Riverside Dog Bite Lawyer – MKP Law Defends You as a Dog Attack Victim
Our attorneys exclusively represent injury victims.
For years we have fought on behalf of clients who were hurt in accidents due to the negligence of another party.
Dog bites are incredibly frequent occurrences.
Even our most beloved pets may lash out in situations where they feel threatened or when they are protecting their young. In fact, a recent incident was reported in Riverside involving a pit bull that had just given birth inside an RV and resulted in four dog bite victims, one of them the dog owner.
Dog bite incidents can be terrifying and often lead to lasting mental trauma and anguish in addition to physical injuries. This is especially true in cases involving infants and minors.
Why Hire a Riverside Dog Bite Attorney?
If you've been injured following a dog bite incident, you may be wondering what your next steps are. Dog bite cases can be complex; often, it is best to work with an experienced and knowledgeable dog bite attorney right from the beginning.
There is much more that goes into dog bite claims beyond negotiating a settlement with the dog’s owner or their homeowner’s insurance carrier. Some of the things that need to be done as soon as possible after a dog bite include:
- Seek medical attention (Call 911 or go directly to the emergency room)
- Take photographs of the injuries
- Contact witnesses and obtain statements
- Report the attack to animal control services
- Investigate the dog’s owner
- Contact insurance companies and establish claims
Having a skilled and knowledgeable Riverside dog bite lawyer on your side will ensure that your claim is handled properly from the outset.
MKP Law Group, LLP’s experienced dog bite attorneys understand how traumatic a dog bite injury can be, and want you to know that you are not alone. Our team also uses skilled investigators to determine the dog’s owner, the dog’s history, and the facts of the attack. We will deal with the insurance company claims and obtain your medical records and bills so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Do I Need a Riverside Dog Bite Lawyer to File a Lawsuit?
The good news is that the majority of dog bites are not fatal. While Riverside dog attacks tend to happen frequently when friends and family members enter the animal’s space, many attacks are so minor that they do not typically call for medical attention. The dog’s teeth may not entirely puncture the skin or do so only slightly.
However, you may benefit from consulting with a Riverside dog bite attorney if:
- The attack was serious. For example, you might not just have puncture wounds, but also have lacerations and open wounds. If the dog is bigger, it may cause organ damage, bone fractures, and even nerve damage.
- An infection causes a build-up of scar tissue, which might lead to permanent disfigurement.
- Extreme cases when the injury can be so severe that you lose the full use of a hand or arm.
As you might imagine, the increasing seriousness of the potential injuries leads to the need for extensive medical care. You may undergo surgery to repair torn muscles. After you heal, you might require plastic surgery to repair areas with extreme scarring.
A Riverside dog bite lawyer can file a lawsuit that helps you get fair reimbursement for the financial losses you suffer. Working with a lawyer can ensure that proper steps are taken in order to prove your case. Lawyers often collect surveillance footage that a neighbor’s camera might have recorded. Since motion-activated cameras are now very popular in the area, there is a chance that the attack was caught on video. Lastly, because of Riverside’s rules about vicious dogs, it is critical to also research the animal’s history and see if the owner has added liability for negligence.
Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts
Settlement amounts for dog bite cases can vary widely. Factors like injury severity, medical expenses, and pain and suffering, make each case unique and will determine how much a Los Angeles dog bite injury victim may receive as compenation.
Location/Measure | Settlement Amount |
United States | $58,545 |
California | $68,125 |
Average range | $10,000 - $100,000 |
Median range | $75,000 - $80,000 |
Working with a local dog bite attorney ensures you're equipped to navigate the complexities of your claim, maximizing your settlement by countering low-ball offers and advocating for the compensation you deserve.
Stats on Dog Bites in the United States, California, and Riverside County
Riverside County dog bite stats:
- 837 dogs were confiscated in 2023 across Riverside County. Rcdas.corg.
- The most fatalities of any county in the nation. Riverside County leads the nation in fatal dog attacks, with 10 fatalities from 2007 to 2023 —double the number in the entire state of Alabama despite having half the population. Animals24-7.org.
Despite our love for dogs, the number of attacks by these beloved animals continues to increase both in Riverside County, California, and nationwide.
- 4.7 million dog bite incidents were reported in the United States in 1994. Cdc.gov.
- 885,000 dog bite victims annually need medical attention for related injuries. PubMed.
- 70% increase in California dog bite injuries from 2005 to 2022, 125 visits per 100,000 residents. Data.chhs.ca.gov.
- California was the top state for dog-related injury claims in 2017. The insurance company paid out $18.7 million for 468 dog-related injury claims for incidents that occurred in California. Overall, including all dog-related injury claims across the country, State Farm paid a total of $132 million for the 3,600 cases. Statefarm.com.
- 66% of reported canine deaths were from pit bulls (311 of 471). Pit bulls and rottweilers together account for 76% of the total recorded deaths reported. DogsBite.org.
We've rounded up all the most important data in our Important Dog Bite Statistics & Bites by Breed for 2024 page.
Inside Tips on Local Riverside Entities to Consult After a Dog Bite
- Local Medical Facilities:
- Animal Control Services:
- Riverside County Animal Services is a critical resource for reporting dog bites and obtaining incident reports.
- Local Legal Resources:
- Consulting with local bar associations like the Riverside County Bar Association can help you find specialized legal assistance.
- Community Resources:
- Leverage community support groups or local forums to share your experience and gather additional advice.
At MKP Law, we serve dog bite victims across Riverside County, including cities such as Riverside, Temecula, Murrieta, Jurupa Valley, Corona, Moreno Valley, Menifee, Indio, Perris, and Eastvale.
Whether in a busy area like Riverside or a quieter community like Hemet, our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process after a dog bite incident. We understand the unique local laws and can assist you in securing compensation for your injuries while you focus on your recovery.
FAQ's
Free Consultation
We Make the Process Easy to Get the Results You Deserve
323-524-9619
info@mkplawgroup.com
3701 Wilshire Blvd, Ste. 870
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Free Consultation
We Make the Process Easy to Get the Results You Deserve
323-524-9619
info@mkplawgroup.com
3701 Wilshire Blvd, Ste. 870
Los Angeles, CA 90010