The vast majority of dogs are wonderful pets. They are devoted, caring, and respect humans. Californians love their dogs, and the Fair Oaks area is no different. It is widespread to see dogs eating alongside their owners at outdoor cafes, and many owners take their dogs on morning jogs in parks or with them on picnics. Unfortunately, not all dogs are the same; some can suddenly become quite vicious and aggressive, while others have been trained to be violent by their owner. This creates a risk to the general public. Sometimes a pedestrian or bicyclist becomes the victim of an attack and suffers traumatic injuries.

Each year, approximately 4.7 million Americans are bitten by a dog. Almost 20 percent of those injured are seriously maimed and require hospitalization. Most dog bite victims require medical attention after vicious attacks.

A vicious dog attack can be a painful experience. Vicious dogs often try to maul their victims with bites and claws, resulting in puncture wounds and broken bones. Hospital bills can quickly become stifling and a tremendous burden on your finances. If the attack results in a permanent injury, that could also result in an inability to perform work. For example, someone who works in data processing or another IT-related field suffering a permanent injury to one or both hands could force you to leave your chosen profession due to nerve damage or other damage.

People injured in vicious dog attacks will often be left with physical, emotional, and financial scars after the attack. These harms and losses are compensable under California tort law. For example, you can pursue a monetary recovery for your medical bills, which encompasses the cost of your hospitalization and immediate treatment post-attack, any surgeries that may be needed, physical therapy, and other types of medical procedures and related expenses. You can also seek to recover the lost wages you would have earned had it not been for the injuries you suffered in the dog attack. This may include future income if, as mentioned, you cannot return to work due to catastrophic injuries from the dog attack. You can also seek compensation for your mental pain, anguish, psychological stress, and emotional suffering.

A common question asked by dog bite victims is how exactly they will be able to obtain a financial recovery. In most dog bite injury cases, the homeowner’s insurance policy of the dog owner will cover the damages stemming from a dog attack. According to Consumer Reports, there were approximately 16,5000 homeowners insurance claims involving a dog bite injury in 2012.

The following YouTube video explains what damages can be claimed in a dog bite injury case.

If you or someone you love has been viciously attacked by a dog in Fair Oaks or the surrounding vicinity, please call our experienced Fair Oaks dog bite lawyers for free and friendly legal advice today. We can be reached at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

As an injury lawyer since 1982, we have been helping Fair Oaks residents with their personal injury and wrongful death cases.

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^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 7.8.22] Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels sb bw [cs 908]}