According to a study from the Center For Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.7 million dog bites and attacks occur in the United States each year. Even the most harmless looking dog has the potential to seriously wound an unsuspecting victim, and when dogs are frightened, angered, or uncomfortable they often lash out and are capable of serious attacks.

After any accident, a dog bite included, you need to seek medical attention right away. Even if you only have a few minor scrapes or bruises, going to the doctor or emergency room is the only way to ensure you’re safe. In some cases, even a simple cut can turn into a more serious illness if the injury is not properly treated within a reasonable amount of time. The first step you should take after a dog bite is always to examine your health. Second, call an attorney.

Even if your injuries aren’t serious, you should speak to a lawyer about filing a dog bite claim. You have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering after the attack, even if you aren’t sure where to get started. Dog bite cases can be complicated and, without the help of a lawyer, you may be stuck with post-accident expenses without any relief. The only way to receive compensation after a dog bite or dog attack is to file a personal injury claim with a lawyer.

Who Is Held Liable In A Dog Bite Attack?

Dogs are considered property, therefore their owners are held liable after dog bites and dog attacks as they are responsible for their pet’s behavior. For this reason, dog bite victims are often hesitant to contact a lawyer as they don’t want to entangle in legal issues with friends or family members because of their pet’s behavior. But, under some circumstances, dog bite cases can be settled out of court, with minimal legal proceedings involved. It’s always wise to contact a lawyer no matter what, because a settlement may be the only way to get financial relief for your injury.

Dog bite cases can be complicated and the laws differ from state to state. Dog attacks, and the circumstances surrounding them, including the role of the dog owner, can factor into the case.

A dog-bite statute is a legal provision that establishes strict liability against the owner of a dog that injures another individual or, in some states, that causes damage to property. There are approximately 36 states that have adopted dog-bite statutes in the United States, including the state of California.

Even if the dog bite did not occur on the dog and dog owner’s property, the owner is still held liable for their dog’s behavior at all times. Anyone who owns a dog has a duty of care to protect others from the possibility of a dog attack and, if they fail to uphold this duty of care, they are the only people who can be held liable for this negligence.

What Kind Of Compensation Can I Receive After A Dog Bite?

The only way to get financial relief after an accident, including a dog bite, is to contact a lawyer and form a personal injury case against the owner of the dog. Your attorney will fight for your right to various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of your accident.

Most importantly, as an accident victim, you will need a way to help pay your medical bills. Dog bites can cause a wide variety of injuries, ranging from cuts, scrapes and bruises, to even broken bones or traumatic brain injuries. If your injuries aren’t serious, you still must go to the hospital or doctor and seek medical care and get an examination. What seems like a minor injury could actually be something more serious and, without proper medical care, your conditions can worsen over time. Don’t worry about paying back your emergency room bill or doctor’s office copay. Your attorney will fight for your right to receive medical bill compensation as part of your dog bite settlement.

If your injuries cause you to miss out on work, even if for only a brief period of time, you may seek compensation for your lost wages. Accident victims often miss out on money in their paychecks due to accident-related responsibilities, and they deserve a chance at recouping their losses in any way possible.

Some dog bite cases are especially violent, leaving the accident victim traumatized or scarred for quite some time. In these unique cases, your attorney will assert your right to receive compensation for your pain and suffering, and anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress are not to be overlooked in any scenario.

California Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help You Get Compensation For Even Minor Injuries

Never assume that your injuries are not serious enough to file a claim. All injuries and illnesses are taken into consideration after an accident, and no innocent victim should have to suffer the burden of unexpected medical costs after being attacked by a dog.

After a dog bite or attack, you have the right to talk to a lawyer and seek a financial settlement for what you have suffered. With the help of The Accident Network Law Group, you can build a strong personal injury case that demonstrates your right to compensation that gets you relief from your medical bills. Your lawyer will handle every aspect of your case from start to finish so you can focus on taking care of yourself and healing from your injuries as quickly as possible.

If you have been bitten by a dog in the state of California and sustained even minor injuries, call The Accident Network Law Group today. It is crucial that you speak with a lawyer about what you have suffered. We offer a no-obligation consultation free of charge to any California dog bite victim. We have offices in Costa Mesa and Riverside, California. When you work with us, you pay no fees unless we win your case, and we will work hard to ensure you understand the scope of the legal proceedings before you from start to finish.