Dogs can be delightful companions, but untrained or aggressive dogs that are not properly contained or restrained can change someone’s life in a moment. Further, in addition to physical injuries, dog bites can have long-lasting psychological and emotional effects that insurance claim adjusters don’t always take into account.
Injuries from dog bites such as lacerations or puncture wounds typically affect the hands or arms, but the legs, feet, head, face, and neck can also sustain injury. Dog bites can also cause infections, nerve damage, and even disfigurement or permanent scarring, as well as emotional trauma that can be triggered by events or noises. It is often common even to suffer continued emotional distress when the dog lives close by, such as at a neighbor’s residence.
The attorneys at Cohn & Swartzon, a personal injury firm in Southern California, are well aware of the damage that aggressive dogs can do. These injuries are sadly common, but state regulations and a heightened public awareness of dog attacks have helped victims in recent years.
Is Compensation For Dog Bite Complications Increasing?
The average cost per dog bite claim has increased by 39 percent from 2012 to 2021 because of increasing medical costs and larger settlements, judgments, and jury awards for plaintiffs – all of which are trending upwards.
If you were bitten or injured by a dog in California, state law holds dog owners strictly liable for those injuries, even if the animal has never been aggressive or attacked anyone before.
Choosing a Dog Attack Lawyer For Your Case
In order to make a strong legal claim for compensation, you will need legal representatives who understand California’s strict liability laws and know how to prosecute your case effectively.
The Cohn & Swartzon team has helped numerous dog bite victims in Southern California obtain compensation for all of the above and more.
“Dog attacks often require special attention because of the secondary effects, which can include infection from bites and mental trauma related to the incident. We encourage anyone who has suffered a dog bite to contact an attorney quickly so that they can document the incident and build a strong case on your behalf.”
– Saar Swartzon, Founding Partner & Personal Injury Attorney
We have decades of experience negotiating with and litigating against homeowners’ and renter’s insurance companies, and our attorneys have obtained significant compensation for dog bite victims over the years. You might be owed damages for lost wages and employment, hospital and therapy bills, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and more.
If you or a loved one was the victim of a dog bite in Orange County, Cohn & Swartzon can review your case to determine what you may be entitled to. Contact us now for a free assessment.
