(657)-216-6966
(657)-216-6966
Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys in Santa Ana, California
At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP our Santa Ana dog bite attorneys know that nearly 90 million dogs span the U.S. as pets. While dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, emotional support, and comfort and joy for family members, 77% of dog bites in the U.S. come from a family or friend’s dog.
Unfortunately, dogs are biting at a higher rate, causing significant injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 885,000 dog bite victims require medical attention annually. That is nearly three times as many dog bite victims as residents in Santa Ana. These dog bites account for over 900 daily emergency room visits nationwide. Another almost 9,500 people require extended hospital stays for dog bite injuries.
If you or someone you love has been bitten and injured by a dog in California, contact our Orange County personal injury attorneys today to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold the pet owner accountable for your injuries and overall damages — even if the dog belonged to a neighbor, close friend, or family member.
Dog Bite Statistics in Santa Ana, CA
Dog bites are common in Santa Ana, one of Orange County’s most populated cities. With many pet owners, the chances of dog-related incidents are higher. Recent reports show a rise in dog bite cases across Southern California, including Santa Ana, where many incidents lead to medical attention and hospitalizations.
Nationally, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and California ranks among the top states for dog bite claims. In 2022, California had over 2,000 claims, with payouts exceeding $120 million. Santa Ana contributes significantly to these numbers.
In Santa Ana, dog bites range from minor injuries to severe cases, often involving children. Certain breeds, like pit bulls and Rottweilers, are frequently associated with more severe incidents, though any dog can become aggressive if mistreated or untrained.
These statistics emphasize the need for responsible pet ownership. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Santa Ana, Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP can help you explore your legal options and seek compensation.
What are the Most Common Injuries Associated with Dog Bites in California?
Dog bites and attacks can result in various injuries, from minor to severe. The severity of injuries often depends on factors like the size and breed of the dog, the victim’s age and size, and the circumstances of the incident.
Common injuries associated with dog bites and attacks include:
- Puncture Wounds
Dogs have sharp teeth that can cause puncture wounds, which may be deep and prone to infection.
- Lacerations and Tears
Some dog bites can cause cuts and tears in the skin and underlying tissues, requiring medical attention and possibly stitches.
- Bruises and Contusions
Blunt force trauma during a dog attack can result in bruises and contusions.
- Fractures and Broken Bones
A strong bite or forceful attack can lead to fractures or broken bones, particularly in smaller bones like fingers or toes.
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can occur during a dog attack, leading to pain and potential long-term issues.
- Infection
Bites puncture the skin, creating an entry point for bacteria. Infection is a common complication and may require medical treatment, including antibiotics.
- Nerve Damage
Severe bites can damage nerves, leading to temporary or permanent loss of sensation or function in the affected area.
- Scarring and Disfigurement
Serious dog bites may result in scarring or disfigurement, especially if the victim is a child.
- Emotional Trauma
Beyond physical injuries, dog attacks can cause emotional trauma, including fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Rabies Transmission
Although rare in well-vaccinated dogs, there is a risk of rabies transmission through a dog bite. Immediate medical attention and rabies vaccination may be necessary.
It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly for any dog bite, even if the injury seems minor. In addition, reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities can help prevent future incidents and ensure public safety.
Finally, if you have been bitten or attacked by a dog in California, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers in Santa Ana today to pursue the liable pet owner for your full financial recovery.
How Many Dog Bites Are Fatal?
According to the CDC, the odds of dying from a dog bite are 1 in 118,776.
However, between 2011 and 2018, the number of deaths caused by being bitten or struck by a dog hovered around 20, with higher death rates for males versus females depending on the year.
But between 2018 and 2021, deaths more than doubled among both sexes, the CDC reported.
Tragically, 26% of dog bite fatalities were children 0-2.
While fatalities may be rare, they are some of the most tragic circumstances families can endure. If you have lost a loved one to a dog bite or attack in California, you — like those who are injured in the same types of attacks — have options to seek justice. We can help.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bites, Injuries, and Fatalities in California?
Our California dog bite statute clearly states that the owner of any dog is liable for damages if the person bitten was lawfully in a private place — including a guest on someone’s property — or in a public place when the bite occurred.
For homeowners, our strict liability law says that even if the dog owner did not know their dog would act aggressively, they cannot avoid liability for a dog bite and are still responsible for the damages that result.
We understand that personal relationships can make it difficult for our clients to pursue financial compensation from someone they know. However, with the help of a skilled California dog bite attorney, we can pursue the dog owner’s insurance policy directly for our client’s damages, removing both the dog owner and the injury victim from the pursuit, negotiations, and, ultimately, the settlement.
If you or your child has suffered dog bite injuries in California, we can help provide legal remedies to pursue compensation for the medical costs, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses you incurred.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Santa Ana, CA?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights:
Seek Medical Attention: Even if the bite appears minor, it’s crucial to see a doctor to prevent infections and ensure that the wound is properly treated. Keep a record of all medical treatments related to the bite.
Identify the Dog and Owner: Try to get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner. It’s also important to ask if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies.
Report the Incident: Contact your local animal control agency or the police to report the attack. This creates an official record of the incident, which can be valuable in your legal case.
Gather Evidence: Take pictures of your injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog (if possible). Additionally, collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the incident.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Santa Ana: Once you’ve received medical care and reported the incident, it’s important to speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer in Santa Ana. They can help you determine the value of your case and guide you through the legal process.
Compensation Available in Dog Bite Cases
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Santa Ana, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you lost during your recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Dog bites can cause significant physical pain and emotional trauma. You may be eligible for compensation to account for this suffering.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent scars or disfigurement caused by a dog bite can impact your quality of life, and you may be entitled to compensation for these long-term effects.
- Emotional Distress: Dog attacks can lead to psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and fear. Compensation for emotional distress may be available in these cases.
Our dog bite attorneys in Santa Ana will work diligently to calculate the full extent of your damages and pursue the maximum compensation available to you.
How a Dog Bite Attorney in Santa Ana Can Help
Handling a dog bite claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover from your injuries. Having an experienced dog bite lawyer in Santa Ana by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s how we can help:
- Negotiating with insurance companies: We understand how insurance companies operate and will aggressively negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
- Gathering evidence: We will collect all necessary evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and testimony, to build a strong case.
- Filing legal claims: If negotiations fail, we are prepared to take your case to court and present a compelling argument to a judge or jury.
- Providing guidance and support: We know that dealing with a dog bite injury can be stressful. We will guide you through every step of the legal process, answering your questions and ensuring that you understand your rights.
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Contact Our Accomplished Santa Ana Dog Bite Attorneys at Hanning & Sacchetto
If you have been bitten by a dog in California, contact our experienced Santa Ana personal injury attorneys at Hanning & Sacchetto today to schedule a free consultation by calling (657)-216-6966.
