Dog Bite in Inland Empire, CA

Dog Bite & Animal Attack Injury Attorneys

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Dogs attack approximately 5 million individuals a year in the United States. Practically half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Roughly 800,000 Americans every year seek medical attention for wounds from dog bites, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. About 16 individuals 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 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 reason 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 harm caused by the bite.

If you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the Inland Empire area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright, want to assist 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 causes significant 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, around 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 people
• Mail 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 about dangerous dog breeds, reports that serious dog attacks can cause acute injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.

The CDC states that roughly 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This may include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may need multiple procedures 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 decreased earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological distress
• Other relevant losses

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

Individuals that have been seriously injured by an attacking dog are entitled to compensation and should not be reluctant to seek it through civil legal action and contact a dog attack lawyer-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The compensation recovered 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 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 payment for dog bite cases was $27,862.

An experienced attorney can investigate your dog bite case to determine whether the dog's owner is responsible and calculate the settlement you may be due for your injuries.

Several claims 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 suitable compensation for you in court.

Taking Action After an Attack

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

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any type of dog bite should be seen by a physician.
• Immediately report the injury 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 that witnessed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries along with the location of the incident.
• Photograph any visible injuries you have suffered as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Save any kind of clothing that may 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 provider. If you accept any kind of compensation, you may forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

Reach Out to Our Dog Bite Lawyers

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog attack injury or other animal attack that caused serious injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Get in touch with a Inland Empire dog attack lawyer at the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright, without delay and arrange a complimentary consultation.

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