Understanding Dog Bite Claims in Tracy
I’m Ed Smith, a Tracy dog bite lawyer. Dogs are considered close companions to those who own and love them. In recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), caring for a dog has been found to have increased exercise levels and decrease stress. However, a man’s best friend can sometimes bite, and result in serious injuries to those affected. With the prevalence of dog bites throughout California, insurance companies are also seeing an increase in dog bite injury claims. When faced with such injuries, it is important to understand what rights you have and what damages you are entitled to when submitting a claim for your injuries.
Dog Bite Statistics
When it comes to dog bite injuries, national statistics can be alarming. Studies by the CDC have found that:
- Households with two or more dogs are five times more likely to be bitten compared to those living without dogs in their home
- Over 50 percent of dog bites occur at home with dogs that are familiar with the victims
- Adults are less likely to be bitten by a dog compared to young children
- Dog bites among adults occur more frequently in men rather than women
Preventing Dog Bites
Roughly one in five people bitten by a dog require medical treatment. Reducing the risk of a dog bite is critical in preventing yourself from becoming a statistic. Follow these safety tips to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones:
- Avoid approaching an unfamiliar dog
- Do not disrupt a dog while it is sleeping, eating or tending to puppies
- Do not run from a dog
- Do not make loud noises or panic in front of a dog
- Do not encourage your dog to play in an aggressive manner
- Request permission first prior to petting someone else’s dog
- Do not allow a small child to play with a dog while unsupervised
- Curl into a ball, tuck in your head and place your hands over your neck and ears in the event of a dog knocking you over
Which Dog Breeds Are Likely to Bite?
Every dog has the potential to bite and even attack others they may know. Research has shown that certain dog breeds are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior in comparison to others. A higher dog bite rate of injury has been found in the following breeds:
- Alaskan Malamute
- Bullmastiff
- Chow Chow
- Dogo Argentino
- German Shepherd
- Great Dane
- Pit Bull
- Rottweiler
- Siberian Husky
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
While dog bites usually affect the upper and lower extremities, they may also injure the torso, neck, face and eyes. Facial injuries caused by dog bites are usually the most difficult for specialists to treat and can leave victims with lasting emotional repercussions. Following are other types of serious injuries associated with dog bites:
- Avulsions
- Bone Fractures
- Crush Injury
- Loss of Tissue
- Amputation
- Nerve Damage
- Puncture Wounds
- Facial Lacerations
- Scarring
Who Pays in a Dog Bite Injury Claim?
Dog bite injuries are usually covered by liability insurance, either through the home owner’s policy or rental policy of the property owners. However, the amount of compensation offered by the insurer for the injury varies among insurance policies. It is also interesting to note that some policies exclude certain dog breeds.
Disfigurement in a Dog Bite Claim
In some cases, people may develop keloid scarring after a dog bite incident. This type of scar is quite visible due to excessive scar tissue growth and often requires treatment by specialists to reduce its appearance. Although keloids are not necessarily harmful to one’s well-being, cosmetic concerns may arise for those who have suffered this type of trauma. An individual who has been left with scarring or other unsightly marks after a dog bite may be able to recover compensation for the humiliation or embarrassment related to the disfigurement and cosmetic surgery costs.
How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help
Dog bites can result in serious injuries. Under state law, dog owners and anyone in charge of caring for a dog (excluding police or military dogs within their duty), are responsible for making sure that their dog does not bite and cause personal injury to other individuals. When these parties breach their duty of care, they may be held responsible for damages incurred like medical bills, lost wages and other related expenses. If this has happened to you or a loved one, it is crucial to contact an experienced dog bite attorney in Tracy. By having a lawyer by your side, you can be assured that your claim will be investigated thoroughly to obtain a fair outcome on your behalf.
Tracy Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Tracy dog bite lawyer. The consequences of dog bite injuries are endless. If you or a loved one have been left with medical bills, lost time from work and other expenses due to a dog bite, seeking assistance from an experienced attorney can help. Please feel free to contact me any time at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
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