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If a dog bite causes an injury, the victim may experience chronic soreness, an infection, inflammation and emotional distress. Sometimes, a bite can also cause lacerations that could damage several tendons, and eventually, a scar might form. Our lawyers have helped many clients who have been bitten by canines.
After you contact us our attorneys can provide a free consultation, examine the costs of medical treatments, determine the cause of the bite and evaluate multiple witnesses. The personal injury attorney will also describe the statute of limitations, relevant laws, the values of other settlements and the legal process
In the state of California, dog attacks resulting in dog bite claims happen frequently. Once you experience a dog bite injury, you should quickly seek medical care, and a physician may recommend stitches, topical antibiotics or prescription medications. The medical experts will thoroughly clean the lacerations. This process might remove most of the bacteria, yet a patient may still experience an infection.After you receive the initial treatments, the doctor might recommend additional appointments, long-term treatments and oral antibiotics. The physician will also create a medical report that describes the seriousness of the dog bite injury, the lacerations, the risk of infections, the number of stitches and important notes.
The physician may prescribe medications that can considerably reduce inflammation, and these medications could decrease soreness, minimize swelling and reduce tenderness. The medications may also mitigate the effects of inflammatory enzymes. The lawyers can examine the prices of the medications, and if a doctor provides a long-term prescription, the attorneys will also estimate the costs of the medications in the future.When our attorneys review your case, the lawyers can evaluate the medical reports, several treatments and the prices of the treatments. If your insurance company reduces the prices of treatments, the attorneys may also review reports that describe the copayments.
Our attorneys will gather reports that describe the behaviors of the canine, the actions of the owner and the behaviors of other dogs. The dog bite lawyer can also access reports that examine the history of the dog. If a canine has previously bitten someone, the canine might have an aggressive personality, and consequently, the canine’s disposition could increase the risk of injuries.
Our attorneys can examine the behaviors of the owner, and once the dog bites a victim, the lawyers may review the statements of the owner. If the canine is aggressive, the attorneys could also find witnesses who describe the disposition of the canine in the dog bite case.
When an owner is not using a leash, the owner could substantially exacerbate the risk of injuries. According to several reports, unleashed canines may increase the likelihood of injuries by more than 22 percent.
Many owners have installed fences that can protect their canines, pedestrians and other dogs. However, some canines are able to jump over fences, and when a dog escapes, the canine could bite neighbors, smaller dogs and other animals. If a dog jumps over a fence, you can take pictures that show the fence, the gate, the size of the canine and the dimensions of the yard. These photographs will help your California dog bite lawyer to understand the cause of the incident, and the pictures may also influence jurors, a judge and the defendant.
During the past 20 years, some customers have installed electric fences that can prevent dogs from escaping. The electric fences feature insulators, ground wires, a grounding rod and a charger. The owner will also receive a collar that is linked to the fence, and theoretically, the system may prevent a canine from crossing the barrier. Several reports have indicated that most canines can swiftly run through an electric fence. If a canine is running, the dog might barely notice the effects of the electric barrier, and sometimes, the electric fence could actually increase the aggressiveness of some canines leading to an animal attack or dog bite attack.
Occasionally, the wires might become worn, or a defective insulator may reduce the efficiency of the wires. These wires can cause the electric fence to malfunction, yet the owner might not be aware of the issue. The defective fence will not stop the canine, and the dog may chase felines, other dogs, birds, pedestrians and kids.
According to multiple reports, at least 15 percent of victims may experience emotional trauma and distress. If a dog bite causes emotional trauma, a physician might recommend therapy, or a doctor could prescribe medications that will substantially reduce stress. When an attorney manages a personal injury case, the lawyer can examine the effects of emotional distress, medical reports and the costs of the treatments. Subsequently, the client may obtain a larger settlement. During a trial, an attorney can present reports that describe the cause of emotional distress, the costs of therapy and the effects of the dog bite.
Most canines have durable teeth that can damage tendons, soft tissue, muscle tissue and ligaments possibly leading to nerve damage. After a person experiences a dog bite injury, a physician may recommend physical therapy that can substantially increase strength, improve the flexibility of the muscles and enhance endurance. Some patients may also utilize equipment that can improve mobility. According to many surveys, mobility equipment may improve well-being, enhance endurance and increase muscle mass. Once a dog bite causes a serious injury, mobility equipment could also accelerate the recovery process. These are all things you can and should receive compensation for as an attack victim.
Our attorneys can examine the costs of physical therapy, the number of sessions and the duration of each session. If a doctor recommends physical therapy, the client might receive a larger settlement, and the attorneys could also estimate the costs of physical therapy in the future.
During a free consultation, a personal injury attorney can describe the statute of limitations in California. After the incident, you should quickly contact our law firm, and our lawyers may gather evidence, review the case, locate witnesses and estimate the costs of medical services.
Once a dog bite causes an injury, the client can usually submit a lawsuit within two years. Our lawyers will describe the statute of limitations, yet the attorneys may also examine other statutes that could affect your case. If a person owns a dog in California, the individual is responsible for the actions of the dog. Several laws clearly indicate that the owner is liable, and when a canine causes an injury, the owner may provide a settlement that will benefit the client.
