Santa Barbara Dog Bite Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Santa Barbara Dog Bite Lawyers Offer Dedicated Legal Support
Our Santa Barbara dog bite lawyers understand the overwhelming feelings that accompany mounting medical bills, loss of income, and the long-term health treatment process following a dog bite. We are here to advocate for your rights and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
At Arash Law, we bring professional legal representation. Moreover, our attorneys have represented injured clients, including victims of traumatic dog bite attacks, by guiding them throughout the legal process of seeking settlement claims.
If a dog bites you or a loved one, seek legal assistance to determine whether there was negligence on the owner’s part. With our team’s resources and determination, we will investigate every detail of your case. Let us help you move forward and guide you through the claims process. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391. We offer free initial consultations.
What A Santa Barbara Dog Bite Lawyer Can Do
Our Santa Barbara dog bite lawyers can help you understand your legal options. The following are some of the services our lawyers can provide:
- Comprehensive Evidence Collection — We collect all critical evidence to support your claim, including photos of the scene and your injuries, animal control reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and eyewitness statements. This detailed approach enables us to establish liability and construct a viable case on your behalf.
- Individualized Case Strategy — Each dog bite case is unique. Our attorneys will review your specific circumstances and determine whether you have a strong claim, estimate the case’s value, and devise a custom legal strategy to pursue fair compensation for you.
- Handle All Legal Details — Our team will handle all legal filings and case management so you can focus on your physical and emotional well-being.
- Trial-Ready Representation — Our attorneys are ready to go to trial if the other party refuses to offer a fair settlement. We have experienced litigators who will advocate for your rights. They aim to hold the responsible party accountable while supporting you through this challenging time.
- Dedicated Assistance — We understand the physical and emotional toll a dog bite can take, and we advocate for your rights to acquire appropriate care. For cases involving scarring or trauma, we can arrange medical evaluations, counseling, or consultations with various professionals who can provide assistance.
largest animal attack settlement in 2020 for California; client suffered Traumatic Brain Injury– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why Consider Hiring Our Dog Bite Attorneys At Arash Law?
If a dog bites you, contact a personal injury lawyer right away. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and work to pursue compensation available under California law.
Here’s why choosing Arash Law’s Santa Barbara dog bite lawyers gives you experienced representation for your case:
- Professional Legal Guidance — Our dog bite lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process, answer your questions, and handle all the paperwork. With us managing the legal side, you can focus on your well-being and recovering from your injuries.
- Negotiating Skills — Our experienced attorneys can negotiate on your behalf and advocate for your rights, as well as pursue fair compensation for your case. We’ll work to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
- Contingency Fee Basis — This fee arrangement means you won’t have to pay our attorney’s fees unless we reach compensation from a settlement or a verdict. However, certain case-related expenses may still apply, regardless of whether we obtain compensation. Contact our attorneys to review our fee arrangement and ask any questions related to costs.
Frequently Asked Questions For Our Dog Bite Lawyers
There might be many questions running through your head after a dog bite in Santa Barbara. We understand that the aftermath can be a stressful and confusing time, and we are here to help. Our goal is to answer your questions, address your concerns, and guide you through the legal process with clarity and confidence. For more detailed information tailored to your situation, contact Arash Law.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Dog Bite Lawyers In Santa Barbara?
Our dog bite lawyers in Santa Barbara work on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement allows our clients to pursue compensation without worrying about initial costs, making legal services accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford them.
Under this payment structure, lawyers deduct a percentage from the settlement or verdict based on various factors, including case complexity, risk exposure, and stage of resolution. These fees will be outlined before you sign an agreement.
While we only collect fees if your case is successful, clients should be aware that some court costs or related expenses may still apply regardless of the outcome. There are no hidden fees, and we are committed to full transparency regarding all potential costs.
Will My Dog Bite Case Go To Trial?
Dog bite cases typically settle outside of court through negotiations. However, if there is disagreement between the parties, the case may proceed to trial. The likelihood of a trial depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, the evidence available, and the willingness of both parties to reach an agreement.
