CALIFORNIA DOG BITE ATTORNEYS

The cost of hiring a dog bite lawyer can vary depending on several factors, including the attorney’s experience, reputation, location, and the complexity of the case. Dog bite lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including dog bite claims.

The amount of money a person can receive for a dog bite injury can vary widely depending on several factors. When seeking compensation for a dog bite, individuals typically pursue damages through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. The following factors can influence the potential amount of compensation:

• Severity of Injuries
• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering
• Property Damage Repairs
• Comparative
• Insurance Coverage
• Permanent scarring, disfigurement or disability
• Death Benefit

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a dog bite in California is generally two years from the date of the dog bite incident. This means that the injured person has two years from the date of the dog bite to initiate a lawsuit against the dog owner or other responsible parties for compensation related to the injuries and damages.

It’s essential to understand the statute of limitations because if you fail to file a lawsuit within the specified timeframe, you may lose your right to pursue legal action and seek compensation through the court system.

Dog bite injuries can vary in severity, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious, life-threatening injuries. In California, as in other places, the types of dog bite injuries that can occur include:

• Puncture Wounds
• Lacerations
• Abrasions and Contusions
• Nerve Damage
• Bone Fractures
• Infections
• Scarring and Disfigurement
• Emotional Trauma
• Risk of Disease Transmission

Dog bites can occur for various reasons, and understanding the common causes can help raise awareness and promote responsible pet ownership. In California, like in many other places, some common causes of dog bites include:

• Lack of Proper Socialization
• Protective Instinct
• Fear or Anxiety
• Provocation
• Pain or Injury
• Resource Guarding
• Protective Mother
• Lack of Training or Control
• Health Issues
• Previous Negative Experiences

In California, the responsibility for paying after a dog bite incident typically falls on the dog owner. The state follows a “strict liability” rule when it comes to dog bites, meaning that the owner is held liable for any injuries or damages caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or whether the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points regarding who pays after a dog bite in California:

Dog Owner’s Responsibility: The dog owner is responsible for compensating the victim for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage resulting from the dog bite. This rule applies not only to incidents that occur in public places but also to those that happen on private property, including the dog owner’s home.

No Fault Requirement: In a strict liability state like California, the victim of the dog bite does not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent or at fault for the attack. The mere fact that the dog caused harm is sufficient to hold the owner liable for damages.

Trespassing Exception: There is one exception to the strict liability rule. If the injured person was unlawfully on the dog owner’s property at the time of the incident, such as trespassing, the owner’s liability may be reduced or eliminated. In such cases, the “one bite” rule may come into play, which refers to a dog owner’s liability being contingent on prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities.

Homeowner’s Insurance: In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy may cover the damages resulting from a dog bite. Homeowner’s insurance typically includes liability coverage, which can help compensate the victim for medical expenses and other losses. However, some insurance policies may exclude certain dog breeds or impose coverage limits for dog-related incidents, so it’s essential for dog owners to review their policies and understand their coverage.

Dog bite cases can result in a complicated legal battle when trying to recover fair compensation. At Razavi Law Group, we are here to ease the process for you. There are also steps you can take to help strengthen your case:

• Immediately take pictures of any injuries that occurred and of the dog that caused them;
• Seek medical attention for treatment;
• Locate the contact information for the owner of the dog that bit you;
• Report the attack to local animal control or the sheriff’s department; and
• Contact a California dog bite lawyer to discuss your case.

You should speak to a dog bite attorney before speaking with your or the defendant’s insurance companies. You should not agree to, or sign any legal documentation, before consulting with the attorneys at Razavi Law Group regarding your dog bite case.

For you to proceed successfully with your dog bite claim, you must be able to show proof that:

• The defendant owned the dog at the time of the bite;
• The attack occurred when the victim was lawfully on public or private property;
• The victim was bitten by the dog, resulting in bodily injury.

The defendant is almost always the owner of the dog. However, there are some exceptions to who is liable in dog bite cases. These exceptions vary depending on the details of the case. The following parties may also be held responsible for damages in the state of California:

• The Dogs Caretaker: If the dog was under the responsibility or control of another person or business when the dog bite occurred, that party might be held responsible for your damages. However, a caretaker will only be held liable if they had prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive nature, or if the dog was negligently being controlled or handled.
• Landlords: A landlord may be liable for a dog bite if the bite occurs on the landlord’s property, which they are leasing out. The landlord must also have had prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior and failed to use their right to remove the dog from their property. Commercial property landowners may also be liable.
• Property Owners: If the dog happens to escape from residential property and bites someone off-site, the property owner may be held liable for your damages because they failed to prevent the dog from escaping.