Dog Bite Injury: What To Do
The Different Types of Dog Bite Injuries Can Affect the Victim’s Nervous System
Do you have to report a dog attack in California? YES, you do. In fact, the first thing you should do after a dog bites is to contact your personal injury lawyer. They will be able to assist you and tell you how to proceed. When it comes to a dog bite injury, the victim can suffer terrible consequences. Both physically and emotionally. The trauma and pain left behind by a dog bite can change your life forever.
Knowing how much it can change your life, it’s time to take action and file a dog bite lawsuit. It doesn’t matter how serious the injury is. You can even sue for a minor dog bite in California. Having a dog bites lawyer on your side will make the legal process a breeze. Not only will they get you the compensation you deserve for all your suffering, but they will also do all the work for you.
If you have been mauled by one of the most dangerous dog breeds and would like to pursue liability, contact us. Our team has extensive experience in obtaining successful dog bite lawsuit payouts for our clients. You can call us at (800) 310-1606 or contact us through our website.
Over 4.5 Million Dog Bites Are Reported in America Each Year.
Dog bites are more common than you may think. They cause many severe injuries and tragic deaths every year in the U.S. According to statistics, more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year across the nation. Sadly, more than 42 individuals were tragically killed as a result of a dog bite or attack in 2020, reports DogsBite.org.
As a result of these dog bites, many people require medical attention and end up being hospitalized with severe injuries. A report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that almost 370,000 people were treated for dog bite-related injuries in 2001.
Have you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury? Don’t let another day go by without speaking to an experienced Los Angeles dog bite injury lawyer at Adamson Ahdoot LLP. We can discuss the details of your case and determine who may be held responsible for the expenses associated with your injuries. Call our office right now to schedule a free consultation.
How Often Do Dogs Bite in California?
More than 40% of the state’s households own at least one dog, reports the Humane America Animal Foundation. But, how often do these dogs bite? What happens if your dog bites someone in California? According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), over 50,000 animal bites were reported to local health departments and animal control agencies in 2011.
Not all of these bites were inflicted by dogs, but a state study done over the course of a four-year period shows almost 77% of animal bites were attributed to domestic dogs. Data collected by local state agencies in 2011 reveal that pit bull terriers were the most frequently reported breed to bite. German shepherd/shepherd mix and Chihuahuas were the second and third most likely types of breeds to bite, reports the state’s data.
Who is Most Likely to be Bitten by a Dog?
Sadly, children between the ages of 1 and 6 are the most likely to be a victim of a dog bite in California, reports the CDPH. In addition, dogs that bite are most likely to be the family pet or at least a dog familiar to the victim. Statistics from the Journal of Pediatric Surgery reveal that more than half (53%) of dogs who bit belonged to the patient’s immediate or extended family.
“Pediatric dog bites span a wide range of ages, frequently require operative intervention, and can cause severe morbidity.”
The Journal of Pediatric Surgery
What are the Most Common Types of Dog Bites Injuries?
Despite being “man’s best friend,” dogs by nature are pack animals who can easily misinterpret physical and auditory signals from other animals and humans. Even more so when it comes to dangerous dogs. But, what breed of dog causes the most injuries? In reality, all. Dog bites can cause more than just injuries.
If a toddler is attacked by a larger dog, the dog may knock the child down in the process – causing more than just a bite injury. In other cases, dog attack victims may suffer secondary injuries from the initial bite, like infection or loss of a limb. In these cases, talking to a dog bites lawyer about filing a lawsuit is paramount.
Likewise, other types of injuries sustained by dog bite victims include:
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bruises and contusions
- Head injuries
- Concussions and brain injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Disfigurement
- Scarring and puncture wounds
- Amputation
- Infection
- Wrongful death
Understanding California’s Dog Bite Laws
Unlike other states that impose a “one bite rule,” California’s dog bite law places responsibility on the owner of a dog regardless of whether or not the dog bit before. In many states, the owner may only be held liable for a dog bite injury if the dog bit before or showed violent tendencies prior to the incident. However, in California, an owner may be responsible for dog bite lawsuits even if the dog did not bite before or acted violently prior to the attack.
There are some exceptions to the state’s “strict liability” law, such as:
The injury sustained was not a bite. For example: if a dog attacked, and you suffered a head injury as a result of being knocked over, you will have to prove the owner acted negligently.
The dog owner was not present. For example: if you are filing a lawsuit against a dog sitter, you must prove the dog sitter (the defendant) was at-fault for the dog bite.
As you can see, even with a strict liability law, it’s not as easy to navigate the legal process as it may seem. Many law firms back down to the demands of opposing legal teams before securing their clients the actual compensation deserved because negotiations “get difficult.” At Adamson Ahdoot LLP, we have an excellent track record of standing firm for our clients, so they can get the help they need for injury expenses.
Moreover, to ensure a successful case outcome, our firm will:
- Talk to eyewitnesses to testify to the defendant’s behavior and/or circumstances of the incident
- Carefully analyze medical records to ensure that past, present, and future injury expenses reflect accurate costs
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies looking to minimize injury costs
What Types of Damages Can I Collect Compensation For?
How much is a dog bite lawsuit worth? There is no dog bite compensation calculator to determine the payout. However, dog bite victims usually recover for many types of damages, such as:
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Physical therapy
- Doctor visits
- Nursing care
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Physical suffering
- Property damage
- Other types of damages
Getting the true value of your dog bites lawsuit can be challenging without the help of a skilled dog bite lawyer. Our legal team has over 100 years of combined legal experience – let us put our vast forensic and medical expert network to work, so you get the full amount you deserve.
Do I Need a Dog Bite Injury Attorney?
We’re here to fight for you. With us in your corner, your chances of getting fair dog bite injury compensation amounts are much higher. Why risk your one chance to be made “whole” and move towards a brighter future? If you suffered a dog bite injury after being attacked, let us help you. Get in touch with our Los Angeles law firm right away to discuss your legal options.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations at our office located in the heart of downtown LA. You can reach our office at all hours by simply placing a call or by sending us a contact form. Act now before state deadlines stop you from taking legal action.