Our Santa Barbara dog bite attorneys have the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate your case and pursue appropriate compensation on your behalf. We prepare every case as if it’s going to court, gathering strong evidence, consulting medical providers, and building a well-documented claim. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we may recommend that you take your case to trial.
What Evidence Should I Provide To My Dog Bite Lawyer?
Providing strong evidence will strengthen your dog bite case. Essential documents include medical records detailing the injury, photographs of the bite, witness statements, and any documentation showing the dog’s violent behavior.
These pieces of evidence are crucial because they can help establish the dog owner’s liability and the extent of your injuries. Such proof may support your claim for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If you require assistance in gathering evidence, contact our Santa Barbara dog bite lawyers.
How Long Will My Dog Bite Case In Santa Barbara Take?
The duration of a dog bite case can vary depending on the severity of the injuries, the extent of the claimant’s medical treatment, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate. It is critical to consult a dog bite attorney to understand the specific factors that may affect the timeline of your injury claim. Each case is unique, and an attorney can provide tailored guidance to navigate legal complexities effectively. To get an estimate of how long the claims process will take, consult our Santa Barbara dog bite attorneys.
How Much Compensation Can I Pursue For My Dog Bite Claim In Santa Barbara?
Several factors determine how much you can seek for a dog bite claim. Claimants may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. It’s advisable to consult our dog bite lawyers in Santa Barbara to understand your rights and your legal options. Our attorneys will calculate damages based on a few key factors:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The effect the injury has on your quality of life.
- The amount of medical treatment acquired and other rehabilitation factors.
How Long After A Dog Bite Can You Sue In California?
In California, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. This period is known as the statute of limitations. Taking action promptly can help preserve your legal rights and gather the necessary evidence for your case.
In some cases, the standard two-year filing period for a dog bite lawsuit may be extended through a legal principle known as “tolling.” Examples are when the injured individual is a minor or mentally incapacitated, or when the dog owner is temporarily out of state and cannot be legally served with a lawsuit notice.
Our Santa Barbara dog bite lawyers can assist you in filing your claim properly and within the required timeframes.
Dog Bite?
Establishing Liability In Dog Bite Cases
Under California’s strict liability law, dog owners are automatically responsible if their dog bites someone, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s precautions. In a dog bite case, our Santa Barbara personal injury lawyers can establish strict liability by providing the following evidence:
- Establishing the at-fault party’s dog ownership is necessary to establish liability. According to the California Civil Code, dog owners are strictly responsible for injuries their dogs cause.
- The injured party must show that the dog bite occurred in a public place or while they were legally on private property. This category includes situations where they had a legal right to be there, such as a delivery person or a guest.
- The claimant suffered injuries as a result of the dog bite. They must provide evidence of the harm sustained, such as medical records or photographs of the bite.
- The dog bite was a significant contributor to the injured person’s injuries and not another factor. They need to provide evidence to show that the dog bite was the primary cause.
Strict liability may not apply if the injured person was trespassing or provoked the dog. In such cases, the owner’s responsibility may be reduced or eliminated. Consulting with a dog bite attorney can help you understand whether this rule applies to your case.
Compensation Available For Dog Bite Claimants In Santa Barbara
If you or a loved one suffers from a dog bite and sustains injuries, you may be eligible to file a claim for damages. Compensation can help injured individuals manage the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of the incident.
Our Santa Barbara dog bite lawyers may be able to help you pursue the following damages:
- Economic Damages — These cover the direct financial impact of your injury, such as:
- Medical Costs — Apart from puncture wounds and lacerations, you may also be at risk of infections. You can pursue compensation for the costs of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and vaccinations.
- Lost Wages — If the bite caused nerve damage or other serious injuries that kept you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you missed. Damages may also include reduced earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your previous job and any lost benefits, bonuses, or promotions.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses — Covers any additional costs directly resulting from the injury. These can include transportation to medical appointments, assistive devices, childcare during health treatment, or hiring help with household tasks that are difficult for you to do.
