Dog Bite Attorney

Free Dog Bite Case Evaluation and Consultation

At our law firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and mental anguish that can be caused by a dog bite. That's why we offer free case evaluations to victims of dog bites, giving them the chance to discuss their case with a legal expert with no obligations.

‍

During your free consultation, we will review the facts of your case and answer any questions you may have about your legal rights and options. We will also explain our contingency fee policy, which means you won't pay us anything unless we win your case. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog bite, please contact our law firm today to schedule your free consultation.

California Leads the Nation in Dog Attacks

It's no secret that California is home to many dog owners. But what may be less well known is that the state also leads the nation in dog attacks.

‍

According to data from the United States Postal Service, Los Angeles is consistently at or near the top of the list when it comes to cities with the most dog attacks on postal workers. And San Diego also made the top 12. A study examining reported dog bites and criminal charges between 2005 and 2017 found that California had the most incidents of both, with more than 3,000 reported bites and nearly 700 charges filed.

‍

The study also found that certain breeds were more likely to be involved in attacks than others. Pit bulls, for instance, were responsible for more than a third of all reported bites, followed by German shepherds and rottweilers. So, what can Californians do to reduce the risk of being attacked by a dog? One option is to avoid certain breeds that are more likely to be involved in such incidents. But even that isn't a guarantee, as any dog can bite if it feels threatened or provoked.

‍

The best defense against becoming a victim of a dog attack is to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid putting yourself in situations where you could be at risk. If you see a dog that looks aggressive, keep your distance and don't try to pet it. And if you're attacked, remember that the best course of action is to fight back and defend yourself as best you can.

Strict Liability Statute in California for Dog Bites

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog bite in California, it’s important to know that the state has what is known as a “strict liability statute” when it comes to these types of attacks. This means that dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets, even if they have shown no previous signs of aggression or violence.

‍

The only exceptions may be when the dog attack was provoked by cruelty toward the animal, or when a dog bites someone who was committing a crime or trespassing on the owner’s property. If you have been bitten by a dog in California, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and then contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

Injuries and Treatment in Dog Bite Cases

As mentioned before, the severity of a dog bite injury can range from relatively minor bruising and puncture marks to life-threatening wounds and long-term damage. Any attack can result in a financial burden and lasting psychological scars.

‍

Dog bite injuries can be divided into different grades of severity:

• Grade 1: Scratches and bruising
• Grade 2: Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Grade 3: Severe tissue damage, amputation, or avulsion

‍

Treatment for a dog bite will depend on the grade of severity. For grade 1 bites, home treatment may be all that is necessary. This includes cleaning the wound with soap and water and applying a bandage. For grade 2 and 3 bites, however, more aggressive treatment will be necessary. This may include stitches, surgery, or even hospitalization. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, they could still result in long-term damage. Once you have been seen by a medical professional, you can then decide whether to pursue legal action against the dog’s owner.

‍

If you do choose to file a lawsuit, you will need to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent in some way. This means that they did not take proper precautions to prevent their dog from attacking. For example, if the dog was known to be aggressive and the owner did not take steps to keep it under control, they could be held liable for any injuries that resulted. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How much time do I have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in California is two years. This means that you have two years from the date you were bitten by the dog to file your claim. If you do not file your lawsuit within this time period, you will likely be barred from doing so. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, it is important to act quickly. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and options. Do not delay in taking action, as you may only have a limited amount of time to pursue your claim.

What do I do after being bitten by a dog?

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to know what to do next. The first step is to seek medical attention, if necessary. You should also collect the name, address, and contact details of the dog owner if possible. If you cannot identify the dog owner, contact animal control and provide a full description of the animal. Record your location, take pictures of your injuries, and contact a California Dog Bite lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

How long will my dog bite case take?

The length of a dog bite case will vary depending on the severity of the injuries. If you have suffered serious injuries, your case may take longer to resolve as your attorney will need to gather evidence and medical records to support your claim. If you can reach an out-of-court settlement with the responsible party, your case may be resolved more quickly. However, if the responsible party is unwilling to negotiate in good faith, your case may need to go to trial, which can take longer to resolve. Speak with an experienced dog bite attorney to learn more about how long your case may take.

Is it worth suing over a dog bite?

If you have been injured by a dog bite, you may be wondering if it is worth pursuing a lawsuit. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the state in which the incident occurred, and the identity of the dog's owner.

‍

In general, however, filing a lawsuit may be worth your while if you have suffered serious injuries as a result of a dog bite. This is because you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you live in a state with strict liability laws, it may also be easier to prove that the dog's owner is responsible for your injuries. In these states, dog owners are typically held liable for damages even if they did not know or should have known that their dog was dangerous.

California Dog Bite Compensation

It is unfair that victims pay such a high physical and financial price for a dog attack when the incident was not even their fault. Dog owners should be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages, and losses suffered by these unsuspecting victims.

‍

Injured victims can seek compensation in dog bite cases for damages such as:

• Medical expenses – such as hospitalization and surgery costs
• Lost wages – if the victim is unable to work due to their injuries
• Pain and suffering – for the physical and emotional trauma caused by the attack

California law also allows victims to recover punitive damages in some cases. Punitive damages are meant to punish the dog owner for their negligent or reckless behavior and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your case and help you understand your legal options. Don’t wait – contact an attorney today.

Why Should You Hire a California Dog Bite Lawyer?

There are many reasons why you should hire a California dog bite lawyer if you have been the victim of a dog attack. The best lawyers are highly experienced and know what it takes to win. They will be able to provide expert guidance, building the best legal case possible for you. California law is very favorable towards dog bite victims, and a good lawyer will make sure that you are able to take advantage of this. They will also be able to negotiate with the other party's insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that you get the full compensation that you deserve.

‍

If you have been attacked by a dog, don't try to handle the case selflf. Hire a California dog bite lawyer and give yourself the best chance of success.

‍