The Newport Beach dog bite attorneys at Bisnar Chase can assist you if you have been the victim of an aggressive dog attack or a serious bite injury.
We handle a lot of dog bite cases here in Newport Beach. As a beautiful beach town, Newport is home to many dog owners. Most of those owners are responsible and have well-behaved pets.
However, we know too well that many people do not keep their dogs on leashes or train them properly. Unstable or dangerous dogs can cause serious injuries when they bite people or other animals.
Our Newport Beach dog bite attorneys have helped countless clients across the area. Bisnar Chase has a 99% success rate and has collected more than $900 million in verdicts and settlements for injury victims. We can help make sure you get the compensation you deserve for a dog attack injury.
If a dog has attacked you, immediately seek medical care and contact your city’s animal control to report the incident. File a police report to ensure a record of the attack. Be sure to provide all details and record all medical treatment you receive.
If you have suffered a dog bite injury in Newport Beach, call us now at (949) 203-3814 to set up a free consultation with our experienced and compassionate injury and accident lawyers.
Newport Beach Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
The Insurance Information Institute (III) and State Farm reported that in 2022, U.S. insurers paid out more than $1 billion for dog-related injury claims, a 28% increase compared to 2021, despite a 2.2% decrease in the number of claims. The average cost per claim rose by 32% to $64,555.
Monetary compensation will vary depending on the extent of your injuries, which can be from a few thousand dollars to 7 or 8-figure settlements. Your dog bite lawyer will be able to evaluate your particular case.
Dangerous Dog Breeds in Orange County
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 38.4% of households in the United States own one or more dogs. Orange County has many beaches and dog parks, and we see dogs almost everywhere we go, including restaurants. Because the volume of dogs in public is high, more bites and attacks happen, some very serious.
When we think of dangerous dogs, many people focus on breeds such as pit bulls, rottweilers, and German Shepherds. However, any breed can be dangerous if the dog is not properly trained, abused or not cared for.
That said, some breeds are more dangerous than others because they are larger and more powerful. It can be challenging to stop a large and powerful dog if it decides to attack.
While dogs are often considered loyal and friendly companions, they can pose a significant danger in certain situations. Dogs that are poorly trained, mistreated, or have a history of aggression may attack without warning, causing serious injuries or even death.
Large, muscular breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds can inflict more severe damage due to their size and strength. However, any dog, regardless of breed, can become aggressive if they feel threatened, are protecting their territory, or are provoked.
Areas like the Inland Empire and Los Angeles tend to see a higher percentage of dog tracks, which could be related to backyard breeding. Nonetheless, as dog bite lawyers in Orange County, we see these types of personal injury claims all the time and have even taken many to trial to receive fair compensation.
Additionally, some dogs may carry zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, which can be transmitted to people through bites or scratches. Dog owners must train and socialize their pets properly and for individuals to approach unfamiliar dogs with caution to minimize the risk of dangerous encounters.
Dog Bite Statistics in the U.S.
As dog bite cases increased in 2022, many experts speculated it was probably a combination of the pandemic lockdowns along with poor canine training.
- According to the CDC, there are 4.7 million dog bites per year across the United States.
- The number of dog bites needing medical attention has increased at a rate 15 times faster than dog ownership.
- More than 850,000 people in the U.S. sustain bites that need medical attention each year.
- In 2022, California had 48,596 emergency room visits for dog bites, the highest number ever.
- Nearly 10,000 people are hospitalized in the U.S. due to dog bite injuries every year.
- More than 5,700 postal carriers were attacked by dogs in 2018. That number eclipsed 6,000 in each of the two previous years.
According to KFF Health, a record number of people in California are being sent to the emergency room from dog bites. Hospitalizations doubled in 2022 from dog attacks.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
An aggressive dog can cause serious harm, leaving its victim with major injuries. Dog bites can happen anywhere, from the beach or boardwalk to a park or even your own backyard.
- Bruises, scratches, and gashes
- Puncture wounds and torn flesh
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Facial injuries
- Infections
- Scarring
- Emotional trauma and lasting anxiety (PTSD)
Anyone injured due to a dangerous dog attack should contact our Newport Beach dog bite lawyers for help.
Dog Bite Compensation in California
While some people are reluctant to take legal action over a dog bite injury, it is often the right thing to do. Filing a personal injury lawsuit may help hold an irresponsible owner accountable and secure compensation for the victim.
The level of compensation you might receive in a California dog bite case will always vary depending on the circumstances of the specific bite incident.
Factors impacting dog bite compensation will include:
- Type and severity of the injury
- Medical costs
- The cost of future care and rehab
- Permanent physical scarring
- Psychological scarring
- Loss of future income
Depending on the circumstances, a dog bite might be worth a relatively small amount of compensation, or it might lead to a lawsuit worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
An experienced dog bite attorney in Newport Beach will be able to give you expert guidance on your dog bite claim.
Dog Bite Liability – Who is Responsible for an Attack California?
When a dog behaves aggressively and attacks a person or animal, its owner is liable according to California dog bite laws.
Different states in the U.S. have varying dog bite rules. Some states use a law called the ‘One Bite Rule’. This law gives dog owners a second chance if their pet bites someone, as long as the owner has no reason to expect their dog to turn violent. But California uses a dog bite law called ‘strict liability’.
The strict liability law means that a dog owner is liable and can be held responsible for their dog’s actions, even if it is the first time the dog has injured someone.
It is important to remember that the owner is only liable as long as:
- The victim was not trespassing at the time of the attack
- The dog was not provoked
- The dog was not on police, government, or military duty
Our dog bite lawyers in Newport Beach can help victims navigate the complicated legal system and file a strong personal injury lawsuit.Call 949-203-3814 for a free personal injury consultation.
What Evidence Does Your Dog Bite Attorney Need?
If a dog has bitten you, you should collect as much evidence as possible to support your legal claim. It is crucial to procure evidence quickly to ensure it is adequately preserved. This can include:
- A written account of the events
- Photographs or video footage of the scene or the attack itself
- Pictures of your injuries
- Eye-witness statements and contact details
- Medical bills and records
- A copy of the police report, if applicable, or any physical evidence such as torn clothing
The best dog bite injury lawyers in Newport Beach can use this information, plus anything relevant to the attack, to build a strong case for their clients.
2024 Top-Rated Newport Beach Dog Bite Lawyers
If a dog has bitten you, Bisnar Chase can help. We have been a part of the Newport Beach community for more than 46 years, providing compassionate guidance and expert advice to countless clients.
With a 99% success rate, the Newport Beach dog bite attorneys of Bisnar Chase excel at getting the best results possible for our clients. We also offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ guarantee, opening our services to everyone who needs them. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay.
Call our Newport Beach dog bite lawyers at (949) 203-3814, visit our law firm’s Newport offices, or click to contact us for a free case evaluation.
