Dog Bite Lawyer in Dallas, TX

DOG BITE INJURY/ANIMAL ATTACK LAWYER

Dogs attack approximately 5 million individuals a year in the United States Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. Roughly 800,000 Americans every year seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. About 16 individuals die every year after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's numbers do not consider the psychological trauma of experiencing an animal attack.

It is a simple 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 accountable, and for the dog bite victim to seek reimbursement for all medical costs, pain and suffering and other damage caused by the bite.

If you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that took place in the Dallas area or anywhere else in Texas, the personal injury lawyers 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 an individual who came into contact with a dog at the wrong time. A serious dog attack is one that includes biting and scratching that results in considerable traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can also cause considerable emotional and psychological injury.

According to dog bite statistics from the CDC, roughly 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 most often bite a person's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Typical injuries in dog attacks consist of:

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

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

The CDC states that roughly 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This might include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may need multiple operations over many years.

SEEKING COMPENSATION AFTER A DOG ATTACK

Dog bite victims may pursue reimbursement to cover their:

• Past and future medical costs
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional 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.

Individuals who have been seriously wounded by an attacking dog are entitled to compensation and should not hesitate to seek it through 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 usually 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 made up 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 payment for dog bite cases was $27,862.

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

Many 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 pursue appropriate 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 wounded by a dog bite. Below are some steps you should attempt to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any dog bite should be seen by a doctor.
• Immediately report the injury 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 people that witnessed 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 clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
• Keep 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 provider. If you accept any kind of reimbursement, you may waive your right to sue for additional damages.

CONTACT OUR DOG BITE LAWYERS

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog attack injury or other animal attack that caused serious injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Reach out to a Dallas dog attack lawyer at Dunk Law Firm, right away and arrange a free consultation.

We will provide a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators who are dedicated to your case. We can help you make informed decisions about your legal options. Our dog attack lawyers will work hard to make sure you receive the settlement you are entitled to.

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