In California, injured dog bite victims can sue the dog’s owner or whoever was responsible for the dog at the time of the incident. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, then you can file a lawsuit to recover damages for your medical bills, mental trauma, and missed time at work. California is a strict liability state, which means that dog owners are liable for the damages caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression in the past or not, according to California Civil Code Section 3342 (a). For legal representation concerning your dog bite incident, contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
How Much Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in California?
There is no specific limit to how much compensation an injured victim can sue for a dog bite incident. Dog bite victims can sue the owner, as well as other responsible parties, for the full extent of their damages, which can range from a thousand dollars to well over $1,000,000, depending on the severity of damages.
The best way to understand the value of your case is to discuss your situation with a Dog Bite Lawyer today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our firm works directly with accident victims to help them get compensated to the full extent of their damages.
Dog Bite Settlement Amounts in California
There is no exact settlement amount for a dog bite claim since each incident varies significantly on various factors such as:
- Extent of damages
- Insurance coverage limit
- Determination of fault
When it comes to your dog bite settlement, the details of your case matter. For example, if you only sustained minor injuries from the attack or you were partially liable for the incident. Partial liability in California does not mean you are not entitled to compensation. It only means your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the incident. So, when considering settlements for a dog bite incident, they will generally fall into three categories. These include:
- Low Settlements: minor accidents with little to no injuries can result in a low settlement in the low thousands to cover damage done to your vehicle and medical bill to treat minor injuries.
- Moderate Settlements: moderate settlements can range anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. These dog bite cases usually involve medical treatment for significant injuries, some missed work, and longer recovery periods.
- High Settlements: high settlements typically involve dog bite incidents with severe injuries, long-term medical treatment, permanent disabilities, or fatalities. Settlements can be substantial, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars and up to millions of dollars.
What is the Statute of Limitations on a Dog Bite Case in California?
A dog bite case falls under personal injury law. So, much like all personal injury cases, the victim of the injury has two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim. The two year statute of limitation is covered in California Civil Code 335.1, which states:
“Within two years: An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.”
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations in California
In most cases, the statute of limitations for dog bite accidents begins on the date the injury took place. However, the time can vary based on the following facts:
- Injuries: An injury can take time to form or for the injured victim to become aware of their injury. The discovery of an injury can postpone the start date for the statute of limitations on a claim.
- Wrongful death: a person may lose their life at a much later date due to health complications from the accident. In this case, the victim’s family will be given two years from the day they lost their loved one to file a claim.
- The victim was a minor: if the victim was a minor at the time of the attack, the statute of limitations will be withheld until the minor turns 18. Once the dog bite victim is 18, the two-year statute of limitations will start.
Contact a Dog Bite Liability Lawyer
If you’ve sustained injuries from a dog bite or your dog has bitten another person, it is advisable to speak with a dog bite liability lawyer about the incident. At Maison Law, we prioritize the safety and well-being of dog owners and dog bite victims alike. Our team of liability attorneys will help you understand the legal avenues available to you and recommend the best course of action to reach a successful outcome. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront costs and you don’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case.
