San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyers

A dog bite can change your life. Even a small dog can cause lasting damage, leaving you with numerous concerns, doubts, and new phobias. At Wilshire Law Firm, our San Francisco dog bite lawyers understand your difficulties and provide guidance and assistance that matters. 

Our skills extend to a broad spectrum of personal injury cases, and our dedicated team of more than 500 legal professionals, backed by nearly two decades of experience and a compassionate approach, is wholeheartedly committed to assisting you through these challenging moments.

Why Choose Our San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyers?

At Wilshire Law Firm, we leverage a sophisticated network of highly skilled medical, legal, and forensic professionals to empower our clients. We serve clients in California with personalized legal assistance, making their needs our top priority.

Our track record speaks for itself. Our dedicated team of lawyers has secured well over $1 billion in compensation for our clients, showcasing our unwavering commitment to justice. We’ve been recognized by the legal community with various accolades and awards, establishing Wilshire Law Firm as respectable in the field.

We pride ourselves on our client-focused approach. Your rights matter to us, and choosing Wilshire Law Firm means asserting those rights confidently. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive skilled and competent legal representation.

Our recent achievement includes a $38.5 million settlement for a rear-end collision accident against an insurance company that refused to provide fair compensation to our client. Our successes demonstrate our relentless pursuit of justice for our clients.

As the Official Personal Injury Partners of the Los Angeles Chargers, our San Francisco personal injury attorneys are recognized for their excellence in personal injury, employment law, and class action cases. U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers named us among the Best Law Firms for four consecutive years.

Whether you’re near our principal office or any of our satellite locations, exceptional legal assistance is never far away. We provide our clients with a comfortable and professional environment to ensure they receive the support they need.

When you choose Wilshire Law Firm, you choose a legal partner dedicated to your success, with a proven history of achieving results and a commitment to delivering personalized representation. Your journey to justice starts here.

What You Should Know About Dog Bite Compensation in California

Establishing liability is the initial step in assessing your eligibility for compensation in a dog bite incident. In California, dog owners are strictly responsible for the actions of their pets. 

This strict liability principle means that if a dog owned by someone injures or bites another individual, the owner is responsible for the damages that result from the incident.

Specific circumstances and exceptions can impact the dog owner’s liability in a dog bite case, including:

Provocation: In some cases, if the injured person provoked the dog or incited the attack, it could potentially diminish the dog owner’s liability. 

For example, if the individual taunted, hit, or otherwise agitated the dog, it might be considered provocation, which can influence the legal outcome.

Trespassing: It could impact liability if the person bitten trespassed or was unlawfully present at the incident’s location. The dog owner can contend that the injured party was not legally permitted to be on the premises, potentially reducing their liability.

Owner knowledge: The dog owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies or prior incidents is a factor. If the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous propensities and failed to take reasonable precautions, their liability may rise.

Leash laws and local regulations: Local ordinances and leash laws can vary, and compliance can affect liability.

Breed-specific laws: Some areas have specific laws related to certain dog breeds, potentially imposing stricter liability or requirements on owners.

Assumption of risk: The injured party may have knowingly assumed the risk of being around a dog with a known history of aggression or danger, affecting the determination of liability.

You must understand the circumstances of the incident and how they interact with California’s dog bite laws to determine whether you can pursue compensation. 

Choosing a legal professional experienced in personal injury and dog bite cases can help you navigate the complexities of the law and assess the strength of your potential claim.

What Are the Most Common Dog Bite Injuries?

When a dog bites you, see a doctor right away because there’s a chance of infection. 

Getting emergency help and going to the hospital after a dog bite can cost a lot of money but you need to treat the bite properly. 

Typical injuries include:

• Eye injuries
• Severe infections, such as rabies
• Traumatic brain/serious injury
• Facial scarring and disfigurement
• Nerve damage
• Psychological trauma
• Amputation of fingers and nose
• Broken bones 
• Back injury
• Head injury

Our fees, representation, and litigation expenses are contingent, so you won’t need to pay the firm until we get a favorable settlement on your behalf.

