The Ultimate Guide to Dog Bite
Accident Injuries in California

Dog Bite Injuries in California

If you or someone you love has sustained a Dog Bite Injury, it is important to know what your rights are, so that you can get the compensation that you deserve.

And this in-depth guide outlines what to do after an accident, the legal process of filing a claim, as well as how to ensure that your rights are protected in the process.

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What to Do Immediately Following a Dog Bite Injury

Prioritize Your Health

Get medical help right away, even if you think injuries are mild.

Injuries may not be readily apparent, and medical records are evidentiary to your case.

Make a Report: Call local animal control and/or police.

Find Out Who Had the Dog and Owner in the Dog’s Care: Ask for names, addresses and vaccination history.

Photograph the Scene: Photographic everything, including the dog if possible.

Document Witnesses: Obtain the contact information for witnesses to the attack.

Don’t Speak to the Insurance Companies Alone: Allow a skilled lawyer to speak on your behalf.

Get a Lawyer: Speak to a dog bite lawyer to review your situation immediately.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog Bite incidents have many manifestations, but these are the most frequent ones:

Dog Attacks Free Roaming in public places: Dogs roaming loose can randomly attack people walking, running, or biking.

Bites on Private Property: Guests, delivery persons, or other service providers bitten while on another person’s property.

Find Out Who Had the Dog and Owner in the Dog’s Care: Ask for names, addresses and vaccination history.

Child Attacks: Children are an easy target because of their small size and poor defense against an attack.

Provoked vs. Unprovoked Attacks: Whether the victim provoked the dog, or was attacked with no warning.

Multi-Dog Attacks: Attacks by more than one dangerous dog, adding severity and complexity to the case.

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The Legalities Involved in Dog Bite Accident Cases

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what to anticipate:

First Consultation: Check if your case is compensable or not.
Investigation and Evidence Collection: This would encompass your medical records, witness accounts, and expert testimony.
Demand Letter: Your attorney sends a letter to the at-fault dog owner’s insurance company detailing your injuries and your demands for compensation.
Negotiation: The process of attempting to reach a reasonable settlement without going to trial.
Lawsuit Filed: If the parties are unable to reach a settlement, a lawsuit is filed.
Discovery: Exchange of evidence and arguments. Settlement or Trial: Case may be settled or tried in court for a decision.

Establishing Who Is at Fault

California is a state that follows a strict liability dog bite law. This means that the dog’s owner is generally held responsible if: The victim was bitten in a public place, or while lawfully on private property in cases where the bite caused injuries. below is a list of Important considerations:

Previous Acts Don't Count: This really is regardless the dogs' history.

Common Areas: If a landlord is aware that a tenant has a dangerous dog and does nothing about it they could be held responsible.

Trespassing and Provocation: Their liability can be reduced or forgiven if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog. Forms of Compensation Provided to Dog Bite Accident Victims

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims: Dog bite victims have a right to seek the following type of compensation:

Treatment Costs: Emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medication, and ongoing medical care.
Lost Earnings: Earnings lost because an injured person could not work.
Pain and suffering: The physical pain or emotional anguish that the plaintiff experienced, or is expected to endure in the future. Scars and
Disfigurement: Particularly visible scars, that can cause mental trauma.
Rehabilitation Costs: Physical and occupational therapy, counseling. Punitive Damages: If the owner’s actions were extremely reckless.

Understand Time Limits

How much time do you have to file a claim in California?

In California, the time limit to file a dog bite personal injury claim is two years from the date of the bite. But speed is essential as the following points illustrate: Evidence (human testimony, photographs, and so on) can degrade or vanish. There may be shorter time frames to make claims for insurance. Filing first can mean increased clout at the negotiating ta8ble and more settlement choices.

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FAQ's

What happens if I bear some of the responsibility for the dog bite?

California is a comparative negligence state. If you were partly responsible, your compensation could be reduced by your percent of fault.

Are you able to sue if your dog bit your child?

Absolutely. A minor’s parent or guardian may make a claim.

What if the bite wound was not an open wound?

You could still have a case if the event resulted in injury (e.g bruising, sprains, emotional distress).

Are California dog owners strictly liable all the time?

Very nearly always, with a few exceptions. Peers (witnesses) response on witness question and privilege There is in practice a very detailed onus on the party objecting to a question asked of one of his/her witnesses to assert privilege.

Will I be able to recover compensation if the dog has no prior history of aggression?

Yes. Past actions are not a bar under the absolute liability doctrine of California.

What Sets Beverly Hills Injury Firm Apart?

Working with a law firm such as Beverly Hills Injury Firm for your Dog Bite Injury Law Suit means that you are represented by an expert in the law relative to California. Our lawyers are known for their exceptional abilities and dedication to achieving the best results possible for our clients throughout our state.

If you have sustained a Dog Bite Injury in California, contact Beverly Hills Injury Firm for personalized legal service. We are experts in Dog Bite Injury cases and we will fight to help you preserve your rights and get you the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

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Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

FOUNDER & TRIAL ATTORNEY

Meet Shawn Mangoli

“Shawn Mangoli, the founder of Beverly Hills Injury Firm, is a distinguished trial attorney specializing in personal injury law. With a decade of experience in civil litigation, Shawn has successfully championed the rights of those injured due to negligence, securing numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Recognized consistently by Super Lawyers and a respected member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and American Attorneys for Justice, Shawn’s commitment to justice is profound and unwavering.”

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