If someone else’s failure to control or contain their animal caused your serious injuries, one of our San Fernando Valley personal injury lawyers can hold them accountable. By taking prompt legal action, we can pursue damages for your economic and non-economic losses.
No case is too big, too small, or too complex for our San Fernando Valley dog bite attorneys. Call KJT Law Group today for a confidential consultation and learn more about your rights at no cost or obligation.
How to Pursue Damages After a Dog Bite
You could be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. This may sound straightforward, but you could encounter any number of obstacles:
- Dog owners who deny liability or accuse you of provoking the animal
- Insurance companies that try to pay less than you deserve
- Confusion over who owns or is responsible for the dog that bit you
We have recovered over $100 million for our clients by:
- Building strong casefiles with evidence like witness testimony, expert statements, medical records, and video footage
- Tailoring our legal strategy according to your needs and the specifics of your case
- Handling all communication on your behalf, up to and including negotiations with the insurance company
- Preparing your case for trial if and when necessary
We can provide assistance in English, Spanish, or Armenian, according to your preferences. Call today so KJT Law Group can roll up our sleeves and get to work on your case.
Damages You Can Recover for an Animal Bite
Your circumstances will dictate the types of damages you may qualify for after a personal injury. For example:
- If you required professional medical care to treat the bite, you may be reimbursed for medical costs.
- If your injury prevents you—or will prevent you in the future—from earning a living, you could recover lost income.
- If you suffered physical and emotional distress, you could be entitled to pain and suffering.
- If the injury temporarily or permanently stops you from living independently or pursuing favorite activities, you could qualify for reduced quality of life.
As a general rule, people with more severe injuries can recover more in compensation. However, it is still important to let our team investigate your injury and help you understand exactly what kinds of damages you are eligible for. This way, it is harder for the insurance company to try to get away with offering less than you deserve.
Your Rights After a Fatal Dog Bite
Unfortunately, some dog bites do prove fatal, especially if the victim was very young, very old, or in poor health.
If your loved one succumbed to their bite injuries, know that our attorneys are here to fight for your family. You can file a wrongful death claim against the liable party and seek compensation for things like funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
Most of all, taking legal action would allow you to attain justice for your loved one by ensuring the liable party does not get away with their negligent actions.
Speak Directly With Your San Fernando Valley Lawyer
We do not believe in putting barriers between you and your legal representative. When you work with KJT Law Group, you can get advice and updates directly from your dog bite lawyer in San Fernando Valley. Call today to learn more about your legal rights and options. You do not have to pay attorneys’ fees until you win your case.
FAQs About Dog Bite Injuries
KJT Law Group is here to answer all of our clients’ frequently asked questions about dog bites. Below, you will find brief answers to common questions. For more detailed information about how these answers apply specifically to your claim, you can hire our firm to investigate the attack and fight for your future.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?
Put your health first. See a doctor right away after the bite, especially if you are bleeding a lot or you do not know if the dog has had the necessary shots (e.g., rabies). Follow through on all of your doctor’s instructions.
You should also report the incident to the appropriate authorities, like the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC). They can take steps to prevent the dog from attacking anyone else.
What Is the Dog Bite Statute of Limitations in San Fernando Valley?
You have just two years to start a personal injury lawsuit in California. If you wait too long to act, you will no longer have the right to file a suit if claim negotiations stall—and evidence may be much harder to find.
It is better to start your case while you still hold this important piece of leverage over the insurance company.
Are Dog Owners Always Liable for Dog Bites?
Dog owners are the most common liable party in dog bite cases. They are responsible for both the animal’s welfare and for protecting the public from their dog, so when the dog attacks someone, that means the owner failed in their legal duty.
In rare cases, someone other than the owner might be responsible for an animal attack. This could be the owner’s landlord, someone the owner hired to watch the dog, or the manufacturer of a faulty leash or enclosure that the owner used to contain the dog.
Why Do Dogs Bite People?
Some dogs bite people for justifiable reasons, such as if the person was threatening or physically abusing them, or if the person entered the dog owner’s property with the intent of committing a crime.
However, in too many cases, dog bites occur due to lack of training or because the owner failed to properly restrain or warn others about a dangerous dog. KJT Law Group can help prove that the attack in your case was unprovoked and that the liable party owes you damages.