Riverside Dog Bite Lawyers

Over 20,000 people per year get a dog bite in California, resulting in thousands of dollars worth of medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. These expenses can escalate if the victim is a child, as they are more likely to suffer from severe injuries due to their smaller size and inability to defend themselves. 

At Wilshire Law Firm, our Riverside dog bite lawyers can explain your rights and seek fair compensation for your injuries.

Why Choose Our Riverside Dog Bite Lawyers?

From minor bites to life-changing injuries, our Riverside dog bite lawyers understand the nuances of the strict liability laws pet owners must adhere to in our state. Moreover, we know the emotional toll a dog bite can have on an individual, so we offer compassionate support alongside our legal services.

We have offices across southern California, including Los Angeles, Oakland, Riverside, Orange/Orange County, Fresno, San Jose, and San Francisco. We offer free case evaluations in English and Spanish at all our offices, ensuring that no dog bite victim has to worry that their claim can’t be heard.

Since opening in 2007, we have secured over $1 billion in compensation for clients in personal injury cases. Our track record of success results from diligent preparation, comprehensive investigation, and a deep understanding of what fair compensation for our clients looks like.

Who is Liable for Dog Bites in California?

The strict liability laws in California mean that dog owners are responsible for any injuries caused by their pets as long as:

• The dog bit the victim (even if it didn’t break the skin)
• The victim was lawfully in a private or public place when the bite occurred
• The victim performed a legal duty that required or allowed them on the private property (mail carrier, meter checker, etc.)

California Civil Code 3342, “Liability of Dog Owner for Damages Suffered From Dog Bite,” holds owners liable for all costs, expenses, or damages resulting from the bite. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Because owners are liable for dog bites on private or public property, be it their own or someone else’s, it is essential to contact the dog bite lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm as soon as possible after an incident occurs. Our team will help you understand your rights and build a solid case to secure fair compensation for your injuries.

What Causes Dog Bite Injuries?

Any dog has the potential to bite, no matter their size or breed. Even well-trained dogs can still potentially bite in certain circumstances, and it is the owner’s responsibility to prevent these situations from occurring.

However, certain factors can increase the likelihood of a dog biting:

• Lack of proper training and socialization
• Neglect or abuse by owners
• Provocation or teasing from humans
• Protective behavior towards their territory or owner

No matter the reason or circumstances of a dog bite, Wilshire Law Firm knows you have the right to seek fair compensation for injuries related to the attack.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

The most common injury from a dog bite is puncture wounds. Sometimes, these wounds are superficial, not breaking the skin or causing lasting damage.

However, in other cases, dog bites can cause serious injuries such as:

• Lacerations
• Torn flesh and muscle
• Nerve damage
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Infection (from bacteria or rabies)

Additionally, dogs are known to knock people over or drag them into dangerous situations while biting, which can result in:

• Facial scarring 
• Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Fractured bones, particularly in the wrists, arms, or hips

No matter how severe the attack, emotional trauma, and distress are always a factor for dog bite victims. The shock of an unprovoked attack, the fear of future attacks, and the need for extensive medical treatment can leave lasting emotional distress in adults and children. 

With the potential for severe physical and emotional trauma, contacting Wilshire Law Firm to see if you have a dog bite claim is the best way to understand your legal rights after a dog bite injury. 

How Much Does A Dog Bite Injury Cost?

At a minimum, dog bite victims will spend up to $2,000 on a course of rabies shots. Given intradermally or into the muscle, these shots are a vital and necessary step to prevent infection, which can come from a wide range of bacteria and viruses. 

But that cost is only a fraction of what dog bite victims might spend in more extreme attacks, including but not limited to:

• $2,960 for the initial ER visit
• $2,500 for non-surgical broken bone treatment
• $35,000 for surgical broken bone treatment
• $4,000 to $13,500 for nerve damage repair
• $400 to more than $3,000 for stitches to wounds and lacerations
• $2,800 to more than $7,000 for skin grafts (per procedure)
• $4,100 for each night you spend in the hospital

In addition to these treatment costs, there is also the expense of medications, follow-up visits, rehabilitation, and medical devices. On average, pain medication can run victims between $100 and $300 per prescription, and follow-up visits can cost between $40 to $150 each. Depending on the injury’s severity and the treatment required, physical therapy can range from $50 to $350 per session.

On top of all the medical expenses, dog bite injuries also create emotional distress that can interfere with daily life and cause severe psychological trauma. From therapy sessions to lost wages and decreased quality of life, the emotional impact of a dog bite can be challenging to calculate. 

With potential costs from a single dog bite becoming a financial burden exceeding tens of thousands of dollars, Wilshire Law Firm is dedicated to helping victims seek the compensation they deserve. Our experienced team of Riverside dog bite lawyers will fight to secure a settlement that covers all expenses related to your injury, both now and in the future. 

