lost wages if the injury leaves you permanently disabled and unable to find consistent work.
  • Pain and suffering: In some cases, the damages endured from physical pain and emotional suffering can be compensated to pay for therapy treatments.​
  • Punitive damages: Punitive damages are awarded in more extreme cases, wherein the injury was caused by someone’s recklessness. They are awarded to try and dissuade the defendant and others from acting with that level of recklessness again.

You Don’t Pay Until You Win.

Contact a Dog Bite Accident to schedule a free, no obligation initial case evaluation at 310-894-6440. Our Dog Bite Injury Lawyer will help protect your rights. And remember, You Don’t Pay until You Win, or You Don’t Pay At All!

Lawyer Referral Service

If you are in need of a Dog Bite Accident lawyer to help you get appropriate compensation and medical care you deserve, you should contact a Dog Bite Injury Accident Lawyer today. Our experienced Dog Bite Accident lawyers will help you overcome your Dog Bite injury or damage.

If you have any questions about the information provided above, please contact LAW MART . LAW MART is a Lawyer Referral that can provide you with a Personal Injury Attorney or law firm. If you do have any questions about a Personal Injury Attorney please contact us for a free Lawyer Referral Service.

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