Gathering evidence in a dog bite case is crucial for establishing liability and securing compensation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to collect evidence:
Immediate Medical Treatment:
Before anything else, seek medical attention for the injury. This not only ensures your health but also provides medical records, which will be a primary piece of evidence.
Photograph the Injury:
Take clear, high-resolution photos of the bite wound and any subsequent injuries, such as bruises, lacerations, or swelling. Take pictures immediately after the bite, as well as in the subsequent days to document the healing process or complications.
Document the Scene:
Take photos or videos of where the incident took place. Include any warning signs (or lack thereof), the dog’s leash (or lack of one), and any other details that might suggest negligence on the part of the dog’s owner.
Witness Information:
If there were any witnesses to the dog bite, obtain their contact information. Their testimonies can be instrumental in corroborating your account of the incident.
Dog Owner Information:
Collect the dog owner’s name, address, phone number, and details about the dog (breed, age, any known history of aggression).
Ask if the dog is up-to-date on vaccinations, particularly rabies. Obtain a copy if possible.
Animal Control and Police Reports:
Report the bite to local animal control and, if appropriate, the police. This provides an official record of the incident. Obtain a copy of their reports.
Maintain a Diary:
Document your recovery process, pain levels, daily struggles, and any mental or emotional distress caused by the incident. This can be useful in showing the impact of the injury on your daily life and may be relevant when seeking compensation for pain and suffering.
Preserve Clothing and Other Personal Items:
Keep the clothes you were wearing at the time of the bite, especially if they were torn or bloodied. Do not wash them. Store them in a plastic bag and keep them safe. They may be used as evidence of the severity of the attack.
Medical Records and Bills:
Collect all medical records related to the injury. This includes doctor visits, prescriptions, physical therapy sessions, and any other treatments.
Keep a detailed record of all related expenses. This will be crucial when determining damages.
Loss of Income:
If the injury caused you to miss work, document any lost wages or opportunities. Obtain a letter from your employer detailing the time missed and any financial losses.
History of the Dog
Research or ask around the neighborhood to determine if the dog has a history of aggression or if it has bitten someone before. Previous incidents can strengthen your case, showing the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Dogs are often considered man’s best friend, but they can also cause harm, sometimes resulting in severe injuries or even death.
In 2019, California led the nation in dog bite incidents, according to data from State Farm and the Insurance Information Institute. The state recorded 2,396 claims, with over $122 million in compensation provided to victims.
Dog Population in the U.S.
The American Pet Products Association’s 2019 figures show that the U.S. is home to almost 90 million dogs. Furthermore, 69 million American households, or 54% of the total, have at least one dog.
Dog Bite Incidents: A Closer Look
Annually, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, as estimated by the CDC. This means 1 in 73 individuals will experience a dog bite. While most of these bites are minor, approximately 20% require medical intervention. A smaller portion, 1.8%, result in hospitalization, with extended stays being a rarity at 0.01%. Common reasons for hospital admissions due to dog bites include:
Fatalities from Dog Bites
In 2019, 48 fatalities linked to dog bites were recorded. From 2005-2019, 521 deaths were attributed to dog bites. Notably, pit bulls were responsible for 33, or 69%, of the fatal bites in 2019, despite making up only 8% of the dog population. Regulations around pit bulls are in place in Military Housing areas and over 900 U.S. cities. Mixed breeds were responsible for 6, or 13%, of the fatal bites, while Rottweilers caused 4, or 8%. Collectively, pit bulls, American bulldogs, Rottweilers, mastiff guard dogs, and war dogs were involved in 81% of fatal bites in 2019.
From 2015-2019, children aged 0-10 made up 36% of dog bite fatalities, a significant decrease from the 70% recorded from 1979-1988. Meanwhile, fatalities among those aged 50 and above have risen from 21% in the 1980s to 41% in recent data.
Compensation from Insurance Companies
In 2021, insurance companies paid out $881 million for dog bite-related claims. The number of claims slightly rose by 2.2% from 17,597 in 2020 to 17,989 in 2021. Since 2017, the value of claims increased by 28%. The average claim amount stood at $49,025 in 2021, marking a 39% increase from 2012, primarily due to rising medical costs and larger awards to plaintiffs.
It’s important to note that these are approximate costs, and actual expenses can vary based on the healthcare system, insurance coverage, geographic location, and specific circumstances of the bite incident.
After you contact Avian Law Group, a personal injury lawyer will examine the costs of medical services, the cause of the incident, California law and the effects of a dog bite. The attorney will also review pictures that show lacerations, and the expert may gather reports that describe necessary treatments.If you have any questions about our services, you can evaluate the litigation process, review frequently asked questions and submit our contact form.
If a dog bite causes an injury, the victim may experience chronic soreness, an infection, inflammation and emotional distress. Sometimes, a bite can also cause lacerations that could damage several tendons, and eventually, a scar might form. Our lawyers have helped many clients who have been victims in dog bite cases. After you contact California lawyers, our attorneys can provide a free consultation, examine the costs of medical treatments, determine the cause of the bite and evaluate multiple witnesses. The personal injury attorney will also describe the statute of limitations, relevant laws, the values of other settlements and the legal process.