Maison Law helps anyone that’s been injured in a dog bite incident in Salinas. Whenever you’re out for a run in Maple Park or South Salinas, you probably don’t expect to get bitten by a dog. Yet, because interactions with dogs are so plentiful here, there’s always the chance this can happen. This might bring up questions about your legal options, and our Salinas dog bite lawyers will be there to answer them. To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation.
Do You Need a Lawyer in This Situation?
It’s not a legal requirement to have a lawyer for an injury claim in Salinas, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need one. Dog bites, especially ones that happen to you while you’re running or moving, can lead to serious injuries. If you’re in that situation, you can really benefit from having our lawyers on your side. Here’s how we can help you:
- Free case evaluation – We’ll assess your situation and explain your legal options.
- Looking into your case – We’ll explain how fault works and figure out who has to pay for your damages.
- Evidence gathering – We’ll collect medical records, photos, and anything else you need for a strong claim.
- Legal representation – We’ll handle the legal process, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Being out for a run in Salinas doesn’t protect you from a dog bite. If you’re a victim, understanding how the claims process works in these situations is very important.
What Claim Options Do You Have After Being Bitten by a Dog while Running?
Being bitten by a dog while running doesn’t change your legal options. To recover damages in a claim, you can either:
- File an insurance claim
- File a personal injury lawsuit
Whichever option is best for you depends on your needs. The insurance process is less formal, and wraps up more quickly. However, it’s totally controlled by the insurance company. This means they get to decide how much they want to offer you in a settlement–if they offer you a settlement at all. And their number one priority is to save costs, so they’ll frequently try to give you less than what your claim is worth.
On the other hand, a lawsuit takes much more time and effort from you. But it also gives you a fairer chance at recovering financial support because it’s overseen by an impartial judge, and is based on the evidence you can provide.
But both options are designed ato allow you to recover certain “damages.” These are closely related to your injuries, but ultimately comes down to the following:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost income or earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for any damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
Remember, you have two years from the date of the injury to file your claim. Missing this deadline can result in you not being able to file a claim or recover damages at all.
Who Pays For Your Damages in a Dog Bite Claim in Salinas?
Probably the most important aspect of any dog bite in Salinas is that California law is pretty clear when it comes to liability. Under the law, dog owners are:
- “Strictly liable” for any injuries or damage caused by their dog, regardless of the owner’s foreknowledge.
So, it doesn’t matter what the situation is: if you’re bitten by a dog in Salinas, the dog’s owner is the one that’s going to be responsible for paying for your damages.
Now, there are specific circumstances that may influence your options. For example, if the bite occurred in Maple Park or Natividad Creek Park, premises liability may apply. Thus, the city’s parks department or others that are involved could share some liability.
Then, there’s California’s comparative negligence rule, which means your damages can be reduced if you contributed to the incident. Actions like trespassing or provoking the dog could impact your claim’s outcome. With that in mind, it’s important to do what you can to strengthen your claim.
What Can You Do to Strengthen Your Claim?
It’s certainly true that a dog bite is always unfortunate, no matter what the situation is. When you’re running, your injuries can be worse, but you still have to actually go through the claims process to get your damages. Moreover, even though liability is usually pretty clear, you still have to put together a strong claim. Here’s how you can do that:
- Get to safety – Move away from the dog to protect yourself. Stay calm and check the bite. If it’s minor, you might be able to treat it on your own.
- Find the dog’s owner – If possible, note details about the dog and its owner. Remember where it happened, especially if it was in a Salinas neighborhood.
- Get medical care – Even if the bite seems small, get medical attention. You might need stitches or a tetanus shot, and a doctor can check for infections.
- Report to animal services – Let Salinas Animal Services know about the bite. They can check the dog’s bite history, if there is one, and make sure that future bites don’t happen.
- Document everything from the bite – Take pictures of the bite, the dog, and where it happened. This is very important information for when you file your claim.
The severity of the bite will guide your next steps. For minor bites, you can likely handle it with basic medical care. However, if the injury is more serious or the experience was particularly traumatic, you’re going to need to go through the legal process. But the circumstances are also important, so it’s important to look at what can happen to you in these incidents.
What Injuries Result From Salinas Dog Bites When You’re Running?
Dog bites are a constant risk in Salinas, even with well-trained dogs. Any dog might instinctively chase you while you’re running, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid going for a run. Still, when you do get bitten in this scenario, here’s what you could be facing:
- Deep puncture wounds, particularly on your feet, ankles, and legs
- Damage to nerves
- Torn muscles
- Lacerations and bruises
- Head injuries from falling or being knocked over
- Increased risk of infections
Again, you never want to be bitten by a dog. However, when you’re on a run, any dog can give in to its nature and try to chase you. This can cause a chain reaction where you’re knocked down and further injured. All of this is unfortunate, given the circumstances, but remember that you have legal options. Our team will be there to guide you through this process.
Contact Maison Law If You’re Bitten By a Dog While Running in Salinas
Dog bites are an unfortunate reality in Salinas, and it’s especially frustrating when they occur because a dog wasn’t properly leashed or trained. If you’re bitten while out on a run, the consequences can be long-lasting for both you and your family. Our dedicated team of dog bite lawyers at Maison Law is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and begin the recovery process.
