Dog Bite Attorneys
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Insurance Information Institute, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five dog bites (a total of 900,000) require medical attention for dog-bite-related injuries. Over 50% of the bites occur on the dog owner’s property. Of those injured, 350,000 require treatment in an emergency department, and about 50 die annually.
In 2021, more than 40,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs.
There are ways to make dog bites less likely and to help prevent being bitten by dogs.
Basic safety around dogs and review regularly:
- Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
- Do not run from a dog and scream.
- Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
- If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log").
- Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
- Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
- Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
- Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
- Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
- If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.
What to do after a dog bite has occurred:
- Identify the dog that bit you or your loved one. This is important because if you have no information about the dog or its rabies vaccination, you or your loved one may need to submit to a rabies shot, which can be painful. Furthermore, you may be entitled to compensation from the owner of the dog, and identifying the dog and its owner is crucial to obtaining compensation for your damages.
- Note the name and address of the dog's owner and possible insurance information.
- Note the name and address of witnesses.
- Call the police and/or animal control to have a report taken and the dog quarantined, if possible.
- Get medical treatment immediately. If the dog bite was on the face or neck, you may want to request a plastic surgeon rather than a regular doctor. Emergency room doctors are often skilled at providing emergency services but may not prioritize cosmetic outcomes. Follow all medical advice to minimize your physical injuries.
- Preserve evidence of the bite and injuries sustained:
- Take photographs or video of your injuries.
- Preserve all other evidence, including clothing (do not wash your clothing).
- If the dog owner has insurance, obtain the name, address, and telephone number of the insurance company.
DO NOT:
- Discuss compensation or settlement with either the owner or the dog owner’s insurance company.
- Give a written or recorded statement to anyone.
- Speak about who is responsible with either the dog owner or the insurance carrier.
- Accept any money without seeking the advice of an experienced dog bite attorney.
The attorneys of Spektor Law Corporation have recovered millions for our clients and have helped them recover damages for:
- Pain and Suffering
- Medical Costs
- Future Medical Costs
- Rehabilitation Costs
- Lost Wages
- Loss of Future Earnings
- Plastic Surgery Costs
Our firm has successfully represented dog bite victims who suffered various and numerous injuries, including:
- Scars
- Lacerations
- Fractures
- Nerve Damage
- Dislocations
- Amputations
- Disfigurement
- Emotional Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Brain Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Wrongful Death
We have over 30 years of experience handling dog bite and personal injury cases. We have the knowledge and skills to help you through this tough time in your life. We can help you recover damages for your personal injuries, including pain and suffering, lost wages, medical costs, future lost wages, surgery costs, and future medical costs. Trust us to get you the recovery you deserve.
We do not charge you any fees until the case is resolved and you obtain a recovery from the responsible party. This means that we handle your case on a contingency basis, and you pay nothing until your case is won.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of a dog bite, contact the experienced attorneys of Spektor Law Corporation. We will answer your questions and help determine if you have a case. You may email us or call us at (310) 277-0997.