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According to the American Pets Products Association, there are an estimated 83.3 million dogs in the United States, and nearly 57 million families across the country have a dog as part of their family.
However, while these lovable animals may be a part of a large percentage of families, the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development has estimated that nearly 39,000 people went to the emergency room in 2015 for dog bite injuries.
Unfortunately, dog bites are a common injury and one that can result in serious, even life-threatening injuries. If you are one of the many people who have been injured by a dog bite, contact an experienced San Diego dog bite lawyer today. A skilled personal injury attorney can help determine if you have a case and if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
It is not always clear why a dog decides to bite a person. A dog may be intimidated or scared of a particular person, or a dog may be protecting its territory. However, sometimes dog bites happen for seemingly no reason, and without any warning.
Unfortunately, dog bites can range in severity and can be relatively minor, or a dog bite can result in a significant wound that requires emergency medical attention. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Infections
- Bone fractures
- Soft tissue damage
- Scarring
- Internal bleeding
According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 43 percent of people who were hospitalized for dog bites required some form of treatment for skin, and additionally, many people had to be treated for an underlying tissue infection. In addition, a large percentage of people, nearly 25 percent, sustained injuries to either their legs or arms.
A person who has been bitten by a dog should seek immediate medical attention to ensure that a wound is not serious, and to ensure that a wound does not become infected.
Compensation for Dog Bites
According to the National Canine Research Council, most dog bites do not result in a significant injury. However, nearly 20 percent of all dog bites require medical intervention. In 2015, more than 28,000 reconstructive surgery procedures were performed because of dog bites, according to a report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
While a small percentage of people will require plastic surgery, there has been a steadily growing number of people who are bitten every year, thereby increasing the number of people who are seriously injured. California has enacted legislation that allows a dog bite victim to recover for their injuries.
Types of Compensation
Specifically, California Civil Code section 3342, applies to situations where a person’s injury is caused by a dog bite. A San Diego dog bite lawyer can help a person recover some of the following types of compensation for a dog bite.
- Current medical treatments
- Future medical procedures such as plastic surgery
- Loss of past and future income and earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Payments for wrongful death
Dog bite injuries are not only painful physically, but they can also leave a person with significant medical bills, resulting in significant time away from work, and can cause deep emotional pain and suffering.
Contacting a San Diego Dog Bite Attorney
If you or someone you know has been injured by an aggressive dog, contact an experienced San Diego dog bite lawyer who understands the unique challenges dog bite victims face. It is not always easy to determine the exact amount a particular dog bite case may be worth, however, a San Diego dog bite lawyer can work with you to ensure that you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries.
