Oroville Dog Bite Lawyer

dog

Dogs bring pleasure and joy to many families. However, dogs are still animals, and some may bite or attack. A dog bite injury can be severe, resulting in long-term physical, emotional, and financial hardship.

If you were severely injured by a dog in Oroville or elsewhere in Butte County, our experienced Oroville dog bite lawyers are ready to help you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Call our law firm today at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 to schedule a free consultation.

Dog Bite Statistics
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says about 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by a dog each year, and one out of five bites become infected.
  • Statistics show that 568 people were killed by a dog between 2005 and 2020. Pit bulls and rottweilers combined contributed to 76 percent of those deaths.
  • According to the Insurance Information Institution (III), homeowners' insurance paid about $854 million in dog bite claims in 2020.
  • study published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in 2010 shows the average hospital stay cost related to a dog bite injury was $18,200.
Which Dog Breed Is Most Likely to Bite?

Pit bulls are one of the most dangerous dogs. They pose a danger because of their selective breeding for dog fighting. Their powerful jaws and aggressive behavior make them more dangerous than any other dog breed. Other dangerous dog breeds include the following:

  • Rottweilers
  • Bull Mastiffs
  • German Shepherds
  • Huskies
  • Chow Chow
  • Malamutes
  • Boxers
  • Wolf-dog hybrids
  • Dobermans
  • Saint Bernards
  • Great Danes
Common Reasons Dogs Attack

Knowing why dogs bite can help prevent them from happening. Some common reasons a dog attacks include:

  • Fear - When someone or a stranger approaches a dog, he can be startled and bite suddenly without warning if he feels threatened.
  • Possessiveness - A dog can bite when protecting his property, such as a bone, food, or toy.
  • Maternal Instincts - Mother dogs naturally want to protect their puppies. If someone gets too close to their puppies, they may bite to protect their litter.
  • Pain - If a dog is in pain, he likely wants to be left alone. Even friendly dogs can bite if they are in pain.
  • Prey-Driven Instincts - Prey dogs typically act on their urges, including chasing, pulling, pouncing, and shaking. This type of aggression typically gets triggered when the dog sees someone running, cycling, or jogging.
Who is Most at Risk of a Dog Bite?

Children are most at risk of severe dog bites. Because children are smaller and more vulnerable, they cannot defend themselves against aggressive dogs. The elderly are also likely to suffer severe injuries from a dog bite because of their fragility.

Those with dogs in their homes have a higher risk of someone getting bitten. Nearly 50 percent of all bites involve a dog owned by a family member or neighbor.

What To Do After a Dog Bite Incident

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, such as disfigurement, facial scarring, emotional trauma, and death. After a dog bite incident, you must take these essential steps to protect yourself:

  • Get medical treatment - Since a dog bite can cause infections, it is crucial to get medical care immediately.
  • Identify the dog owner - Locate the owner to see whether the dog's immunization shots are current. This information is critical if you want to file an injury claim.
  • Report the incident - Even if your injuries are minor, you must file a report with your local city or county animal control to ensure the dog doesn't bite someone else.
  • Document your injuries - Take photos of your wounds, bruises, and injuries.
  • Contact a personal injury lawyer - Talk to an experienced injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Your Dog Bite Injury Case

Because many factors are involved in properly handling a dog bite case in California, an attorney knows how to overcome many of the challenges presented by insurance companies. You may be entitled to recover medical expenses, lost wages, cosmetic surgery, counseling, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Watch the YouTube video below to learn more about the damages claimed in a dog bite injury case.

Dog Bite Lawyers in Oroville, CA

No matter how friendly the dog is, there is always the chance of a dog bite. If you have suffered a severe injury from a dog attack, consulting with an experienced Oroville dog bite lawyer is essential. Call our law firm at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. Our Oroville law firm has handled numerous dog bite injury cases since 1982. We have the skills, experience, and resources to prove your case and obtain fair compensation for your damages. See our past verdicts and settlements.

Editor's Note: updated [cha 8.17.23] Photo by Yohan Cho on Unsplash cha [cs 811] bw

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