Visalia Dog Bite Lawyers CA

Who is the Most At Risk For a Dog Bite Attack? 

Due to their small size and playful nature, it is not surprising that the most at risk for sustaining a dog bite injury are children. In fact, over 50% of dog bite accident victims are children, 26% of which will require emergency room visits.

According to an article by the Injury Epidemiology Journal, most dog bite injuries are caused by dogs with owners or familiar dogs. An article by the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburg states that dog bite injuries are more common than bike injuries or playground injuries. 

Dog bite attacks are also more frequent in young boys than in girls. As pet ownership continues to increase yearly, it is crucial for pet owners and parents alike to be vigilant when their parents are around their children or new people. 

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Dogs bite for a number of reasons. Sometimes we aren’t even aware of what we might have done to provoke an otherwise “friendly” dog to attack. Knowing and understanding the main reasons why dogs bite is the best way to prevent future dog bite accidents from occurring. 

These are some of the most common reasons why dogs bite:

Being Startled

Dogs are very likely to bite when caught off guard and startled, especially if they are startled awake. This confusion could lead a dog to bite or attack. This is also especially true for older dogs or dogs with impaired hearing or eyesight. Remember to be gentle when waking your dog and teach others the same practice. 

Pain 

Pain can cause a dog to be overwhelmed and stressed, causing them to bite. One must keep in mind that dogs in pain tend to bite when being handled or touched. Always be vigilant when touching or caring for a sick or injured dog. 

Feeling Frustrated

If a dog feels that they are trapped or in an unpleasant situation, it will bite. Dogs can also bite when frustrated from being held back in an effort to reach something they want. These bites are referred to as redirected bites. 

Guarding

A dog may feel the urge to bite when they fear that their prized possession (ex. food or toys) is being taken away from them. Dogs may bite in an effort to protect their loot. Some dogs may have strong guarding tendencies and may attack if they believe someone is intruding on the household or hurting a loved one. 

Fear

Fear is a very common reason why dogs bite. Most of a dog’s aggressive behavior is rooted in fear. This can cause dogs to feel overwhelmed when someone they are unsure of is within their space, causing them to lash out and bite to protect themselves. This is why it is important to be vigilant when approaching a dog, regardless of whether or not they seem friendly to you in the beginning. You may be encroaching on their space which may cause them to become aggressive. 

Play 

Dog owners are aware of the practice called mouthing. This is a dog’s way of both playing and exploring its surroundings. Biting can also happen in relation to mouthing as a form of play. 

Most Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite accidents can lead to severe injuries that will greatly affect the quality of life of the accident victim. Some of these accident injuries may require prolonged medical attention. Some of the most common dog bite injuries may include:

• Face injuries – This type of bodily injury is one of the most common in dog bite attacks. These sustained injuries may require reconstructive surgery and could also result in scarring. 
• Puncture wounds – Due to their powerful jaws, puncture wounds are a very common animal-related injury. Victims who sustain puncture wounds from a dog bite attack are at risk of infection. Once infection sets in, this can be life-threatening and extremely dangerous. 
• Broken bones – As previously mentioned, a dog’s powerful jaws also have the ability to fracture bones. Dog bite victims may suffer fractures in their hands, fingers, or arms. 
• Lacerations – A laceration is a skin wound or a cut that is caused by a sharp object. Lacerations resulting from a dog bite must be treated by a doctor immediately to avoid the onset of infection. 
• Avulsion – These are devastating injuries that result in the ripping or tearing away of something. One example of this is if a dog were to rip your finger from your hand, this would be considered an avulsion. This kind of injury will require immediate medical attention. 
• Infection – The risk of infection is a primary concern in the case of a dog bite accident. About 10%-15% of dog bites result in infection. If not treated immediately, an infection may have life-threatening consequences. 

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite Accident?

It is important that one knows the right steps to take after falling victim to a dog bite accident. This will ensure that you receive the correct medical treatment and that your rights are protected. If you wish to file a bite injury claim against the at-fault party, following these steps will also help ensure the validity of your claim and that you receive fair compensation for your damages and injuries. 

1. Contact the police – Immediately after the incident happens, call 911 and ensure that a police officer files an accident report. Don’t forget to collect the details of your accident report. 
2. Seek medical attention immediately – Even if you suspect your injuries may only be minor, you must seek professional care to rule out any internal injuries or injuries that may not present themselves immediately. Perform first aid on yourself 
3. Collect the information of the pet owner – Write down the name, phone number, address, and if possible, the insurance information of the pet owner. 
4. Collect the information of witnesses – If there are any witnesses present at the time of the accident, collect their pertinent information as well. 
5. Photograph your wounds – Photograph your wounds immediately after the accident and continue to document the healing process. This may be used by your Visalia dog bite lawyer as evidence to strengthen your claim for damages. 
6. Write down the events – As best you can, write down the sequence of events with as much detail as you can.
7. Keep track of your medical records – Remember to keep track of your hospital bills and any other expenses you might have incurred as a result of the accident. This will help your personal injury lawyer recover the highest possible amount for your injury settlement. 
8. Contact an experienced Visalia dog bite lawyer – Contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Do not speak to an insurance company without your lawyer present. 

What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover From a Dog Bite Injury Claim? 

As the injured party, it is within your rights and in your best interest to take legal action against the at-fault party responsible for your animal attack injuries and damages. The amount of monetary compensation you may recover for these damages will vary depending on the factors of your case. 

You may be entitled to the following compensatory damages:

• Medical bills
• Physical therapy
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment 
• Loss of consortium
• And more

If a dog bite accident has caused the wrongful death of your loved one, you may be entitled to financial compensation for their accident-related injuries and damages. It is crucial that you have a knowledgeable Visalia dog bite lawyer by your side to help you navigate the complex wrongful death claims process to ensure you recover a fair settlement offer. 

Hire Expert Visalia Dog Bite Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog bite accident, you must seek legal representation from an experienced Visalia dog bite lawyer. At Farahi Law Firm, our skilled attorneys are dedicated to winning the maximum compensation possible for our clients. 

In this difficult time, it is crucial to have a personal injury lawyer by your side to ensure that your rights are protected from insurance adjusters who might seek to lowball you and trick you into lowering the value of your claim. 

We have recovered millions of dollars for hundreds of accident victims. We offer a No Fee Guarantee, which means you won’t have to pay us a single cent until we win your case.

Do not hesitate to contact us today! Call us at (559) 315-4111 for a free case consultation.