Southern California is an idyllic place to own a pet, especially a dog. It’s near-perfect climate and interesting geography allows owners and their pets plenty of opportunities to explore and play.
While it is proven that dogs can be good for the well-being of their owners, dogs can sometimes exhibit aggressive or unwanted interactions. This includes attacking another human or causing serious injury as a result of a dog bite.
Dog Bite Injury – Get Help
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in southern California, you may have a dog bite claim to seek justice and financial compensation. California, along with approximately 35 other states, is a state with “strict liability” laws. This means that pet owners are responsible for most dog-bite injuries. It is helpful to be familiar with California law when seeking your settlement for a dog bite lawsuit.
Who Can Be Held Strictly Liable for a Dog Bite in Los Angeles?
If you are a dog bite victim and want to sue for damages, California’s strict liability laws state that the pet owner is completely liable for any dog bites. Please contact Wilshire Law Firm today for more information.
The statute states that in a personal injury case, the dog owner cannot argue the following:
- They did not know their dog could be dangerous,
- They took care to prevent their dog from injuring someone.
The strict liability dog bite statute applies even if the dog has never bitten anyone in the past, or has no history of being aggressive towards humans.
Additionally, the dog owner is only strictly liable if the injured victim:
- Was bitten, even if the animal bite does not break the skin
- Was in a public place or “lawfully in a private place” when the dog bite occurred
- A person performing a legal duty (such as delivering mail) can be lawfully on private property
This statute does not apply if a victim suffered a dog bite attack caused by police or military dogs that were on duty or defending themselves against irritating behavior.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog bite, contact a personal injury attorney at Wilshire Law Firm. We have a qualified dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles who is ready to discuss your dog bite claim and help you seek compensation for a dog bite injury.
What Are the Most Common Dog Bite & Animal Attack Injuries?
Dog bite victims often require serious medical attention due to the possible chance of infection from disease or bacteria that the dog is carrying. Many dogs in the Los Angeles area carry disease and bacteria that require the immediate medical attention of antibiotics.
Emergency treatment immediately after an incident and transportation to a medical facility by medical transport can be expensive. However, it may be necessary for a dog bite attack.
A dog bite attorney at Wilshire Law Firm will work hard to get you full compensation for any long term-rehabilitation needs caused by complications of injuries such as:
- Facial scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Eye injuries
- Severe infections, such as rabies
- Amputation of fingers and nose
- Back injury
- Traumatic brain/serious injury
- Head injury
- Broken bones from falling due to an attack
- Psychological trauma
If you do not have medical coverage, contact Wilshire Law Firm’s personal injury attorneys immediately to protect your health. Without medical coverage, treatment can be expensive and almost impossible to get.
For clients that do not have health insurance, the firm can arrange for medical expenses to be covered once a settlement has been reached in your dog bite claim. There is no limit for health coverage; we will arrange treatment for you regardless of the cost or duration of the treatment.
Fees, representation, and cost of litigation are subject to a contingent fee, meaning that payment to the firm is not required until a settlement has been reached in your favor.
What Causes Dog Attacks in California?
Injuries caused by dog bites can accredit a range of mild cuts to major lacerations and deep puncture wounds. Inattentive, abusive, and/or irresponsible dog owners are the most common cause of dog bite accidents and attacks.
Careless owners can lose control of their pets easily. This lack of control causes a dangerous interaction between the animal and the public.
Most dog bite accidents or other animal attacks can be caused by one or more of the following:
- Irresponsible care for the animal
- Lack of medical care for the dog
- Abuse or mistreatment
- Dangerous dog
Some of the best dog attack lawyers California has seen can obtain facts and build a strong dog bite case against the negligent party. We are highly experienced in dog bite law, and our firm will obtain expert testimonies from professional medical staff as to the extent of your injuries and prognosis.
The Damage Inflicted by a Dog Bite
A dog bite can cause a variety of damages. These are just some of the damages a dog attack victim can face:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering/emotional trauma
- Lost future income
- Property damage as a result of the dog bite accident, such as broken glasses or a dinged bicycle
- Multiple or punitive damages, if the dog owner has been especially careless
If a person suffers any of the damages listed as a result of a dog bite injury, a California dog bite lawyer at Wilshire Law Firm can help determine any additional damages for which you may be able to seek compensation.
