Protect Your Legal Rights After an Orange County Dog Bite
Protect your health and legal rights if you suffer a dog bite in Orange County. Like any injury that could be part of an insurance claim or lawsuit, your harm must be taken seriously, thoughtfully, and systematically. The Orange County dog bite Hicks Law Firm PC will discuss what you should do after a dog bite and what you should think about to protect your rights to compensation.
If you’re injured by another’s dog, seeking help from Orange County dog bite attorney Aaron Hicks can help start the process of obtaining compensation for what you’ve endured. The Orange County dog bite Hicks Law Firm PC has helped thousands of clients, and we can help you too. Call 949-541-9944 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about your next steps.
Millions of Americans are bitten by dogs annually, and some are fatally injured. From 2011 to 2021, an average of 43 people were killed in the US by dog bites. Those most at risk for serious injuries are young children, those who are older and less physically able. The average insurance company payment to dog bite victims in 2023 was $58,000, according to NerdWallet.
Your Health and Safety Should Be Your Priority
Dog bites can range from nips that don’t break the skin to vicious attacks that could cause someone lifetime disabilities and scarring, even death. The trauma of being attacked by an animal could cause long-lasting psychological harm.
What you should do varies on the severity of the injury. The Cleveland Clinic states your top concern should be a potential infection. You may need to be hospitalized and receive intravenous antibiotics. At the very least, you should see your primary care provider within eight hours of being bitten. Your risk of infection increases if you’re immunocompromised or have diabetes.
If the bite is minor, the Cleveland Clinic suggests you do the following:
- Wash the wound with mild soap
- Run warm tap water on it for five to ten minutes
- Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth
- Apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream
- Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage
- See your doctor
- Follow their instructions and watch for signs of infection
A tetanus immunization is good for ten years, but your doctor may suggest a booster if your wound is dirty and your last shot was more than five years ago. Most dog bite wounds are left open to heal, but stitches may be needed depending on the bite’s severity and to limit or prevent scarring. About half of dog bites introduce bacteria into the victim’s body, and an unvaccinated or feral dog may have rabies.
If the wound is serious, you should take an ambulance to the nearest hospital emergency department. A dog bite may cause severe bleeding and may damage nerves.
Don’t Skimp on Medical Care
Medical care is expensive, especially if you lack insurance or your coverage isn’t good, and it can be time-consuming. But “toughing it out” can result in a serious infection, worsening your condition. If you don’t act reasonably given the situation, an insurance company may deny or limit your claim, blaming you for the harm you suffer.
The better documented your injury, its effects on you, and your treatment, the greater the chances you’ll recover a fair settlement for your dog bite and related consequences. You want to create a “paper trail” of what happened and when and medical records of ongoing treatment can be a huge help with an insurance claim or legal action.
Call Orange County Dog Bite Attorney Aaron Hicks
Under California law, dog owners are strictly liable for the harm they cause. In most personal injury claims, it’s up to the accident victim to prove the other party made poor choices, failed to take precautions, or didn’t do enough to prevent an accident (negligence) to collect compensation.
That’s not the case with dog bites. You must show which dog harmed you, the extent of your injuries, and who owned it. That person may be covered by insurance, which should pay your compensation.
Orange County dog bite lawyer Aaron Hicks can advise you of the law, how you should document how the bite affects your life, and represent you so you can collect the most compensation possible.
Aaron Hicks is an Orange County Dog Bite Lawyer You Can Trust
If you suffer a dog bite, take its treatment seriously and get the medical attention you need. Document what you’re going through and contact Aaron Hicks to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Orange County dog bite Hicks Law Firm PC helps our clients regain their lives by obtaining the most compensation possible for their injuries. Call us at (949) 541-9944 or fill out our online contact form so we may discuss your case.
Aaron Hicks is a civil trial attorney and founder of Hicks Law Firm, based in Orange County with offices in San Diego and Tennessee. His practice includes representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dog bites and wrongful death. Mr. Hicks is and AV Rated attorney, Super Lawyer and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association where he serves as 1st Vice President.
