The statistics on dog attacks are startling. There are an estimated 75 million dogs living in the United States today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 900,000 people seek medical attention for dog bite injuries each year and thousands of dog attacks are unreported.
In 2009, 32 people were killed in dog attacks nationwide. Nearly half of all American children are bitten by the time they turn 18. In fact, attacks on children account for nearly fifty percent of all reported bite-related injuries and seventy-nine percent of all bite-related fatalities.
Dog attacks are responsible for some of the most gruesome personal injuries, particularly when children are involved. Dog bite injuries frequently result in infection, permanent scarring, disfigurement, and lasting nerve damage, in addition to the substantial psychological harm caused by an encounter with a vicious dog. Dog bite injuries can have a devastating impact on the victim's quality of life for years to come, often resulting in the following:
- Wound infection
- Sepsis
- Cosmetic deformity requiring reconstructive surgery
- Loss of limbs
- Loss of motor function
- Nerve damage
- Death
The most dangerous breeds of dogs include labradors, pit bulls, shar peis, german shepherds, rottweilers and dobermans. In fact, pit bulls and labradors are responsible for nearly half of the dog attacks in the United States each year. Even the most docile breeds can attack without warning, however. Dogs that are unaltered are far more likely to bite than animals that have been spayed or neutered.
Compensation For Victims
When dog attacks occur, the victims are entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering, medical expenses, and time missed from work while recovering from their injuries. The majority of dog bite injury claims are paid by the dog owner's insurance company, because most attacks occur on the owner's property. In fact, dog bite claims account for 33% of homeowners' insurance policies.
It is not a good idea to attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with an insurance company without the assistance of an experienced dog bite injury attorney. An attorney can fight to ensure that you receive the highest possible compensation for your or your child's injuries. If you need advice regarding your dog bite injury, call Kerckhoff Law, APC at (866) 606-3059 today.
A. Jason Kerckhoff is a San Diego dog bite injury lawyer and the President of Kerckhoff Law, APC, a San Diego wrongful death law firm dedicated to representing people who have been seriously injured or killed, and the families of loved ones who have suffered death caused by the negligence of another.
A. Jason Kerckhoff has been successfully obtaining excellent results for his clients for more than twenty-five years. He has the highest rating in Martindale-Hubbell, which is the preeminent company that rates attorneys not only for their abilities, but for their ethics. These ratings are obtained by peers in the San Diego community, and a small percentage of lawyers are privileged to have achieved this rating.
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