Dog Bites in Ontario, CA

ANIMAL ATTACK/DOG BITE INJURY LAWYERS

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Dogs attack roughly 5 million people a year in the United States Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. Approximately 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 require emergency room treatment. Around 16 individuals die every 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 serious injury suffered in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog attack victim to seek reimbursement for all medical expenses, pain and suffering and other harm resulted in by the bite.

If you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that occurred in the Ontario area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury attorneys 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 also 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 who are attacked by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Children ages 5-9
• Elderly individuals
• Mail 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 acute injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.

The CDC specifies that roughly 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This may consist of skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may need multiple operations over several years.

SEEKING COMPENSATION AFTER A DOG BITE

Dog bite victims might pursue compensation to cover their:

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

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

Individuals who have been seriously wounded by an attacking dog are entitled to compensation and should not be reluctant to seek it via 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 case 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 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 bite claims was $27,862.

An experienced attorney can examine your dog attack claim to determine whether the dog's owner is liable and calculate 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 prepare 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 who has been wounded by a dog bite. Below are some steps you should try to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any dog bite should be seen by a doctor.
• Immediately report the incident to the police and acquire a copy of the police accident report.
• Obtain the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
• Get the name and contact information of any people who observed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries as well as the location of the incident.
• Photograph any kind of visible injuries you have endured as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Save any kind of clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
• Save and, ideally, photograph any kind of 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.

REACH OUT TO OUR DOG ATTACK 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 rights that deserve to be protected. Reach out to an Ontario dog attack attorney at the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright, right away and arrange a free consultation.

We will offer a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators that are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions regarding your legal options. Our dog attack lawyers will strive to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.