Dog Bites
Did you know that more than four million Americans are victims of dog bites every year? If you or a loved one has suffered the devastating effects of a dog bite, it’s important to seek legal representation right away. You may be entitled to compensation from the dog’s owner, the dog owner’s landlord, and possibly your insurance company. At Westphal Law Group, we’ve represented a variety of dog bite cases throughout California, and our attorneys are dedicated to the success of your case. Contact our injury attorneys in San Bernardino to learn more about our professional and aggressive legal services.
California Dog Bite Attorneys
While dogs are often known as “man’s best friend,” when they bite, they can leave their victims with severe injuries and permanent, unsightly scars. Any dog, regardless of the size or breed, can cause serious injuries through a bite. Our personal injury attorneys have found that most dog bites are preventable and are the result of an owner’s negligence, through neglect, abuse, or even intentional aggression training.
The state of California allows those injured by dog bites to seek compensation from negligent owners, but the state’s dog bite laws can be rather complicated, especially if the dog in question does not have a history of violent behavior. This is one of the main reasons why seeking an experienced dog-bite attorney is so important. Past records and studies indicate that insurance adjusters typically only offer victims 10 to 20% of what they would offer a victim with an attorney.
What To Do After A Dog Bite
The very first thing you should do after being injured or attacked by a dog is to ensure the dog is restrained so nobody else gets hurt. If possible, get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses nearby. Be sure to take extensive photographs of your wounds and seek immediate medical attention. Depending on where you live, you should make a report with the local animal control department or the police department. Of course, always contact a California injury attorney to assist you with the ins and outs of the complicated legal system.
What If I Get Bit By A Dog With Rabies?
Rabies is very rare in domesticated animals throughout the United States. Through the use of early vaccinations, education, and animal control methods, very few people are bitten by dogs with rabies. If you cannot 100% confirm that the dog that bit you does not have rabies, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. Your physician will help you to make an informed decision about the best action plan for you.
What Are Common Dog Bite Injuries?
Contrary to popular belief, dog bite injuries are generally more than just the pain and suffering of the actual bite itself. Most people suffer from physical scarring, and they are left to pay off medical bills and deal with the potential loss of wages if they cannot work. Some common dog bite injuries include:
Facial injuries
Puncture wounds
Nerve damage
Cuts and scrapes
Muscle damage
Broken bones
Deep tissue damage
Are Dog Bites Covered By Insurance?
Did you know that most property insurance policies cover dog bite cases? These policies may include homeowner’s policies, renter policies, and even landlord policies. While many of these policies provide liability insurance, many of them also have special provisions to help with medical bills, even if the policy holder is not liable.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Dog Bite Case?
The length of time it takes to settle a dog bite case will be determined by a variety of factors. It’s important to note that you do not want to settle your case until your physical condition has stabilized. In many dog bite cases, this means waiting until you’ve reached a permanent stage in the healing process. Once your medical condition has stabilized, a claim could be resolved in as little as a few days to as long as two years. The length of time needed to settle your case will depend on several different things, including:
When the claim was made and investigated
If you have adequate documentation of the injury and the incident
Reporting the incident to the police or animal control in a timely fashion
The need for further medical treatments
What Dog Breeds Are Known To Bite People?
While any dog breed can cause harm and injury to someone, certain breeds are historically known to bite people more than others. Some dog breeds that are noted for biting people include: Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes, and Siberian Huskies.
Dog Bite Lawyers In San Bernardino
Knowing what to do after a dog attack can be confusing. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the complicated legal waters on your own. The experienced dog attack attorneys at Westphal Law Group have worked with many dog attack and dog bite cases throughout the state of California. We have a clear and thorough understanding of the state’s dog bite laws, and we know how to help you get the compensation and results you deserve.
If you have any questions about our personal injury attorneys or you need representation with a personal injury claim, auto accident, construction accidents, and police misconduct cases, we can help. Call the law office of Westphal Law Group today to schedule a convenient time for your free consultation. We look forward to working with you.