Animal Liability

Families – Review These Important Dog Bite Reminders

Millions of dog bites occur every year across America. While there are many other more present dangers, you still want to remind your family of how to act around dogs to avert disaster. Here are a few important tips.

• Avoid dogs that are chained up – The owner has the dog chained for a reason. It is probably a watchdog and is very dangerous. In fact, 25% of dog attacks that turn fatal occur when a chained dog is provoked.
• Watch out for dangerous breeds – Pit bulls are the most well-known biters. However other breeds can also be very protective, especially German shepherds.
• Always neuter or spay family pets – It is far more common for animals that have not been neutered or spayed to bite.
• Compensation may be available – If a family member receives an injury from someone else’s dog, you may be able to receive compensation for medical bills. Insurance companies paid out more than $500,000,000 in 2017 for dog bite claims. You just need help in order to receive the maximum settlement that you deserve.

Dog Bite Lawyers in Southern California

If you or a member of your family has been injured by some else’s dog, give the dog bite lawyers at Petrov Law Firm a call at 619.344.0360. We can help keep the insurance company honest and make sure that they are offering everything that you deserve. From medical bills and missed wages to pain and suffering, we can help you calculate the right settlement.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in California

In the US, there are about 90 million dogs in peoples’ homes as pets. So with that many dogs around people all of the time, you may not be surprised to find out that there are about 4.5 million dog bites each year. While most people do not require medical attention following a bite, about 1 in 5 will.

If you are bitten by a dog, here is a quick guide to getting the proper help:

1. Acquire contact info from the owner. If you cannot verify that the dog has received the proper vaccinations, you will require rabies inoculation.
2. Use soap and water to clean the bite area thoroughly. This will help to prevent an infection from occurring.
3. If a serious injury has occurred and you cannot care for your own injuries or reach a medical facility on your own, call 911. For less serious injuries, you may call your doctor and ask for advice on whether a trip to the ER is needed.
4. Contact the veterinarian who treats the dog directly. Don’t take the owner’s word for it that the pet is up to date on immunizations.
5. Keep track of any medical bills you accrue or work you may have missed due to the injury and bring this information with you to your personal injury lawyer.

Dog Bite Attorney in San Diego, California

The attorneys at Petrov Law Firm are experts in the law when it comes to injuries due to dog attacks. If you have been injured by a dog bite, contact us today at 619-344-0360 to schedule a consultation.

Important Information for Families Regarding Dog Bites

If you have children, it is important to teach them safety around dogs, even if your family has a docile pet in the home. According to Canine Journal, Americans are twice as likely to be killed by a bee as a dog, and 20 times more likely to be killed by a gun, but that doesn’t mean you should be unprepared. Here are some facts about dog bites that can help you teach your children.

• In 25% of fatal dog attacks, the dog is chained up. That makes it vital to instruct your children not to approach chained dogs. The chain is there for a reason.
• While pit bulls have a terrible reputation as being the most dangerous breed, there are other dog breeds that are known to bite. Another common breed is German shepherds, which can be very protective.
• Most dogs that bite have not been neutered or spayed, so always have the family pet fixed to reduce the risks.
• Insurance companies paid out over half a billion dollars in claims due to dog bites in 2017 alone, so if you suffer an injury from someone else’s dog, you may be able to seek compensation.

If You or a Family Member Has Been Injured in a Dog Attack

If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog, you need the help of the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm. Medical bills can really add up after a dog bite, and the owner’s insurance may compensate you depending on the circumstances. To see if you should pursue a settlement, contact us today at 619-344-0360.

Southern California’s Most Common Personal Injury Suits

When someone is injured, you may wonder who should be held responsible for the medical bills and other losses the injured person may have experienced. Let’s see how this question applies to some of the more common ways in which individuals are injured in Southern California.

