Around 4.5 million people sustain dog bite injuries throughout the country each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In California, around 187,448 people were reportedly injured in the period of 2011 to 2015.
Children and Dog-Bite Injury
Most dog bite victims are young children and the most severe incidents involve pit bulls. During the latest National Dog Bite Prevention Week event held in Los Angeles, nearly all of 100 children in the event’s audience admitted that they had been bitten by a dog. Just recently, several dogs including a pit bull attacked grade school children in Atlanta, killing a 6-year old and seriously injuring another 5-year old.
Growing Incidence of California Dog-Bite Cases
The medical costs of dog bite injury are high as many victims require expensive plastic surgery to reduce the resultng scarring or disfigurement. A large insurance company that took part in the dog bite prevention event said that in the previous year, it paid out a staggering $121 million in dog-related injury claims. Furthermore, the number of dog related injury claims grew to 3,660 in the previous year.
California Dog-Bite Statute
Parents of children who have been injured by dog bites may ponder on the right to receive compensation for their injuries. California’s dog bite law provides for their owners’ strict liability in dog bite cases. This means that dog owners can be held responsible for dog bite injury no matter how carefully they restrain or guard their dogs.
Claiming Compensation
The process of claiming compensation can be complicated and difficult. Insurance companies will try to minimize the extent of the dog bite injury in order to reduce its financial exposure. While you may be able to deal with the insurance company on your own, having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side can improve your chances of receiving the true value of compensation that you or your injured loved one deserves.
An attorney can also handle the claims process by presenting evidence:
- On the identity of the dog owner
- The dog bite incident which occurred in a public place or when the injured party was lawfully on private property
- The dog bite injury of the plaintiff or claimant
- The defendant’s dog was a crucial factor in causing the victim’s harm or injury
For residents of Stockton and Sutter Creek, California, the Northern California Personal Injury attorneys of the Redkey Gordon law firm will work very hard for your right to receive personal injury compensation for your dog bite. With over 25 years of combined experience in a wide range of personal injury cases including dog bites, our firm has helped numerous clients receive the maximum value of compensation that they deserve.
We invite you to call us today at (209) 267-1685 to arrange for a free case evaluation with one of our trusted attorneys.