At Maison Law, our attorneys offer representation to runners who have been injured due to dog bites. We believe that injured victims should be able to retain financial support as they work on their physical recovery following an accident. Many people enjoy running in Bakersfield and should never have to worry about an injury causing devastation in their lives. Please contact us to find out how we can help you and to receive a no-obligation case review after an accident.
Who is Responsible if I’m Bitten on a Run in Bakersfield?
When it comes to dog bite injuries in Bakersfield and throughout the rest of California, the state follows what is known as “strict liability.” This means that, in almost all cases involving dog bites, an owner is held responsible for their dog biting anybody. Even if the dog has no prior history of dog bites, the owner could still be liable when a runner is bitten almost under all circumstances.
To be successful in a personal injury claim, however, you must show that the following elements are true:
- You were not trespassing at the time of the bite.
- You must not have provoked the dog in any way.
- You must have suffered an actual bite.
If you are a runner who was injured due to a dog bite incident in Bakersfield, it can be beneficial to have the help of an attorney on your side to protect your rights. Your lawyer will know to file a claim with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance and, if that falls through, file a personal injury claim to help you recover.
If You Were Knocked Down by a Dog While Running
Another type of accident that commonly occurs involving dogs and runners is when a runner is knocked down by a dog while they are outside. There have been many cases over the years where a dog knocks down a runner or causes the runner to jog into traffic when they become frightened by a dog. Do the same rules apply in these cases as they apply to bite cases?
The truth is, it is easier to prove a dog bite claim, as there is typically proof of an injury. The burden of proof is higher in a case where you are knocked down by a dog, as you would have to show that your injuries were actually caused by you being knocked over by a dog. This may be difficult to do if there were no witnesses to the accident. If you can successfully show that a dog caused your injuries, the owner could be liable for any damages that you have suffered as a result of the accident.
Compensation Available to Runners After a Dog Bite Injury
When a runner is bitten by a dog, they could suffer a wide array of injuries that keep them from work or enjoying their favorite activities for some time. Victims could suffer scrapes, bruises, head trauma, broken bones, and more after they have been attacked by a dog. There are many types of damages that may be available for you after one of these accidents, which include the following:
- Medical expenses you have obtained or can expect to obtain in the future
- Permanent disability caused by your accident
- Physical pain and emotional distress damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Replacement of lost income if you are unable to return to work
- Wrongful death benefits for a family if a victim lost their life in an accident
Having a lawyer on your side can ensure that no benefits are left out in regards to your claim. The insurance company may try to offer you as little as possible in your claim, which is why you can benefit from the help of an experienced lawyer.
Contact a Bakersfield Runner Accident Lawyer Today
In Bakersfield and other areas of California, you have options when you have been hurt in a dog bite incident as a runner. You have two years from the time of your injury to bring a claim for a variety of damages that can help you back onto your feet. However, it is not uncommon to feel lost and alone after an accident, especially when you have not faced one in the past.
At Maison Law, our Bakersfield runner accident lawyers offer our assistance to those who have been hurt in accidents caused by the negligence of others. We will help you maximize your compensation so that you do not miss out on any financial opportunities. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a no-risk and no-obligation case consultation.