• Car Accidents – Automotive accident injuries are extremely common and often lead to major medical expenses. However, California is a fault state, so liability is determined by the percent of fault the various parties share.
• Slip and Fall Injuries – Whether you slip on wet tile or trip over a run in the carpet, what needs to be determined is whether the property owner caused the issue, knew about the issue, and had enough time to respond to the issue.
• Dog Attacks – Dog bites are probably more common than you think. Children are the most likely to be bitten, so it is vital to monitor the interactions between children and animals. If a dog bite occurs, the owner may be culpable depending on the circumstances.

Personal Injury Lawyers in Southern California

If you have been injured in any of the ways mentioned in this article, the personal injury lawyers at Petrov Law Firm can help. We have experience in helping the victims of car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and dog bites receive a proper settlement. To learn more, schedule a consultation with our conveniently located San Diego and Chula Vista offices today. Just call 619-344-0360 to get started.

Dog Bites: A Common Issue in the US (Especially California)

According to Canine Journal, dogs bite approximately 4.5 million people every year. That’s a shocking number (although not as shocking if you consider the fact that American households keep about 90 million dogs as pets nationwide).

The good news is that over 80% of dog bites do not cause injuries requiring medical treatment according to the National Canine Research Council. In fact, your lifetime odds of being killed in a dog attack is 1 in 112,382. As a point of reference, you have a 1 in 315 chance of being killed by a gun in the US (according to a February 2018 article in Business Insider.)

If you do happen to be injured in a dog attack, what should you do?

• Get the owner’s contact info if the owner is present. You’re going to want the dog’s immunization records. Without those, you will have to be inoculated for rabies.
• Clean the would thoroughly with soap and water to stave off the risk of infection.
• If you are seriously injured, you may need to call 911. If the injury isn’t that bad and it is during your doctor’s normal office hours, you can call to see if your doctor will see you at the office or recommends that you go to the ER.
• Call the dog’s vet to ensure the animal’s immunizations are up to date.
• If you have accumulated medical bills or suffered other losses as a result of the attack, contact a personal injury attorney.

California Personal Injury Attorneys Specializing in Dog Bites

At Petrov Law Firm, we specialize in helping victims of dog bites and other animal attacks. To gain the benefits of our expertise on this topic, call us today at 619-344-0360.

4 Tips for Safety as a Runner

If you love to run, you probably recognize the need to exercise caution in certain circumstances. Road conditions, vehicles that may be sharing the road, and neighborhood dogs can all be concerns depending on where you choose to get your exercise in. Today, we’re going to look at 4 safety tips for runners if you tend to encounter dogs on your route.

1. Stay alert – Most dog attacks can be avoided simply by keeping out of the animal’s way. Don’t stray into a private yard or run too close to someone who is struggling to control a dog.
2. Change your route – If a neighborhood dog seems dangerous, you may want to consider mapping out a route that doesn’t go near his family home.
3. Keep your distance – If you can safely cross the street or in some other way avoid a dog that has gotten lose, putting the most distance between the two of you is always a good idea.
4. Know the signs – Are the dog’s hackles up? Is it growling? Is it trying to challenge you by locking stares? While you may sometimes encounter a friendly dog on your daily run, don’t engage a dog that is clearly looking for a fight.

If You Have Suffered a Dog Bite in Southern California

If you have suffered a dog bite in California while running or performing any other activity, you may be due compensation for medical bills or other losses you might have suffered. To learn more, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm in San Diego by calling 619-344-0360.

3 Questions to Answer When You Suffer a Personal Injury

If you have been injured, you may wonder how you will receive compensation for your medical bills, lost work, and other expenses that you incur. The solution will be related to the answers to the following three questions.

What Type of Injury Did You Suffer?

There are a number of different ways that may have sustained a personal injury. Some of these possibilities include:

• Car accidents
• Dog or other animal bites
• Slip and fall accidents

The way you were injured is important because different California state laws will dictate who is at fault for the injury and how the expenses will be covered.

When Did the Injury Occur?

Why is the timing of the injury important? It is because California state law has a statute of limitations on seeking compensation for an accident that leads to injury. As a result, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as you can following such an injury.

Who Is Responsible for the Injury?