Regardless of your prior medical history, age, or partial liability for your injuries, we are here to help you get the fair compensation you deserve. Contact a Los Angeles dog bite attorney at our law office today at (800) 501-3011.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Get in a Dog Attack?
Medical Bills
Typically, the most immediate cost of a dog bite is covering medical bills for the treatment of injuries or physical damage. This includes medical care from a doctor, medication, physical therapy, and any psychological treatment.
It may be the case that the dog attack victim has a pre-existing condition, such as tendonitis. This pain may be made worse by a dog bite.
In this case, the final compensatory amount might be even higher than for someone without a pre-existing condition. A victim can seek financial compensation with the help of a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer.
Pain and Suffering
Pain as a result of a dog bite attack isn’t just physical. For example, a child bitten by a dog can suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, in the form of anxiety, insomnia, and even a debilitating fear of going outside. A child injury is usually treated with more empathy in court than any other injury.
In addition, the emotional distress caused by a dog attack can cause long-term pain and suffering. If the dog attack injuries had an effect on any serious relationship, such as the dog bite victim and their spouse, the victim may receive compensation for loss of consortium.
This can mean lost companionship or intimacy as a result of the injuries. In the process of negotiating a settlement, the best dog attack lawyers California can offer are experienced in determining the fair dollar amount on any pain and suffering sustained from a dog bite or attack.
Loss of Income
When a dog bite victim has to miss work for medical treatment and recovery, they may be entitled to compensation for any of their lost wages.
If there are any long-term injuries or disabilities that result from a dog bite, the victim is also entitled to compensation for future loss of income.
Helping California Dog Bite Victims Recover
Immediate contact of our experienced dog bite injury attorneys is urged to ensure your interests are represented until a settlement in your favor is reached. To ease the suffering that our clients endure during the recovery of their health, all negotiations with insurance companies and the negligent parties are handled by our attorneys that are qualified to litigate all dog bite accidents.
Our personal injury attorneys are ready to represent your best interests in negotiations with all parties liable and their insurance company included.
Contact a California Dog Bite Attorney Today
Wilshire Law Firm maintains a strong client focus that drives our personal injury attorneys to obtain favorable compensation for you. We have some of the most experienced dog attack lawyers California has to offer. Counselors are available at our law office to answer questions regarding your dog bite injury claim and any aspect of the legal or negotiation process.
Travel to your home or medical facility by our counselors allows for an uninterrupted recovery during the difficult time after an accident.
If you or someone you know was injured with an accident involving a dog bite, please contact Wilshire Law Firm at (800) 501-3011.
Dog & Animal Bite FAQs
1. How Bad Does a Dog Bite Have to be to Have a Case?
Depending on a variety of factors, a dog bite can range from minor to severe. Not all dog bites are severe, but this does not mean that the attack did not cause damage. You may be eligible for compensation in your legal case even if you have a minor dog bite. Call our law office to find out if you have a substantial personal injury claim.
2. How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Case in California?
The statute of limitations or time deadline to sue for a dog bite in California is two years. The two-year period begins on the date the animal attack occurs.
3. When are Dog Bites Most Likely to Occur?
A dog is most likely to bite a person as a response to a stressful situation. In an event where they feel scared or threatened, a dog may bite a human as a way to protect themselves from harm. There are a few ways to prevent a dog attack:
- Don’t approach an unfamiliar animal
- Do not run from a dog or panic
- If an unfamiliar dog approaches you, do not run or scream. Avoid direct eye contact
- Don’t disturb a dog while they’re eating or taking care of their puppies
- If knocked over by a dog, remain motionless. Be sure to cover your ears and neck with your hands and arms. Avoid eye contact and remain calm
- Don’t encourage a dog to play aggressively
You should consider suing for a dog bite when the bite incurs injuries or damages of any kind. Contacting a California dog bite lawyer at Wilshire Law Firm can help you determine if you have a solid legal case for your animal bite.
4. What Kind of Dog is Most Likely to Bite?
A pit bull is the dog breed most likely to bite and cause serious injury, according to statistics. A pit bull also has the highest average damage per bite. After the pit bull, the breeds most likely to bite are mixed breeds and German shepherds.
5. Can I Get Rabies From a Dog Bite?
Yes, the Center of Disease Control states: “rabies is transmitted through direct contact with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal”. Dog bites can be fatal if you are bit by a rabid dog. If you are attacked by a rabid dog, you should seek immediate medical attention.
