Law Offices of Tim D. Wright - Dog Attack Injury Attorneys

Dogs bite 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 annually seek medical attention for injuries from dog attacks, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. Around 16 people die annually after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's figures 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 severe injury. A severe injury suffered in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner accountable, 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 occurred in the Burbank area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury lawyers at Tim D. Wright, want to assist you.

Serious Injuries from Dog Attacks

A serious bite is not a playful nip or even a minor injury that bruises someone who came into contact with a dog at the wrong time. A serious dog attack is one that includes 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 considerable 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 attacked by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Children ages 5-9
• Elderly individuals
• Post letter carriers

Dogs usually bite a person's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Common 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 concerning dangerous dog breeds, reports that serious dog attacks can cause severe injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.

The CDC specifies that approximately 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 procedures over several years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Attack

Dog bite victims may pursue reimbursement to cover their:

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

Claims can be made against the dog owner and, possibly, a third party if that party's negligence caused 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 recuperated 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 bites 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 attack claims was $27,862.

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

Many 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 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 injured by a dog bite. Here are some steps you should try to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any kind of dog bite should be seen by a physician.
• Immediately report the incident to the police and obtain 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 observed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries along with the location of the incident.
• Photograph any kind of visible injuries you have suffered as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Keep any 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 provider. If you accept any kind of compensation, you might waive your right to sue for additional damages.

Contact Our Dog Attack Lawyers

If you or a loved one has suffered 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 a Burbank dog attack attorney at Tim D. Wright, right away and arrange a complimentary consultation.

We will supply a team of legal professionals, medical experts and investigators that are dedicated to your case. We can help you make informed decisions about your legal options. Our dog bite lawyers will strive to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

For more information about animal attack and personal injury attorneys in Burbank, California, contact Law Offices of Tim D. Wright at (323) 379-9995 or visit our website at​​ TimWrightLaw.com for a Free Consultation. 

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