Maison Law helps dog bite victims through the claims process in California by answering their questions. One of the major questions for victims with child support or other responsibilities is simple: can my settlement be garnished? The answer depends on the situation, but our team can guide you through the entire process and make sure your rights are protected. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.
Will My Dog Bite Settlement Be Garnished?
When you’re bitten by a dog and you file a claim, the goal is to get a settlement that covers your losses. In real terms, it provides you with a much-needed financial boost, especially when you’re dealing with more serious injuries.
If you owe child support or have tax liens in California, you might worry about how your settlement will be impacted–if at all. In California, your settlement can only be garnished to cover outstanding payments, or a percentage could be garnished if there’s a court order in place. Outside of these two things, it’s usually protected from being taken.
But remember, every case is different, so it’s important to know your rights and how the claims process works. By getting the most out of your settlement, you can cover medical bills, take care of yourself, and make sure your back payments don’t interfere with your recovery.
What Can I Do to Strengthen My Injury Claim After a Dog Bite?
Just because your settlement is largely protected from being garnished in California doesn’t mean you can just coast–you’re still likely dealing with pretty serious medical bills and other losses. So, you want to get the most out of the claims process that you can, and that means taking certain steps right after the bite happens to lay the foundation for your claim:
- Get medical care right away – Your health should always be the first priority after a dog bite. Get away from the dog, then call 911 or go to an ER to get medical care for your injuries.
- Find the dog’s owner – Get the owner’s name and contact information. You’ll need this to file a claim.
- Report the bite – Tell animal control, the police, or the property manager. This creates a record of the incident.
- Collect evidence – Take pictures of your injuries and where it happened. Talk to witnesses and save their statements.
- Save medical records – Keep all bills and notes from doctors, hospitals, and medications to show your expenses.
Following these steps helps you heal and makes it easier to get the financial support you need. But remember, you still have to actually go through the claims process to get damages. This means either filing an insurance claim or a full lawsuit. Regardless of what option you choose, our California dog bite lawyers will be there to help you.
Contact Maison Law After You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog in California
Dog bites are never easy to deal with, and while California law protects victims, not every case requires a lawyer–especially if your injuries are minor. But if you’ve been seriously hurt or have other responsibilities to deal with, having legal help can make a big difference. Here’s how we can help you through this situation:
- Understanding your options – We’ll review your situation and explain your legal rights and next steps.
- Gathering evidence and insurance details – We’ll collect the proof you need and identify whose insurance should cover your damages.
- Handling your claim – From paperwork to negotiations, we’ll take care of the process so you can focus on recovery.
Our goal is to make things easier for you and your family during this challenging time. A dog bite is never something you plan for, but it’s important to know how to protect yourself when it happens. By working with our team, all of your energy can go to your health while we handle your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident in California.
