Southern California Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bites are a very common problem, and small children are especially prone to becoming victims. According to the American Humane Association (2014), over 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year, and more than half of those are children. Such animal attacks can cause permanent damage, including disfigurement, nerve and tissue damage, and psychological trauma that can last for years. In very severe cases, dog attacks can result in death.
If you or a loved one has been attacked and bitten by a dog, you may need the help of an experienced Riverside dog bite lawyer who can help you get compensation for your losses. At the law offices of Brent A. Duque, we will help you navigate the complicated legal process and get the help you need.
Consider these alarming statistics provided by National Dog Bite Prevention Week® Coalition members
- In 2013, State Farm paid $104 million as a result of 3,700 dog bite claims. Over the past five years, the insurer has paid $510 million for claims resulting from accidents involving a dog.
- The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates the U.S. dog population was approximately 70 million at the end of 2011, down from approximately 72 million in 2006, yet the number of dog bite incidents hasn’t decreased.
- Prevent The Bite reports that according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control CDC, dog bites were the 11th leading cause of nonfatal injury to children ages 1-4, 9th for ages 5-9 and 11th for ages 10-14 from 2003-2012.
- Insurance Information Institute estimates that in 2013, insurers across the country paid over $483 million in dog bite claims.
- American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery reports that according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 26,935 reconstructive procedures were performed in 2013 to repair injuries caused by dog bites.
- U.S. Postal Service reports that 5,581 postal employees were attacked by dogs in 2013. Children, the elderly, and postal carriers are the most frequent victims of dog bites.
What To Do If You Are a Victim of a Dog Bite or Attack
- Get the name, address, and telephone number of the person who owns the animal
- Identify the animal that bit you so the animal can be tested (otherwise, you may be required to undergo a very painful series of tests and vaccinations)
- Get the name and contact information of everyone who witnessed the attack
- Get immediate medical attention
- Keep track of your medical bills and treatments
- Photograph the wounds
- Don’t sign anything until you have had the chance to discuss your matter with a personal injury attorney
Cover Riverside Dog Bites under Insurance
People often ask our dog bite attorneys if dog bite injuries are covered by homeowner’s insurance. The answer varies, depending upon the details of the case. Homeowner’s insurance may cover such damages when they occur on the owner’s property; we will need to review the declarations page of the insurance policy itself.
For owners who are uncooperative, these documents can be obtained during the discovery phase of the lawsuit, when attorneys for both parties share information regarding the accident and injury. Our Riverside dog bite attorneys know how to handle these situations.
For a free consultation, contact our attorneys today at 1-877-241-9554. Our dedicated staff is friendly and responsive, providing 24-hour availability and a firm-wide commitment to each individual and family we represent.
Our office has successfully handled hundreds of accident cases over the years, including:
