Dog Bites and Rabies

Thanks to stringent LA County control measures, rabies has pretty much become a thing of the past in Long Beach and the rest of the state (and nation for that matter). It’s rare these days to come across a dog that has not had rabies vaccinations much less one that is actually infected. Rabies remains an incurable virus. Once the symptoms appear the result is death for the infected dog and any human that is unlucky enough to be bitten by a rabid animal. Insurance companies claim that California has the highest number of dog bite claims in the U.S. Despite the low incidence of dogs with rabies, the repercussions are too serious to ignore owner negligence when it comes to dog bites. Were you or your child bitten by a dog? Contact a Long Beach dog bite attorney as soon as possible.

About the Rabies Virus

The rabies virus is easily transmittable between animals and from animals to humans. It general occurs with a bite that breaks the skin and allows the virus into the tissues. If treated immediately, the virus can be stopped. Once it manages to get to the central nervous system (its “target”) and travel to the brain there is no treatment possible. It causes encephalitis (brain inflammation) which may begin with headaches and a fever which then progresses to severe pain and uncontrollable movement and excitement. The disease also causes a variety of extreme emotional responses and eventually results in coma and then death. According to a study in Voice of America in 2009, dog bites are the cause of about 97% of human rabies cases around the world.

Long Beach Dog Bite Attorney

If your child has been the victim of a dog bite in the Long Beach area or if you yourself were bitten by someone’s dog then you should speak with a dog bite lawyer about your rights. Dog bites can be extremely painful and dangerous if the owner has lapsed on ensuring his or her dog gets its rabies vaccinations. A serious attack by a dangerous dog can mean broken bones, stitches, infections, disfigurement and other trauma—both physical and emotional. State law requires that owners be held responsible for the actions of their dogs and at the Law Office of Leonard Matsuk, we are dedicated to helping clients obtain the full and substantial compensation they are entitled to.

Contact a Long Beach dog bite lawyer at our firm today. We may be able to get you financial compensation for damages!