Statisticians studying a dog bite injury claims estimate that approximately 5 million individuals in the United States are bitten by dogs each year and 16% of this group suffers serious injuries that require medical attention or hospitalization. Children under the age of 5 are the highest risk of a serious dog bite and take up 20% of all dog bite hospital emergency cases in America. Fatal dog bites are less common and usually occur due to an attack by a stray canine which is in many cases an un-neutered male.

Dog bites may cause physical damages that require medical attention and lead to medical expenses and the loss of income. In some cases dog bites can result in long-term injuries and semi-permanent or permanent disability. All dog owners throughout the United States are legally responsible to keep their pets under control and to restrain them through the use of leashes, muzzles, warning signs and verbal warnings to protect the population from harm. Some states have a “one bite rule” which protects owners from liability for their dogs first bite attack, but California allows for legal damages even when it is the dog’s first incident attacking a human being.

If you have been the victim of a dog bite no matter how insignificant is important that you immediately seek medical attention to reduce the risk of infection or complications that may result. Next, locate the dog owner and notify him or her of the attack to both help them prevent the dog from biting or attacking more individuals and to submit an insurance claim through the dog owner’s policy.

Once those two steps are taken make two separate reports to local animal control agencies and to the local police to document in writing evidence of your attack. Gather the names and contact details of any witnesses and photograph the bite before and after medical treatment. If clothing or other property was damaged in the attack preserve it as evidence in the event of a future trial or if you experience difficulties settling an insurance claim.

Finally, contact an experienced dog bite lawyer to discuss your situation. A dog bite can lead to medical expenses, expenses due to property damage, financial distress from lost work time and pain and suffering. An experienced dog bite attorney is the best ally when filing dog bite claims and will help most victims receive fair and just general and punitive compensation for their injury.