Dog Bites in Santa Ana, CA

Animal Attack/Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dogs attack 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 annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. Around 16 people die each year after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's numbers 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 suffered in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner responsible, 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 sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that occurred in the Santa Ana area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright, want to help you.

Serious Injuries from Dog Attacks

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 significant 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, roughly 885,000 dog bite victims every year-- or 20 percent of all of those who are bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

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

Dogs usually bite a person'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 regarding 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 about 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 operations over many years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims might pursue reimbursement to cover their:

• Past and future medical costs
• Lost income and reduced 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.

People 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 compensation recuperated in a dog bite 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 out in 2013 and resulted in more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average settlement for dog attack cases was $27,862.

An experienced attorney can examine 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 be ready 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 attempt to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any kind of dog bite should be seen by a doctor.
• 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.
• Get 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 kind of 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, if possible, 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 form of reimbursement, you might 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 attack injury or other animal attack that caused serious injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Reach out to a Santa Ana dog attack lawyer at the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright, immediately and schedule 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 bite attorneys will strive to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

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