English 
Spanish Hiring a skilled lawyer often greatly reduces stress caused by the emotional impact and legal aftermath of a dog bite incident. Victims have the legal right to hold the dog’s owner liable in most cases in California, but this process is often difficult. This is especially true if they are still undergoing treatment or healing from their injuries.
Working with a dog bite attorney can make it easier to build a case and negotiate a fair settlement for monetary compensation to cover your expenses and losses. While they can file a dog bite lawsuit when necessary, many cases settle without needing to sue or take the case to trial.
What Happens After a Dog Bite Incident?
It’s important you know what to do after you’ve reported a dog bite incident and the local authorities have begun the investigation. The emotional and legal aftermath of these cases can be just as difficult to navigate as the physical injuries.
The first three steps you should take include:
Get Medical Attention for Your Injuries
You should see a doctor or medical professional to ensure your dog bite wounds are cleaned properly. Dog bites have a high risk of infection and other serious complications.
For more serious injuries, it is imperative to get care immediately and continue to follow your medical treatment plan. Do not worry about the medical expenses. You can seek financial compensation from the dog’s owner to cover your current and future care expenses.
Do Not Overlook Your Emotional Health
Dog attacks can cause significant emotional trauma. Do not hesitate to seek therapy or other mental health care as a part of your injury treatment. This care is especially important in child injuries when fear of dogs is a common problem. Let your attorney know about this care, so they can submit your medical records and bills for compensation.
Consider Dog Attack Legal Representation
When you have serious injuries and require medical care for puncture wounds, torn skin, or other soft tissue injuries, you do not need to worry about how to recover the compensation to pay for your care on your own. Most dog bite lawyers provide free consultations and represent clients with no upfront costs.
A compassionate, understanding, and knowledgeable attorney can handle your bite claim or lawsuit for you. It will allow you to focus on your health and recovery.
Who Is Legally Liable for Dog Bite Injuries?
Liability in a dog bite case in California usually falls onto the dog’s owner regardless of the animal’s previous behavior. Under CIV § 3342, dog owners must keep others safe from their dogs even if there is no history of vicious behavior.
The pet owner might also be legally liable if they acted negligently by violating local leash or licensing laws. For example, LA County bite laws require all adult dogs to be licensed and dogs to remain contained, on a leash, or under voice control in most situations. The local Sheriff’s Office or Department of Animal Care & Control will also ensure the dog has the required vaccinations.
Your lawyer will know how to pursue compensation based on these laws, often negotiating fair settlements with the owner’s insurance carrier.
What Do I Need to Know About Dog Bite Injury Claims and Canine Injury Lawsuits?
A dog bite injury lawyer gets justice for their clients by:
- Holding the dog’s owner accountable
- Recovering fair compensation based on their economic and non-economic damages
Whether you settle a personal injury claim or file a lawsuit and go to trial, dog bite compensation includes the same expenses and financial losses. A personal injury lawyer for dog bites can identify your damages, document them, and seek a fair payout from the insurance companies. The potentially recoverable damages could include:
- Your medical bills to date
- Estimated future care and support costs
- Income losses, current and future
- Reduced ability to work and earn for lasting injuries
- Miscellaneous expenses with receipts
- Pain and suffering damages
California’s statute of limitations usually gives dog bite victims up to two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit under CCP § 335.1. It is imperative you meet this deadline. However, we recommend getting started with your case much sooner. If you want to hire a personal injury attorney, you should call as soon as your dog bite injuries will allow.
Discuss Your Dog Bite Injury Case With Our Team for Free Today
KJT Law Group represents dog bite victims and their families in Los Angeles, Southern California, and other nearby areas. You can trust our law firm to assess your rights and options during a free consultation. We will explain how a dog bite injury attorney from our team can help you deal with the next steps.
Contact us to learn how we help clients get justice. Call (818) 507-8525. We have someone standing by to talk to you today.
