Compensation After a Dog Bite Injury in Modesto
Are dog bites in Modesto and the rest of California common? California ranked number one in the number of injuries caused by dog bites in 2019 and 2018 as well as in previous years. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there were 3,496 claims filed in 2019, with an average payout of $44,760. Not all of the insurance claims were for dog bites. Some were from other types of injuries caused by dogs that include knocking down elderly persons, bicyclists and children.
Incidence of Serious Dog Bites
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that around 800,000 people each year around the country are bitten by a dog severely enough to require medical intervention. What they discovered from the study is as follows:
- 82 percent of the attacks that required a visit to the emergency room involved children under 15 years of age.
- 50 percent of all dog bites occur to children under age 12.
- The risk of injury to newborns from a dog bite attack is astronomical. They stand a risk of dying that is 370 percent higher than an attack on an adult.
- 70 percent of the children who die from a dog attack are under the age of 10.
Dog Bite Injuries
Several people in Modesto suffered serious injuries, and one man died just last year from a dog attack. Dog bite injuries can be horrific as well as traumatic for the injured person. Injuries to the face, neck, legs and hands are common and can require hospitalization and a long healing process. In addition, there is the risk of infection from a number of different diseases carried by canines. Afterward, plastic surgery may be required to repair the damage, and the injured person may be emotionally and psychologically traumatized. A seasoned dog bite lawyer in Modesto can help this person obtain compensation to pay all of their medical expenses as well as for lost wages if they work and for their pain and suffering.
Contacting an Injury Lawyer
My law office, which represents those in Modesto, Sacramento and other parts of Northern California, is experienced in helping those who’ve been attacked or harmed by a dog to get the compensation they deserve. Evidence that is gathered by our trained investigators includes:
- Collecting the medical evidence needed to support the claim
- Reviewing the police report for errors and speaking to all of the witnesses to the dog bite attack
- Talking to the dog’s veterinarian or groomers to determine if the animal showed aggression in the past
- Speaking to neighbors about any problems with the dog, such as running loose, growling at passersby, etc.
- Talking to delivery persons such as a mailman to see if there have been problems in the past
California Dog Bite Law
Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are liable for damage caused by their pets as long as the person is legally on the property or in a public area. California has no one bite rule, and the first time a dog injures a person, the owner is liable. A strong case for liability allows the lawyer representing the injured party to be in the best bargaining position with the insurance company. If the amount offered is unsatisfactory, the case can be taken to civil court to obtain fair compensation.
Modesto Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto dog bite lawyer. If a dog caused your injury, I may be able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Give me a call at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice.
I’m a member of Million Dollar Forum and the Top 1 Percent.
As a Modesto personal injury lawyer, I’ve helped residents for more than 38 years to obtain fair compensation for their injuries. Some of the areas I work in include wrongful deaths, all kinds of traffic accidents and traumas such as brain injuries.
Look over the following links for client reviews and case settlements/verdicts:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-dalmatians-pet-dog-breed-1020790/
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