What Type of Compensation Is Available to Dog Bite Victims?

Dog bite victims can ask the court to compensate them for:

Medical expenses: One of the immediate costs after a dog bite is paying for medical bills to treat injuries, including doctor visits, medicine, physical therapy, and any needed psychological treatment. 

If the person already had a health issue like tendonitis, their compensation might be even higher due to the worsened condition. A San Francisco dog bite lawyer can help seek financial compensation.

Pain and suffering: The results of a dog bite aren’t just physical. People bitten by a dog might suffer from anxiety, trouble sleeping, and a fear of going outside, as a result. 

If the injuries strain important relationships, like with a spouse, the victim may get compensation for the loss of companionship or intimacy. Courts often show more empathy toward child injuries as well.

Skilled California dog bite lawyers can help determine a fair amount for this pain and suffering during settlement negotiations. They are accustomed to San Francisco’s legal atmosphere and understand its inner workings. 

Loss of income: When a dog bite victim misses work for medical treatment and recovery, they may receive compensation for their lost wages. 

If the injuries result in long-term disabilities, the victim can also get payment for future income they’ll miss.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites Cases? 

In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim, including dog bite cases, is typically two years from the date of the injury. 

If you fail to make your claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue it.

Laws can change, and specific circumstances could affect the statute of limitations in your case. Consult with an attorney knowledgeable in personal injury law in California to get the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your situation.

Please consult with a legal professional to get advice tailored to your case and to ensure you’re aware of any potential changes in the law that may have occurred after my last update.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me with a Dog Bite Case?

If you’ve experienced a serious dog bite in California, hiring a lawyer knowledgeable in personal injury and dog bite cases can provide valuable assistance in several ways:

• Legal knowledge: A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal options available under California law. They know the state’s specific statutes and case law related to dog bites.
• Case evaluation: Your lawyer will assess the details of your case to determine its strength. They will evaluate the severity of your injuries, the circumstances surrounding the dog bite, and any potential liability for the dog owner or another responsible party.
• Investigation: Attorneys have the resources to investigate the dog bite incident thoroughly. This includes gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, obtaining medical records, and assessing the dog’s history and the owner’s responsibility.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Homeowners’ insurance policies cover Many dog bite claims. Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages.
• Pursuing compensation: If negotiations don’t settle, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. They will advocate for your rights and work to secure the maximum compensation available to you.
• Managing legal procedures: Handling legal paperwork, court filings, and navigating the legal process can be complex. Your attorney will guide you through these procedures, ensuring all deadlines are met and your case proceeds smoothly.
• Expert witnesses: If necessary, your lawyer can retain professional witnesses, such as medical experts or animal behavior specialists, to provide testimony and strengthen your case.
• Advocacy for your best interests: Your attorney’s primary goal is to protect your interests and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. They will advocate for you at every step, from negotiations to court proceedings if required.
• Peace of mind: Legal representation can provide peace of mind during a challenging and stressful time. You can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the legal aspects of your case.
• Contingency fee: Many personal injury lawyers, including those handling dog bite cases, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay attorney fees unless they secure compensation for you, making legal representation accessible to those who need it.

After a severe dog bite in California, consult an experienced dog bite attorney to discuss your case and determine the best course of action to protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries.

Let Wilshire Law Help You

By choosing Wilshire Law Firm, you’re selecting a team devoted to your cause, providing customized legal support tailored to your specific circumstances. 

Our track record of over $1 billion in favorable results for our clients speaks to our dedication and experience. We work tirelessly to ensure that you obtain the compensation you’re entitled to for the challenges you’ve endured.

If you’ve been in an accident, don’t hesitate. Reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation. 

Allow us to alleviate the legal burdens so you can concentrate on what matters most – your recovery and well-being. Count on us to be your advocate and guide as you pursue the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

Call us at (213) 712-4459.

Our San Francisco Location

Wilshire Law Firm

75 Broadway, Suite 202
San Francisco, CA 94111
Tel: (415) 968-4279