Law Offices of Tim D Wright - Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in Pasadena, California

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Dogs bite roughly 5 million people a year in the United States. Practically half of those injured are children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Approximately 800,000 Americans every year seek medical attention for injuries from dog bites, and 386,000 require 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 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 compensation for all medical costs, pain and suffering and other harm caused by the bite.

If you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that took place in the Pasadena area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury lawyers 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 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 also result in considerable emotional and psychological injury.

According to dog bite statistics from the CDC, roughly 885,000 dog bite victims very year-- or 20 percent of all of those that are attacked by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Kids ages 5-9
• Elderly people
• 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
• Bone fractures
• Amputations
• Crushing (head/ skull injuries)

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website about dangerous dog breeds, reports that severe dog attacks can result in acute injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.

The CDC states that approximately 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 might seek reimbursement to cover their:

• Past and future medical expenses
• 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.

Individuals who have been seriously injured 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 attorney-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The settlement recouped in a dog attack case 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 resulted in more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average settlement for dog attack claims was $27,862.

An experienced lawyer can examine your dog attack case to determine whether the dog's owner is liable and calculate the settlement you might 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 be ready to pursue 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. Below 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 medical professional.
• Immediately report the incident to the police and secure 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 visible injuries you have suffered as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Keep any kind of clothing that may 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 forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

Contact Our Dog Bite Attorneys

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog attack injury or other animal attack that caused serious injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Contact a Pasadena dog attack attorney at Tim D. Wright, immediately and schedule a complimentary consultation.

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

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