How Much Is My Riverside Dog Bite Case Worth?

There is no set amount for dog bite injuries in Riverside, as each case is unique. The compensation awarded will depend on:

• The severity of the injury. Minor injuries may result in lower compensation, while more severe injuries may result in higher compensation; in both cases, Wilshire Law Firm will seek to secure fair compensation to cover medical expenses.
• The impact of the injury on your daily life. This includes physical limitations, emotional distress, and financial burdens that result from the dog bite. Our team will work to understand the full extent of how the injury has affected your life and seek appropriate compensation.
• The dog owner’s level of negligence. If it can be proven that the dog’s owner was aware of their pet being aggressive or dangerous, this may result in higher compensation for victims. Wilshire Law Firm has an excellent track record of gathering evidence and building strong cases to prove negligence in dog bite injury claims.

Punitive damages for pain and suffering may also be awarded in extreme cases where the dog’s owner acted with gross negligence or malicious intent. However, these damages are not always guaranteed and will depend on the specific circumstances of each case.

No matter the circumstances, you have the right to fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering in the event of a dog bite. Let Wilshire Law Firm help determine if your case is eligible for compensation and guide you through the legal process to ensure your rights are protected. 

What to Do After a Dog Bite?

Report the Incident.

After seeking medical attention, report the dog bite to a local Animal Control Office. If you have been admitted to the hospital due to the bite, medical professionals are legally required to report the bite on your behalf. Getting a copy of the report for your records and legal purposes is essential in both cases.

Gather Evidence.

Gather evidence from the scene of the dog bite, including photos of any injuries and contact information for witnesses. This evidence can help support your case and prove negligence by the dog’s owner.

Contact Wilshire Law Firm.

Contact Wilshire Law Firm as soon as possible for a free case evaluation to see if you have a valid dog bite injury claim. Our team will guide you through the legal process of seeking compensation and help you understand how to protect your rights.

Should I Settle With Insurance Companies After A Dog Bite In California?

Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements to dog bite victims in hopes of resolving the case quickly and avoiding a trial. However, these initial offers often do not cover all expenses related to the injury and may not accurately reflect the actual value of your case.

As award-winning California dog bite lawyers, Wilshire Law Firm will carefully review any settlement offers and negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your injury. We understand insurance companies’ tactics and will fight to ensure you receive proper compensation for your expenses, pain, and suffering.

Don’t let anything stand in the way of getting the compensation you deserve after a dog bite injury in Riverside. Contact Wilshire Law Firm today for a free case evaluation and start the path toward financial and emotional healing.

Wilshire Law Firm’s Practice Areas

In addition to dog bite injuries in Southern California, our award-winning team of lawyers has experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

• Wrongful death
• Pedestrian accidents
• Car accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Truck accidents

Don’t see a practice area that matches your case? Contact Wilshire Law Firm today to see if we can help. We have a proven track record of success in a variety of personal injury cases and will fight to protect your rights to fair compensation. 

FAQ: Riverside Dog Bite Lawyers

Can I sue for damages if I was bitten by a dog in someone else’s home?

Yes, as long as you were legally on the property and did not provoke the dog in any way, you may have a valid compensation claim. Contact Wilshire Law Firm to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.

How long do I have to file a dog bite injury claim in Riverside?

In most cases, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in California is two years from the date of the incident. However, exceptions may apply depending on the specific circumstances of your case. It is best to contact Wilshire Law Firm as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.

What type of dog bite injuries are eligible for compensation?

In addition to physical injuries, victims of dog bites may also be eligible for compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and other related expenses. Contact Wilshire Law Firm to discuss your case and see if you qualify for compensation.

When are dog bites most likely to occur?

The American Veterinary Medicine Association states, “Dog bites occur most often in children 5 to 9 years old, and almost half of all dog bite injuries occur in children under 18.” However, dog bites can happen at any time and to anyone. If a dog has injured you or a loved one, contact Wilshire Law Firm to find out what compensation you may be entitled to.

Wilshire Law Firm: Your Award-Winning Riverside Dog Bite Lawyers

With the potential for severe injuries and life-long emotional trauma, dog bites should never be taken lightly. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, the team of experienced Riverside dog bite lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm knows how to handle every aspect of a dog bite injury claim so you can take time doing what’s most important – healing from the traumatic event of a dog attack. 

Don’t navigate the legal process alone after suffering a dog bite injury. Contact Wilshire Law Firm today for your free case evaluation and learn how to protect your right to the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us at (951) 749-5800 and start your journey toward emotional, physical, and financial recovery today. Reach out to a Riverside personal injury lawyer.

Our Riverside Office Location

Wilshire Law Firm
Riverside
7177 Brockton Ave #217
Riverside, CA 92506
Tel: (951) 749-5800

Open Mon – Sun
Available 24 Hours
by Appointment Only