Dog attacks and severe dog bites are common occurrences in California. Dog attacks are so common that California is considered the dog bite capital of the United States. Our state has the highest percentage of reported dog bite injuries, and insurance companies have paid close to $65 million on dog bite-related claims, the country’s highest.

If you or a loved one was attacked and bitten by a dog and suffered a severe injury, take the time to speak to an experienced Rancho Cordova dog bite attorney about your legal options. Call our law office at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for a free no-obligation consultation.

Nationally, the statistics concerning dog attacks are not good. Approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by a dog each and every year. If that was not bad enough, roughly half of the bite victims are kids between 5 and 9. That means, each year, millions of young kids are attacked and seriously injured by a dog bite. Furthermore, one of every five dog attacks causes a severe bite injury requiring professional medical treatment.

In many cases, purchasing a dog is a significant investment, and they provide companionship and love to you and your family. However, you need to be aware that certain breeds of dogs have a track record of committing violence against humans. For example, Rottweilers and pit bulls are the breeds most frequently cited in deadly dog attacks. The 76-year-old man described above was attacked by two pit bull-type dogs.

However, it is essential to understand that any dog could potentially attack someone. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog that does not have a history of violent or vicious behavior, it does not mean you do not have a legitimate legal claim. If you were bitten, you should discuss the viability of a claim with an experienced Rancho Cordova dog bite injury attorney.

In California, a dog owner is strictly liable for the harm caused by their dog, even if the owner had no idea that the dog could become violent. This standard is established in California Civil Code section 3342(a).

Many people suffer dog bite injuries that are pretty serious and often require weeks or months of rehabilitation. The types of injuries sustained as a result of dog bites include:

• Facial and body lacerations, abrasions, and scarring
• Broken bones 
• Loss of a limb
• Nerve damage
• Emotional and psychological trauma

As you can see, these types of injuries are severe and will likely involve multiple visits to doctors, other medical specialists, and surgery. As a result, you may be looking at significant financial strain, especially if you have a high deductible health insurance plan due to the dog attack.

As we discussed, vicious dog attacks can be highly traumatic and result in extensive physical and psychological trauma to the victim and their family. You should pursue a personal injury claim to seek financial restitution for the economic and non-economic damages endured due to the attack. Recoverable damages include:

Medical bills include those incurred immediately after the attack and reasonably anticipated future medical expenses.

• Lost wages due to time missed from work. You can file a claim for lost income if you are forced to take time off from your job due to your dog bite injuries.
• Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma include other damages from the attack. For example, your mental anguish, stress, and inconvenience stemming from the attack. Some victims even develop PTSD and are deathly afraid of dogs.