Dog Bites in Bakersfield, CA

DOG BITE INJURY/ANIMAL ATTACK ATTORNEYS

Dogs attack roughly 5 million individuals a year in the U.S. Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Approximately 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for injuries from dog bites, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. About 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 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 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 harm resulting from the bite.

If you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the Bakersfield area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury lawyers at 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 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 considerable traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can additionally result in 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 that are bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Children ages 5-9
• Elderly individuals
• Mail letter carriers

Dogs most often bite a person's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Typical injuries in dog attacks consist of:

• Cuts, bruises and scratches
• Puncture wounds
• Tearing (avulsion)
• Dislocations
• 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 severe injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.

The CDC states that about 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This may consist of skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim might require a number of procedures over many years.

SEEKING COMPENSATION AFTER A DOG ATTACK

Dog bite victims might 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.

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 payment recuperated 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 resulted in more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average settlement for dog attack claims was $27,862.

An experienced attorney can examine your dog bite case to determine whether the dog's owner is responsible and determine the compensation you might be due for your injuries.

Several cases 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 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. Below are some steps you should try to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any dog bite should be seen by a physician.
• Immediately report the incident to the police and obtain 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 who witnessed 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 suffered as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Keep any clothing that might have been damaged by the animal.
• Keep and, ideally, photograph any property damaged by the animal.
• Do not communicate with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any form of compensation, you might waive your right to sue for additional damages.

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR DOG ATTACK ATTORNEYS

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog attack injury or other animal attack that resulted in severe injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Reach out to a Bakersfield dog bite 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 dedicated to your case. We can help you make informed decisions concerning your legal options. Our dog attack lawyers will work hard to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.