Maison Law guides dog bite victims through the legal process in California. A dog bite is frustrating and scary, and that’s even before you go through filing a claim. While there’s no easy answer for how long your claim will take since every case is different, our team can give you support throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us answer your questions.
How Long Will My Dog Bite Claim Take?
There’s no denying that a dog bite is incredibly scary, whether it happens to you or you witness one. And while there’s a lot of different variables in play, the end result usually means pretty substantial injuries and other losses that you have to deal with.
Filing a civil claim is the best way to do this, but it also means going through the claims process. And there’s no telling how long your particular claim will take. It simply depends on things like:
- Severity of the bite – If the dog bite caused minor injuries and the case is straightforward, the claim might be resolved quickly. However, if the injuries are severe or the dog has a history of aggression, it can take longer to settle. Plus, while dog owners are “strictly liable” for any damage, if the bite happens at a park or on a public sidewalk, it means others might be involved.
- Amount of evidence – The more evidence you have–such as medical records, photos of your injuries, and witness statements–the stronger your claim. While gathering evidence can take time, it often leads to a better outcome.
- Extent of your injuries – Serious injuries requiring long-term treatment take more time to document and calculate for compensation. However, these claims often result in higher payouts because of the extensive damages involved.
Basically, the timeline for your dog bite claim can range from weeks to months–or even longer for more complex cases. While some claims settle quickly, yours might need additional investigation or a longer claims process.
What’s the Claims Process After a Dog Bite?
As you can probably tell, the claims process after a dog bite is pretty important in terms of you being able to recover from your injuries and get “damages.” But part of the reason that there’s such variability in the amount of time your claim will take has a lot to do with your options. Generally, you can either file:
- An insurance claim – The first step is to file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance (like homeowner’s or renter’s insurance). An adjuster will review your case and often offer a settlement. Insurance claims are quicker and less expensive, but the settlement may not fully cover your injuries or losses. The final amount depends totally on how the insurance company sees the claim.
- A lawsuit – If the insurance settlement is too low (which is what usually happens), you can file a lawsuit. This takes longer and involves more effort but can result in a higher settlement. We can handle all the legal details, from paperwork to court representation, to make sure your claim is as strong as possible.
While there’s no guarantee of success, our experienced team works hard to get you a fair result for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and whatever else you’ve lost.
Remember, you only have two years to file your dog bite claim. Missing this deadline may prevent you from getting damages, so it’s important to act fast. Plus, the sooner you file your claim, the sooner it will ultimately wrap up.
How Can Maison Law Help You Through a Dog Bite Claim in California?
Getting bitten by a dog is always a traumatic experience, no matter where it happens. It’s a situation you don’t want to find yourself in, but is unfortunately common given the amount of dogs you come into contact with in your everyday life.
When you get bitten, it gives you certain options. If it’s a minor injury, legal action may not be necessary. However, if you’re seriously hurt or things are more complicated, that’s when we can help. Our team at Maison Law is experienced with California’s dog bite laws and will guide you through every step of the process by:
- Explaining your rights
- Helping you understand your options
- Working with insurance companies to get you financial support for your injuries
We’ll also evaluate your claim to figure out the most efficient path forward to get the compensation you need to get better. Our goal is to make the legal process as easy as possible, so you can focus on recovering while we handle the legal details. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in California, contact us today for a free consultation to start the process.
