Dog Bite Statistics in the US
The Center for Disease Control reports that roughly 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States on an annual basis. Of those bites, 900,000 get infected and require significant amounts of treatment. Considering the population of the US, that means 1 in 72 people are bitten by a dog each year. The CDC reports that more than half of those bitten are children, and they also state that men are more likely than women to suffer dog bites.
The need for a dog bite lawyer comes when it is determined that the dog owner was negligent and allowed the situation to happen. It is also a good idea to get into contact with a dog bite lawyer when the bite is going to have a strong impact on the future of the person bitten. In other words, if work is not going to be possible or disfigurement has occurred, that is a good time to consult a dog bite lawyer on how to move forward.
What to Do After a Dog Attack
- Get the appropriate medical care. Animal bites can cause extensive damage to skin, nerves and other parts of the body. Severe attacks may require multiple surgeries and procedures.
- Photograph the injuries. As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Take photographs early and often, not only to document your injuries and treatment, but also to prove the severity of your injuries, if it is necessary.
- Contact the government agency responsible for human and pet safety. The County of San Diego’s Department of Animal Services has the capability to take the appropriate actions to prevent further injury. You can visit the website here.
- Report your injuries promptly to insurance carriers. Homeowners, and some renters, insurance carriers will cover medical bills and other costs related to dog attacks.
- Talk with an attorney before agreeing to or signing anything. It is crucial to discuss your rights with an attorney who handles dog bites in and around San Diego before speaking with the insurance company. The carrier for the dog owner is not required to treat you fairly. It may pressure you into making important decisions before you get legal advice.
Some insurance companies routinely ask injured people to give them unlimited access to private medical and employment records. Until you get advice from a lawyer, do NOT:
- Release your private records
- Sign anything
- Give a statement
- Make any decisions about whether you will or will not bring a claim
Dealing with the insurance companies after an attack can be difficult. However, our attorney has the experience needed to navigate the insurance industry on your behalf.
Dog Bites Cause Serious Injuries
While there is a large debate over whether or not certain breeds of dogs are inherently more prone to attack, it is recognized that a risk of a dangerous dog attack can be significantly enhanced based on human actions, regardless of the dog’s breed. To illustrate, animal abuse, fight training, carelessness in confinement or control, or neglect can all condition a dog to attack.
Below are dog bite statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
- About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year.
- About 885,000 dog bite victims require medical attention and half of these are children.
- In 2012, over 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery after being bitten by dogs.
Obtaining Complete Compensation:
- Although it surprises some, most homeowner’s insurance policies provide coverage for the animal owner in the event of an animal attack. Still, identifying the owner, presenting the claim, negotiating with the insurance company, and preserving the evidence necessary to pursue your rights are difficult to manage when you are focused on your own medical recovery or that of a loved one. Our attorneys apply their tremendous experience in handling personal injury cases to relieve you of these burdens so you can embrace the healing process while knowing that your rights are being protected.
- Often dog attacks and bites result in injury and facial scarring. In helping you obtain fair compensation for your injuries, we examine every possible aspect of your injury. Let us help you obtain compensation for medical costs, cosmetic surgical procedures, loss of work and psychological rehabilitation.
What You Need to Prove for Your Dog Bite Claim to Be Successful
For your dog bite claim to be successful, it must be shown that:
- The defendant owned the dog;
- The bite occurred when the victim was lawfully on private property or was on public property; and
- The victim was actually bitten by the dog, resulting in an injury.
Who Might Be Liable for Damages After a Dog Bite in California?
The defendant in most dog bite cases is the owner of the dog, but there are certain exceptions. Depending on the facts surrounding your case, the following parties may be held liable for damages:
- The Landlord: The landlord might be held liable for a dog bite if he or she knew that the tenant’s dog was dangerous, and the landlord had the right to remove the dog from the premises
- The Dog’s Caretaker: If the dog was under the control of another person or business when the bite occurred, that party might be held liable for your damages. However, the caretaker can only be liable if he or she had “prior knowledge” that the dog was dangerous. The caretaker might also be liable if the dog was negligently controlled or handled.
- The landlord of a Commercial Property: Landlords of commercial properties in California have a duty to inspect their premises for dangerous conditions, including dangerous animals. If a tenant of a commercial property allows a dog on the premises and it bites a customer, the landlord might be held liable—even if he or she did not know that the dog was on the property.
- Property Owners: The owner of a residential property can be held liable if a dangerous dog escapes due to a hole in the fence or another defect and an attack happens off-site.