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

Dogs bite nearly 5 million people a year in the U.S. Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. About 800,000 Americans every year seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 require emergency room treatment. Around 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 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 serious injury sustained in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner accountable, and for the dog bite victim to seek compensation for all medical costs, pain and suffering and other damage caused by the bite.

If you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that occurred in the Glendale area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury attorneys at Tim D. Wright, want to assist you.

Serious Injuries from Dog Bites

A serious bite is not a playful nip or even a minor injury that bruises an individual who came into contact with a dog at the wrong time. A serious dog attack is one that consists of biting and scratching that results in significant traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can additionally cause 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 who 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 an individual's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Common injuries in dog attacks include:

• Cuts, bruises and scratches
• Puncture wounds
• Tearing (avulsion)
• Dislocations
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Crushing (head/ skull injuries)

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website concerning 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 specifies that about 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This may include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim might require multiple operations over many years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims may pursue compensation to cover their:

• Past and future medical expenses
• 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.

People who have been seriously wounded by an attacking dog are entitled to compensation and should not hesitate to seek it through civil legal action and contact a dog attack attorney-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The compensation recuperated 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 out in 2013 and resulted in more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average settlement for dog attack claims was $27,862.

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

Several cases can be settled through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance company. If a proper settlement agreement can not be reached, we would be ready to seek 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 attempt to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any kind 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.
• Obtain 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 along with the location of the incident.
• Photograph any kind of visible injuries you have endured as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Keep any clothing that might have been damaged by the animal.
• Keep and, if possible, photograph any property damaged by the animal.
• Do not communicate with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance provider. If you accept any kind of compensation, you may waive your right to sue for additional damages.

Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog attack injury or other animal attack that resulted in serious injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Reach out to a Glendale dog attack attorney at Tim D. Wright, immediately and arrange a free consultation.

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

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For more information about Dog Bites and Personal Injury Lawyers in Glendale, California, contact Law Offices of Tim D. Wright at (323) 379-9995 or visit our website at​​ TimWrightLaw.com for a Free Consultation.