Maison Law represents victims of dog bite accidents. Dog bites can be a traumatic experience that can be physically, mentally, and financially damaging. If you or a loved one were injured from a dog bite by a negligent owner, contact Maison Law today for a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer after a Dog Bite?
If you’ve sustained injuries from a dog bite that:
- Was completely or partially caused by another person
- Was not provoked or the injured person wasn’t trespassing
- Requires a hospital stay
- Requires follow-up visits
- Forces you to miss time from work
- Forces you to miss out on things you enjoy in life
- Otherwise impacts your life financially or causes you a significant inconvenience
You should seek legal assistance immediately to protect your rights, recover compensation for your damages, and receive treatment for your injuries. Oftentimes, insurance companies will look to settle fast, resulting in victims only receiving 10% – 20% of total damages. An experienced dog bite lawyer can get you fully compensated while dealing with the insurance companies on your behalf, so you can focus on recovering.
Who is Liable for a Dog Bite Injury?
California is a strict liability dog bite state. That means owners are responsible when their dog attacks someone. In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowners insurance will cover your claim. Don’t expect them to treat you fairly though, they may even try to blame you for your injuries. Whether you were bitten at El Chorro Dog Park or just while visiting a family member, contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
In California’s Civil Code “Liability of Dog Owner for Damages Suffered From Dog Bite,” section 3342 states:
“The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
It all hinges on California’s legal concept of dog bite “strict liability.” This means State law holds dog owners accountable when their dogs bite someone, even if the dog has never shown aggression before. The dog owner is almost always liable. There is no “one bite rule” like in some states where a dog owner isn’t liable for the first bite incident a dog has.
Here is a list of exceptions that cancel strict liability:
- If you were trespassing when you were bit
- You were provoking the dog
- If a police or military dog bites you in the line of duty
- You were working as a veterinarian or vet assistant
If you do file a lawsuit against the owner of a dog that bit you and left you with significant injuries, it is the owner’s insurance that will be paying the cost of your medicals, pain, and suffering, and lost wages. The owner of the dog will not have to compensate you for anything. So, if you know the dog owner personally, you do not have to worry about impacting them financially when it comes to being compensated for your injury.
What to do After a Serious Dog Bite?
Seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries appear minor, you must get medical attention as soon as possible in case there is an underlying infection or the wound gets worse. Nothing is more important than your health and safety!
Report the incident to police or animal control. Having a record of the accident will be pertinent to your case if you sustain life-altering injuries. Consult a lawyer to understand your legal rights and file a claim. Filing a claim will let the dog owner’s insurance know they must deal with your attorney instead of relying on you to handle the matter without legal representation.
What if you get bit at a dog park?
Say you’re enjoying the lakefront and barbecuing at Laguna Dog Park. You go to pull a burger off the grill and a dog jumps up and bites your hand in an attempt to steal some dinner. You’re able to pull your hand away, but the damage is done. The next thing you know, you have stitches in your hand, you’re getting a tetanus shot, and you have to call out of work. In this case, California’s “strict liability” dog bite law holds the dog owner responsible for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and time you were forced to miss at work.
Dog bite victims should file a claim through a trusted law firm to request financial support for:
- Current and future medical care
- Permanent disfigurement or physical disability
- Lost wages from missed work
- Ambulance assistance, doctor appointments, and surgical procedures
- Pain and suffering
FAQs
Q: What happens when you report a dog bite in California?
A: When you report a dog bite in California, the report goes to the local health officer or the officer’s designee. It has to be made immediately. Reports must be made whenever someone is bitten in a “rabies area.” The director of the State Department of Health Services declares which counties of California are rabies areas.
Q: What happens to the dog after they have bitten someone?
A: California State law requires that any domestic mammal that has bitten a person, or that has potentially been exposed to rabies through contact with a wild animal, be quarantined and observed for signs of rabies infection.
Q: What is the average compensation for a dog bite in California?
A: The damages awarded in a dog bite case depend on the severity of the damages you sustain. Once you’ve spoken to an experienced dog bite lawyer, your compensation will be much easier to determine.
Contact a San Luis Obispo Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a loved one are hurt due to a dog owner’s negligence in a public or private environment, please contact Maison Law for a free, no-risk consultation to all victims and their family members. Unlike other law firms, we do not require any upfront money. We work on a contingency basis, so we do not get paid unless you win. Our fee only comes out of the settlement money, paid for by the insurance company. At Maison Law, we have the resources to give you peace of mind when going through a traumatic life event and the resources to get you compensated for your pain and suffering.
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