At Maison Law, we understand how overwhelming it can be to endure a dog attack. Being bitten by a dog is a traumatic event that not only affects victims physically but can also have a financial impact on their life. As a victim of one of these incidents, you deserve to understand your rights in full and receive maximum support so that you can get back on your feet. Please do not hesitate to contact a California dog bite lawyer as soon as possible for assistance every step of the way.
When Criminal Charges Can Result from a California Dog Bite
In California, dog owners are responsible for what their dog does. This is why California follows what is known as “strict liability” laws regarding dog bites. These laws state that a dog owner is liable for the actions of their dog under almost all circumstances, no matter what history the dog has.
If a dog injures somebody, it is possible that a California dog owner could also face criminal charges. However, this is only if the court deems their dog especially “vicious” or “dangerous” under California law. Criminal charges can result if it can be proven that the owner:
- Knew their dog was prone to dangerous behavior
- Failed to keep their dog under control
If a victim was seriously injured due to a dog bite, an owner could be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. However, if a victim dies due to a dog attack, it is always considered a felony crime under California Penal Code 399.
Will a Criminal Case Affect My Right to Damages?
As the victim of a California dog bite, you may wonder if you still have the right to seek damages if criminal charges are brought against a dog owner. It is normal to fear this, as your financial recovery is vital and you should not have to deal with the stress of bills that you did not ask for.
Even if criminal charges are filed against an owner due to a dog bite, you as an injured victim are still able to sue the owner for your damages. This means that, regardless of the criminal charges, you can still receive support for some of the following:
- Medical expenses you have incurred or expect to incur
- Lost wages or future time missed at work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death damages for a family if a loved one lost their life
You have many rights and options under California law as a victim of a serious dog bite incident. This is why it is crucial that you speak with a legal advocate about your rights so that you understand what you are facing along the way.
Why Speaking with a California Dog Bite Lawyer is Important
Though you can bring a lawsuit on your own, it is not recommended that you handle one without the help of an experienced dog bite lawyer. This is due to the fact that California dog bite laws can be highly complex and you may be able to maximize the amount of support you receive if you have a lawyer on your side who knows the ins and outs of settlement and trial.
Speaking with an attorney can benefit you in many ways, especially when it comes to the following:
- Having somebody to work with who can examine all of the evidence in your case
- Having somebody on your side who knows experts who can assist you
- Giving you a rough estimation of how much your claim might be worth based on the circumstances
- Helping you to negotiate with the insurance company to get higher damages
You never want to delay when it comes to bringing your claim, as the statute of limitations on personal injury claims is two years in California. This means that you have two years from the time you discover your injury to bring a case before you are barred from doing so.
Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer Today
A dog bite can certainly be severe enough to consider it a “crime” based on the circumstances. It can also be a traumatic and life-altering event for those involved. If you have fallen victim to a severe dog bite attack, you may wonder what options you have.
At Maison Law, our dedicated and compassionate California dog bite lawyers understand the strain you may be feeling in all aspects of your life after a dog attack. We will fight by your side to demand the financial support you need to move forward after one of these incidents. A liable party should always be responsible for your bills at this time. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a completely free case review at no obligation to you.