- Non-Economic Damages — These address the emotional and psychological toll of an injury. These damages reflect real losses like long-term therapy for PTSD, permanent disfigurement or disability, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and the impact on relationships.
Depending on the circumstances, the injured party’s compensation may be reduced if they were found to have contributed to the incident through negligent behavior, such as provocation. Insurance companies may use this information to scrutinize or counter your claim. Nonetheless, if insurers fail to offer a fair settlement, our Santa Barbara dog bite lawyers are prepared to take your case to trial.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Depending on the severity of the bite, a dog can cause minor wounds, severe injuries, or even death. Dog bites can lead to a wide range of serious injuries, which may require extensive medical care and long healing periods. Some of the common ones include:
- Puncture Wounds — Deep bites can easily become infected without prompt treatment, resulting in complications and additional medical expenses.
- Disfigurement — Bites to the face or body can cause lasting physical changes and emotional trauma, often requiring reconstructive surgery.
- Fractures — A dog’s powerful bite can break or fracture bones, sometimes resulting in the need for long-term physical therapy.
- Nerve Damage — Severe bites may injure nerves, causing chronic pain, numbness, or even permanent disability that impacts daily life.
Our Santa Barbara dog bite lawyers understand the devastating impact these injuries can have. We may be able to connect you with experienced medical providers who can provide you with the appropriate care for your injuries.
An attack that took place when a homeless man used an unsecured baseball bat in the Walmart store to attack a husband and wife who were shopping nearby. The jury found that Walmart was 50 percent liable for the attack, and the amount of the judgment against the company exceeded $30,000,000.– BRIAN BEECHER
Actions To Take After A Dog Bite Incident In Santa Barbara
It is often confusing and overwhelming to navigate the immediate aftermath of a dog bite, but these moments are crucial for your claim. Our Santa Barbara dog bite lawyers suggest following these steps to help you preserve information about the incident and establish your case.
- Get Medical Help — Even minor dog bites can lead to infection if left untreated. Clean small wounds with soap and water, but seek immediate medical care for deeper injuries. Visit an emergency room if necessary, and check that all medical treatment is properly documented. These records will be important for any potential claim.
- Gather Evidence — Take clear photos of your injuries, the scene of the incident, any torn or bloodied clothing, and anything else that helps show what happened. These visuals can strengthen your case by providing proof of the extent of the injury and the environment in which it occurred.
- Report Dog Bite Incident — Notify your local animal control agency or health department. Share details such as the dog’s description, where the bite happened, and the injuries sustained. Reporting the bite creates an official record that can support your case.
- Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer — A lawyer can help identify the responsible party, collect key evidence, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Legal guidance can help uphold your rights throughout the process.
If a dog bite causes you to run into traffic and get hit by a vehicle, you may have a complex injury case involving multiple parties. Our car accident lawyers can help you untangle the liability issues and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Dog Bite Statistics
According to the World Health Organization, each year, approximately 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs, with 885,000 (20%) requiring medical care for injuries or infections, the majority of whom are children. According to the Insurance Information Institute, California continues to lead the nation in dog bite claims, totaling 2,104 in 2023, with a collective value of $143.3 million.
As dog bite claims continue to increase, we remain committed to assisting the injured with their cases. Santa Barbara accident lawyers offer professional legal representation to help clients pursue fair compensation.
Contact Our Santa Barbara Dog Bite Lawyers
If you or someone close to you has suffered a dog bite injury, you shouldn’t have to handle the aftermath alone. Our experienced team can provide the legal support to address your concerns about your case.
To schedule your free initial consultation, contact our Santa Barbara dog bite lawyers at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form here. Our dedicated legal team serves clients in Santa Barbara and surrounding communities, including Thousand Oaks, Goleta, Carpinteria, Isla Vista, Summerland, Oxnard, Ventura, La Conchita, and many other areas.
Our team offers knowledgeable legal guidance, emotional support, and committed representation throughout your case. Lastly, our lawyers also handle other personal injury claims involving auto accidents, DUI collisions, hit-and-run accidents, Uber and Lyft crashes, and truck accidents.
