A frightening dog bite incident might occur at a place you know well. You or your child may suffer a wound at a friend’s house or a family gathering. You may feel uneasy about filing an injury claim to get help. But if you are able to get support to help pay your medical expenses, that money will come from the dog owner’s insurance company, not directly from the friend.
If you are injured in a dog attack, you should seek help with emergency room and doctor bills before you’re in danger of bankruptcy. A skilled Turlock Dog Bite Lawyer can help you hold an insurance company accountable and make sure you have the money you need to fully recover. Maison Law offers a free case consultation for all dog bite victims.
Dog Bite Dangers at Stanislaus County Parties and Gatherings
When homeowners invite people over for a party or just for a cup of tea, they are responsible for the safety of their guests. If they have dogs, they must crate them or put them in a separate room in order to prevent a bad situation. If owners don’t, they must accept responsibility if someone gets hurt.
They are financially liable for any bites that occur, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Dogs may be friendly, but in an encounter with an unknown person or with a large crowd, they may become confused, frightened, or protective. Any dog can lash out with a powerful bite.
Sadly, children visiting homes are often the victims of dangerous bites. Their curiosity and lack of good judgment may put a dog in a vulnerable position. However, the dog owner would still be liable for a bite.
Who Is Responsible After a Dog Bite in Someone’s Home or Yard?
In California, except for a few exceptions, dog owners are generally always responsible for the consequences of dog bites. These bites fall under the concept of “strict liability.”
California’s Civil Code CCC 3342a explains:
“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 means that dog owners are generally liable for the damage a dog causes with a bite, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
However, dog bite victims probably can’t win support for their recoveries if they provoked the dog in some way or were trespassing when they were bitten.
Of course, in the case of a bite that happens at a family member’s or friend’s house, victims likely wouldn’t be trespassing. They were probably invited in. It’s also important to note that young children aren’t regarded as having the capacity to show good judgment around a dog. If they were thought to have provoked the dog, the owner could still be held liable for not keeping the dog out of the area.
Strict liability makes it easier for victims to hold dog owners accountable and seek financial assistance in paying for the best medical care available and any physical therapy needed.
But sometimes insurance companies representing the dog owner can attempt to slip out of responsibility by blaming the victim in some way. A Turlock dog bite lawyer would back a claim with strong evidence showing who was responsible.
Would My Family Member Be Affected If I Filed a Dog Bite Claim?
Dog bite victims may feel unsure about filing an insurance claim against a friend or family member after an accident at someone’s house or on their property. However, that’s not the way to think about it.
Your bite injury claim would be filed against the friend’s homeowners insurance or renter’s insurance. The insurance company would be responsible for helping victims pay for their medical bills and replacing lost paychecks while unable to work.
The claim would generally not affect the family member directly. The pet owner may see insurance premiums rise afterward. But that owner should want victims to be able to pay for the best care available without having financial problems. It’s what homeowners pay their premiums for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a dog bite injury claim in California?
You have two years to file a dog bite claim in California. But you should explore your options as soon as possible. This gives your attorney the chance to move quickly to secure fresh evidence and track down witnesses.
What if I can’t afford a dog bite lawyer after getting bitten at someone’s house?
You won’t need any money to hire Maison Law. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the dog bite settlement money you are awarded.
What kinds of things can earn compensation in a dog bite settlement?
Victims can earn money to pay all of their current medical expenses and those expected in the future. They can ask for help with supporting their families if they are too injured to return to work and begin to miss paychecks. The pain victims endure and the emotional trauma they may face can also increase the size of an insurance settlement check.
Contact a Turlock Dog Bite Attorney
California law allows dog bite victims up to two years from the date of the accident to file an injury claim. You shouldn’t delay when you’ve suffered a serious injury. It’s easier for your lawyer to collect evidence to help negotiate with insurance companies if not too much time has passed.
After you or a loved one has suffered a serious dog bite, reach out to a Turlock Dog Bite Lawyer to discuss your case, free of charge. It’s a no-risk opportunity to find out about all the benefits available to you and how to hold an insurance company fully responsible.
You won’t need any upfront money if you decide we can help you earn the most for your dog bite wound and recovery. If you hire us, we don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the insurance settlement check you receive.
