This is national dog bite prevention week, and the Law Firm of Rivers Morrell has worked to raise awareness of dog bite injuries in Mission Viejo, Irvine and throughout Orange County as well as Los Angeles and Riverside County. According to State Farm Insurance, dog bites increased by 15% in the most recent year for which statistics are available (2016). California has more dog bites resulting in insurance claims than any other state in the union. In 2016 State Farm alone paid more than 400 claims and over $16.8 Million in verdicts and settlements for dog bite victims.
California is a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bite injuries. This means the dog’s owner is strictly liable for all present and future medical costs, lost wages, emotional counseling and the pain and suffering associated with the initial injury as well as recovery from the shock of an attack. The cost of medical treatment, plastic surgery, physical therapy, counseling and other expenses are covered by the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance.
The cost of medical treatment associated with a dog bite is often quite expensive. The tearing wounds which result from a dog bite often require multiple plastic surgeries to correct, especially when the victim of the dog bite is a child. State Farm has recommended California homeowners and renters to consider reviewing their policies to ensure proper coverage, and in many cases an “umbrella” policy to protect your home and other assets. “Many people don’t think to add a personal liability umbrella policy (PLUP) to provide extra coverage in case their dog does bite someone. Homeowners think about fire or theft to their home but don’t think their dog would bite anyone so they may be financially vulnerable if it ever happens.”
My name is Rivers Morrell and I have represented dog bite victims, many of whom were children, over the course of my 40+ years as a personal injury attorney. If you, your child or someone you love suffers injury from a dog bite I invite you to contact us or call (949)305-1400 for a free consultation. This is national dog bite prevention week and we are focused on highlighting this issue and helping dog owners to take steps to reduce the risk of a dog bite and to protect themselves financially in the event of an unexpected attack by their pet.
