Law Offices of Tim D Wright - Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in North Hollywood, CA

Dogs bite nearly 5 million individuals a year in the U.S. Practically half of those injured are children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. Approximately 800,000 Americans each year seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 require emergency room treatment. About 16 people die each year 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 serious injury. A severe injury suffered in a dog attack is reason 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 serious injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the North Hollywood 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 small 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 results in considerable traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can additionally result in 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 that are bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Kids ages 5-9
• Elderly people
• Post letter carriers

Dogs usually bite an individual'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
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Crushing (head/ skull injuries)

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website concerning dangerous dog breeds, reports that serious dog attacks can result in severe 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 may need a number of operations over several years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims may seek compensation to cover their:

• Past and future medical costs
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological 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.

People who have been seriously injured by an attacking dog are entitled to compensation and should not hesitate 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 settlement recovered in a dog bite 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 attacks made up 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 cases was $27,862.

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

Several claims can be resolved through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance company. If a proper settlement agreement can not be reached, we would prepare to seek appropriate compensation for you in court.

Taking Action After a Bite

You can act to help yourself, a loved one or a friend who has been wounded 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 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 along with the location of the incident.
• Photograph any visible injuries you have endured as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Save any clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
• Keep and, ideally, photograph any property damaged by the animal.
• Do not interact with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any form of reimbursement, you may waive your right to sue for additional damages.

Reach Out to Our Dog Bite Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury or other animal attack that caused serious injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Get in touch with a North Hollywood dog bite lawyer at Tim D. Wright, immediately and arrange a free consultation.

We will supply 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 attack attorneys will strive to make sure you receive the settlement you deserve.

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For more information about Dog Bites and Personal Injury Attorneys in North Hollywood, 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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