Maison Law helps dog bite victims in California, even those that happen at family gatherings. The holidays are usually the most popular time of year for family gatherings and since dog bites most often happen at home, it unfortunately means that a dog bite could happen at one of these get-togethers. If it does, you have certain legal options that our team can help you with. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Who’s Responsible When There’s a Dog Bite at a Family Holiday Gathering?
In California, dog owners are legally responsible if their dog injures someone, including family members. This is due to the concept of “strict liability,” which makes it clear who is responsible for covering your injuries–in this case, the family member who owns the dog that bit you during the holiday gathering.
While you may not want to take legal action against a family member, you still have the right to file a claim for damages through:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
The goal is to get financial support for your recovery and any losses caused by the injury. Even a minor dog bite can lead to more serious complications, and California law allows you to recover damages that include things like:
- Medical expenses – This covers current and future costs for treatments like hospital visits, surgeries, and therapy.
- Lost wages – These damages are for any income you lose while recovering from the injury.
- Pain and suffering – This covers the physical and mental toll of the bite and of the situation. You can also get related damages for your emotional distress.
- Scarring or disfigurement – If the dog bite results in permanent damage or scarring, this covers those costs.
- Loss of quality of life – These damages relate to changes in your ability to enjoy activities or the strain on your family relationships.
In California, you usually have two years to file a claim, but starting sooner helps protect evidence and strengthen your case. Dog bites can cause serious problems, like deep wounds or infections, so getting financial support quickly is important for your recovery and well-being. At the same time, though, there’s different circumstances when it happens at a family member’s house during the holidays. So, you might want to take a slightly different approach.
How Should You Approach a Dog Bite at a Family Holiday Gathering?
Being bitten by a dog is never easy, especially during a family holiday celebration. Even if the dog is used to you, such gatherings can be overwhelming for them because of all the commotion and festivities. If a bite happens, it’s important to handle the situation thoughtfully, keeping both your recovery and your family dynamic in mind:
- Stay calm and talk it out – Avoid panicking and calmly explain that filing a claim is about covering medical costs, not placing blame on anyone.
- Check the insurance policy – Work with your family member to report the incident to their homeowner’s insurance, which often covers dog bite injuries.
- Document everything – Take pictures of your injuries, keep medical bills, and note any missed work to help with your claim.
- Be understanding – Remember, accidents happen, especially during busy holidays. Focus on your recovery and approach the situation with compassion.
A holiday gathering should be a time for joy, and while a dog bite can certainly mar things, handling it with care and consideration can help everyone move forward more easily. And remember, you can also turn to our experienced team to make sure both you and your family members are taken care of.
Contact Maison Law After a Dog Bite at a Family Holiday Gathering in California
A dog bite at a family holiday gathering in California can be tough for everyone involved. Whether the injury is minor or serious, it’s important to understand your options and handle the situation carefully.
Our team at Maison Law is here to make things easier for you and your family. We can:
- Explain your rights and guide you through your options
- Work directly with your family member and their insurance company to resolve things fairly
- Take care of gathering evidence and handling paperwork so you don’t have to
- Focus on protecting family relationships while making sure you get the support you need
You don’t have to go through this situation alone. Let us handle the hard parts so you can focus on your recovery and enjoy time with your loved ones. Contact us today for a free consultation.
