Dog bites are on the rise in the United States, with nearly 100 people dying every year from dog attacks.
Even when dog attacks do not result in severe physical injuries, they often leave the attack victim traumatized and suffering from emotional and mental distress. Some may experience long-term anxiety around dogs.
Dog bites can require medical care and, in some cases, long-term therapies. Additionally, dog bite victims may miss work or be temporarily unable to perform the same job as before.
In California, a dog owner is generally strictly liable for injuries caused when their dog bites another person. If another person’s dog has bitten and injured you, legal options may be available.
Our Bakersfield dog bite attorneys have over 50 years of experience advocating for personal injury victims. We focus on helping clients navigate the legal process to seek recovery for documented medical expenses and other losses as permitted under California law.
Call our Bakersfield personal injury lawyers today at (661) 402-8934 or complete the form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Injuries from Dog Bites in Bakersfield
Dog bites often occur on the head, neck, legs, or hands. These bites can cause serious damage that may result in permanent scars or disabilities.
Some of the most common dog bite wounds are:
- Bites to the face that can cause damage to the mouth, nose, eyes, and ears, including injuries that may require corrective surgeries and may result in permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Leg bites that damage muscles and tendons and may result in mobility issues
- Bites to the neck that can cause damage to major blood vessels and nerves and may affect the trachea and esophagus
- Hand wounds that may result in nerve, muscle, bone, or skin damage
- Injuries to other body parts that may involve nerve or muscle damage from lacerations caused by a dog bite
If a dog attack has injured you, consulting with a Bakersfield dog bite lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Complications from Bakersfield Dog Bites
Approximately 20 percent of dog bites may cause an infection in the victim’s body. These infections are often due to bacteria in a dog’s mouth that can enter the bite wound.
If not treated promptly and properly, infections may spread and lead to serious medical complications.
Symptoms of infection in a dog bite wound may include:
- Fever
- Swelling and redness around the wound
- Any type of discharge from the wound
- Red streaks coming from the wound area
- Swollen lymph nodes in any area of the body
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Numbness or lack of feeling in the wound area
Seek medical care if you experience any of these symptoms after a dog bite.
Other potentially complications from dog bites include rabies and tetanus. Rabies can be serious if not treated immediately. It is important to determine whether the dog that bit you had up-to-date vaccinations and inform your doctor.
Tetanus is an illness caused by bacteria that enters the body through an open wound. If you have not had a recent tetanus shot, your medical provider may advise receiving one after a dog bite.
Contact The Bakersfield Dog Bite Attorneys At Jacoby & Meyers Today
Dog bites should be taken seriously. Dog attacks cause injuries and fatalities in the United States each year.
Even when a dog attack does not cause severe physical injuries, it may still lead to emotional distress.
California law generally holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog bites another person. If another person’s dog has bitten you, you may have the right to pursue compensation for injuries and related losses under California law.
The dog bite attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers have represented injured individuals for over five decades. Our team works with clients to pursue compensation for documented injuries and losses when supported by the facts and applicable law.
Call us at (661) 402-8934 or complete the form on our contact page to schedule a no-cost case evaluation. We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and explain your legal rights under California law. If we represent you, we will provide legal advocacy to pursue recovery permitted by law based on the specific facts of your case.
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Bakersfield
Office
2020 Eye St,
Bakersfield, CA 93301