If you have been hurt in a dog bite attack, you may feel panicked as you find out that the owner of the dog does not have insurance. What does this mean for you if you have extensive medical bills that you cannot afford on your own or have had to miss out on time at work? Recovering damages may be your main concern during these difficult times, which is why it may be necessary to speak with a lawyer that you can trust.
Our lawyers at Maison Law are here to represent you from start to finish when it comes to your dog bite attack claim. It can be overwhelming to face a dog bite attack, especially when serious injuries have resulted. We are here to provide you with resources you need and receive legal recourse during these difficult times. Please contact a California dog bite lawyer immediately after the attack for more information on your rights and options.
Understanding Strict Liability in Dog Bite Attacks
California follows strict liability laws, which means that a dog owner will automatically be liable for the damages that stem from a dog bite attack. If you want to be successful in a claim, however, you will have to prove that the circumstances leading up to the dog attack make the owner liable for your damages. This means proving the following aspects:
- The dog owner legally owns the dog
- The dog was actually responsible for your attack/bites
- You were not trespassing at the time of the dog attack
The Reality of Owner Insurance in Dog Bite Incidents
It is important to remember that many dog owners do not carry liability insurance for their pets when they sign up for homeowner’s insurance coverage. Dog owners are typically deterred from this type of insurance due to the fact that it could cost them in the long run. Even when a dog owner does carry the correct insurance, it may be too little.
Because dog bites could cost thousands of dollars in damages, you may discover that your damages couldn’t be covered under their insurance after all. This means that you will have no choice but to bring a claim against the liable party.
Bringing a Personal Injury Claim Against a Party After a Dog Attack
If there is no insurance that can cover you when you have received a dog bite, you could be left holding an owner personally liable. This means that they will be left to pay for your damages out of their pocket or with their equity. Because it can be difficult to determine how you will receive your damages in a timely manner, speaking with a lawyer may be in your best interests.
There are other parties who could be held liable and may owe you damages in your dog bite attack claim as well. For instance, landlords should know about any hazards so that they can be remedied and those who enter a property can be kept safe from harm. The case could also call for a premises liability claim if the incident happened on a store property. There are plenty of circumstances involved in these incidents and many parties who could be held liable so that you receive the compensation that you need to get back on your feet.
Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer
After you have been bitten by a dog due to the negligence of another party, you may be feeling confused and alone. It is not uncommon to be left with hundreds or thousands of dollars in bills, as well as painful injuries. A California dog bite lawyer can help you through these difficult times, helping you hold an irresponsible dog owner liable for the harm that they have caused.
After a bite, we want to speak with you at Maison Law to ensure that you understand what you are facing in your personal injury claim. We offer you a free and completely confidential case review. We want you to get back to your normal life as quickly as possible, so please do not hesitate to contact us today.
