Dog Bites in Beaumont, CA

DOG BITE INJURY/ANIMAL ATTACK ATTORNEYS

Dogs attack nearly 5 million individuals a year in the U.S. Practically 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 bites, and 386,000 need 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 serious injury sustained in a dog attack is reason 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 resulting from the bite.

If you have suffered a serious injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the Beaumont 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 small injury that bruises someone who came into contact with a dog at the wrong time. A serious dog attack is one that consists of biting and scratching that results in significant 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, approximately 885,000 dog bite victims every 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 individuals
• 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 consist of:

• 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 cause severe injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.

The CDC specifies that approximately 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This might 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 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 injured by an attacking dog deserve compensation and should not be reluctant to seek it via civil legal action and contact a dog bite lawyer-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The settlement recuperated 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 bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners' insurance liability claim dollars paid out 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 lawyer can investigate your dog attack case to determine whether the dog's owner is liable and determine the compensation you might be due for your injuries.

Many cases can be settled through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance provider. If a proper settlement agreement can not be reached, we would prepare to seek suitable compensation for you in court.

TAKING ACTION AFTER AN ATTACK

You can act to help yourself, a loved one or a friend that has been wounded by a dog bite. Here 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 obtain 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 witnessed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries along with 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 kind of clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
• Keep and, ideally, photograph any kind of property damaged by the animal.
• Do not communicate with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any kind of reimbursement, you may waive your right to sue for additional damages.

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR DOG ATTACK ATTORNEYS

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog bite injury or other animal attack that caused severe injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Reach out to a Beaumont dog attack attorney at Tim D. Wright, right away and arrange a complimentary consultation.

We will provide a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators that are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions about your legal options. Our dog bite lawyers will strive to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.

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