Maison Law represents Visalia dog bite victims who have sustained severe and life-altering hand injuries. We understand that the bills may be piling up and you may not be able to return to work for some time due to your injury. Our dedicated team of attorneys will stand by your side through the legal process, answering any questions that you have along the way. Please contact us today for a no-obligation and completely free case consultation to get started.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite on the Hand?
In cases where injuries and property damage are minor, you may not need the help of a lawyer to help you achieve the best outcome in your case. However, if your dog bite injuries are serious, it can be beneficial to speak with a Visalia dog bite injury lawyer to discuss your options.
Dealing with the insurance company on your own is not feasible if you have suffered extensive bills and an impact on your everyday life. The insurance adjuster working on your claim may try to pin the blame on you or convince you that your injuries are not as severe as you say they are. A skilled attorney can investigate your claim from start to finish and ensure that you obtain maximum compensation for the losses you have sustained.
How Do Visalia Dog Bites Cause Hand Injuries?
Even though a dog can make a suitable and loving companion, there are times when a dog may bite somebody. This is especially true when a dog is not being properly supervised or is feeling threatened. With several parks and trails in and around Visalia, there are many opportunities where you could come into contact with a dog and its owner, which are also opportunities for bites to occur.
When a dog bites, it could go for the closest body part. In many cases, individuals protect themselves with their hands, which means that a hand could be bitten in seconds. Due to the force of a dog’s bite, there are many bones in the hand and fingers that could be crushed. Fractures, loss of fingers, and torn tendons or ligaments are common injuries that occur when an individual is bitten by a dog on their hand.
On top of the recovery from a broken hand, there are other risks to a victim as well. Ongoing nerve damage, infection, and permanent scarring can certainly result from one of these injuries. A hand injury could require an extended hospital stay, time away from work, and ongoing therapy – which can impact a victim’s life in many ways.
Who is Responsible for My Broken Hand Caused by a Dog Bite?
California follows what is known as “strict liability” in dog bite cases under California Code Section 3342. This means that dog owners are liable for the injuries that their pet causes to another person. This is true even if the dog has never bitten somebody in the past.
A dog owner could be liable for a bite if the following are true:
- Their dog’s bite caused damages to a victim
- The person who was bitten was lawfully in a public or private place and not trespassing at the time of the attack
What Damages Could I Receive in a Dog Bite Case?
The damage that results from a dog bite to the hand can be extraordinary. You may have suffered from immense losses and the injury could follow you through life, impacting it in many ways. Some of the damages that you may be able to request in a claim include the following:
- Medical expenses you have incurred due to your injury
- Medical bills you may incur in the future
- Permanent disability
- Travel costs to and from your doctor’s appointments
- Lost income and future loss of income due to missed time at work
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages
In California, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims is two years from the time of your injury. You should never delay seeking legal help, as you could miss out on financial opportunities if you do not file in time.
Contact a Visalia Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Trying to understand dog bite injury laws in California on your own can be chaotic and confusing. Luckily, our Visalia dog bite injury lawyers at Maison Law are here for you every step of the way as you navigate the legal system. We will help you gather evidence and hold responsible parties accountable for the harm that a dog bite injury caused you. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a no-obligation and completely free case review.