Finally, you need to determine if there was any fault or negligence on the part of someone else that led to your injury. Most defending lawyers in a personal injury case will try to make a case that blame is shared due to various factors. You want someone in your corner who can ensure you are fully compensated for your losses.

Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego, California

If you have been injured in southern California, contact the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm. We have the experience and ability to help you maximize your settlement. Call 619-344-0360 today to get started.

The Most Dangerous Dog Breed

Dog bites are an extremely common cause of injury and the need for extensive medical care. But the fact is that one dog breed rises above the rest when it comes to danger. You may already know which breed it is, but what you may not know is just how serious the issue has become.

Important Dog Bite Statistics

ResearchGate published the statistics from a study on dog bites. The research discussed the frequency of dog bites as well as how often operative procedures are needed to care for injuries. One particular breed stood out in the study – pit bulls.

In the eight studies that were compiled by researchers, pit bulls were responsible for the most attacks. They were also responsible for the majority of serious injuries and fatalities. According to one of the largest studies, about a quarter of dog attack injuries suffered by children were caused by pit bulls, and two-thirds of those attacks led to surgical procedures. The data also showed that pit bulls were 250% more likely to get in serious bites in multiple locations, thereby increasing the amount of damage done and medical treatment required.

But what if it is your family’s pit bull? Doesn’t that make it safer? Unfortunately, familiarity increases the risks across the board for dog bites. As much as 45% of dog bites are from the family dog, not one that you or a child meets for the first time.

If You Have Been Injured in a Dog Attack

If someone else’s dog has caused you harm, you may be able to recoup your medical expenses or other damages, especially if negligence was involved. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm today for free consultation by calling 619-344-0360.

3 of the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in California

When a person is injured, a question often arises as to who is responsible for medical bills and other losses that may be suffered. We’re going to take a closer look at three of the most common types of personal injury cases in the state of California.

#1 Vehicular Accidents

Injuries in auto accidents are very common. Whether the person who is injured is a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, it calls into question who is at fault and which insurance company is responsible for the damages.

#2 Dog Bites

Dog bites are extremely common injuries, and sadly, many of the victims are children. It is important always to monitor children playing with pets, especially dogs. However, if an injury occurs, it may call into question whether the dog’s owner is responsible.

#3 Slip and Fall Accidents

From tripping over a break in the sidewalk to slipping on a wet floor, there are all sorts of ways that people end up in trip and fall accidents. Is the injury the fault of the property owner? There are a number of considerations that come into play to determine whether there is any fault or negligence.

San Diego’s Personal Injury Attorneys

If you have been injured in the state of California in one of these common types of occurrences, then we encourage you to talk to our attorneys at Petrov Law Firm. By calling 619-344-0360, you get the legal help you need along with the compassion you deserve. Find out why our clients are confident we are interested not just in cases but in people.

4 Tips for Helping Children Avoid Dog Bites

While dog bites are a preventable injury, more than 300,000 children end up in the ER each year due to an incident with a dog. According to the CDC, children between the ages of 5 and 9 are the at the greatest risk. Shockingly, more than half of dog bites come from family pets and not a strange animal. The CDC also warns that the number of dogs in a home increase the likelihood of being bit.

So the first way to protect your children is to be careful about the breed of dog you bring into your home (almost all serious injuries and fatalities are related to pit bulls), and to keep the number of dogs in the home to just one (risk of injury increases by 5 times as you add more dogs).

However, since many bites still occur outside the home, here are 4 tips to help protect your kids:

1. Don’t allow children to play with a dog unsupervised.
2. Teach children not to approach dogs they don’t know.
3. Show your child how to know when a dog is defensive or scared (perhaps by using pictures). Then encourage the child never to make eye-contact with a frightened dog.
4. Dogs are most likely to attack in groups, so instruct your children never to approach a group of dogs, even if they seem friendly (i.e., a dog walker with several dogs).

If You or Your Child Suffers a Dog Bite

When bitten by a dog, seeking medical attention is the first step. Then it is time to call Petrov Law Firm. Our personal injury attorneys can help you to seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages or losses you and your family may have suffered. Call 619-344-0360 today to set up a free consultation.