Dog Bite Lawyer in Beaumont, TX

DOG BITE INJURY/ANIMAL ATTACK LAWYER

Dogs bite nearly 5 million individuals a year in the United States Almost half of those injured are children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Approximately 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog bites, and 386,000 require emergency room treatment. Around 16 individuals die annually after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's numbers do not consider the psychological trauma of experiencing an animal attack.

It is a basic fact of life that dogs bite. This includes any dog of any breed. A dog bite can be anything from a nip to a traumatic attack that leaves a severe injury. A serious injury sustained in a dog attack is reason to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog bite victim to seek compensation for all medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damage resulting from the bite.

If you have sustained a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that occurred in the Beaumont area or anywhere else in Texas, the personal injury attorneys at Dunk Law Firm, want to assist you.

SERIOUS INJURIES FROM DOG ATTACKS

A serious bite is not a playful nip or even a small injury that bruises someone who came into contact with a dog at the wrong time. A serious dog attack is one that consists of biting and scratching that results in considerable traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can additionally result in significant emotional and psychological injury.

According to dog bite statistics from the CDC, approximately 885,000 dog bite victims every year-- or 20 percent of all of those who are bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Kids ages 5-9
• Elderly people
• Post letter carriers

Dogs usually bite an individual's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Common injuries in dog attacks consist of:

• Cuts, bruises and scratches
• Puncture wounds
• Tearing (avulsion)
• Dislocations
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Crushing (head/ skull injuries)

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website regarding dangerous dog breeds, reports that serious dog attacks can result in severe injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.

The CDC specifies that approximately 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This might include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim might require multiple operations over several years.

SEEKING COMPENSATION AFTER A DOG ATTACK

Dog bite victims may seek compensation to cover their:

• Past and future medical costs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological distress
• Other related losses

Claims can be made against the dog owner and, potentially, a third party if that party's negligence resulted in the injury.

People who have been seriously injured by an attacking dog deserve compensation and should not hesitate to seek it via civil legal action and contact a dog bite attorney-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The settlement recuperated in a dog bite claim almost always comes from the dog owner's insurance, such as homeowners' insurance or business liability insurance.

The Insurance Information Institute and State Farm Insurance report that dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners' insurance liability claim dollars paid in 2013 and resulted in more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average settlement for dog attack claims was $27,862.

An experienced lawyer can examine your dog attack case to establish whether the dog's owner is responsible and determine the compensation you might be due for your injuries.

Several cases can be resolved through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance provider. If a proper settlement agreement can not be reached, we would prepare to seek suitable compensation for you in court.

TAKING ACTION AFTER AN ATTACK

You can act to help yourself, a loved one or a friend that has been injured by a dog bite. Here are some steps you should try to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any kind of dog bite should be seen by a doctor.
• Immediately report the incident to the police and obtain a copy of the police accident report.
• Obtain the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
• Get the name and contact information of any individuals who observed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries along with the location of the incident.
• Photograph any visible injuries you have suffered as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Keep any kind of clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
• Save and, if possible, photograph any kind of property damaged by the animal.
• Do not communicate with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any type of compensation, you may waive your right to sue for additional damages.

CONTACT OUR DOG ATTACK ATTORNEYS

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury or other animal attack that resulted in serious injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Contact a Beaumont dog bite attorney at Dunk Law Firm, without delay and arrange a complimentary consultation.

We will offer a team of legal professionals, medical experts and investigators who are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions regarding your legal options. Our dog attack lawyers will strive to make sure you receive the settlement you are entitled to.

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