Dog Bite Lawyer in Galveston, TX

DOG BITE INJURY ATTORNEYS

Dogs attack roughly 5 million individuals a year in the U.S. Almost half of those injured are children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. Approximately 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog bites, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. Around 16 individuals die annually after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's figures 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 severe injury sustained in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog bite victim to seek reimbursement for all medical costs, pain and suffering and other damage resulted in by the bite.

If you have sustained a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the Galveston 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 significant traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can also result in considerable 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 that are attacked by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Children ages 5-9
• Elderly people
• Mail letter carriers

Dogs most often bite a person'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 concerning dangerous dog breeds, reports that severe dog attacks can cause severe injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.

The CDC specifies that roughly 27,000 dog bite victims each 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 BITE

Dog bite victims may seek reimbursement to cover their:

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

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

Individuals that have been seriously wounded by an attacking dog deserve compensation and should not be reluctant 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 recovered in a dog attack 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 led to more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average settlement for dog bite cases was $27,862.

An experienced attorney can examine your dog bite case to establish whether the dog's owner is liable and calculate the compensation you might be due for your injuries.

Several cases can be settled through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance company. If a proper settlement agreement can not be reached, we would be ready to pursue suitable compensation for you in court.

TAKING ACTION AFTER AN ATTACK

You can act to help yourself, a loved one or a friend who has been wounded 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 physician.
• Immediately report the injury to the police and acquire a copy of the police accident report.
• Get the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
• Obtain the name and contact information of any individuals 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 kind of clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
• Save and, if possible, photograph any property damaged by the animal.
• Do not communicate with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance provider. If you accept any form of compensation, you may waive your right to sue for additional damages.

REACH OUT TO OUR DOG BITE ATTORNEYS

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury or other animal attack that resulted in severe injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Get in touch with a Galveston dog bite attorney at Dunk Law Firm, right away and schedule a free consultation.

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

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