Bakersfield Dog Bite Attorneys
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Bakersfield Dog Bite Attorneys Protecting The Rights Of Injury Victims
When people talk about smart, loyal, and family-friendly pets, the first animal that comes to mind is a dog. However, dogs can display behavioral issues if they are scared or anxious. Even the most lovable pet can suddenly become aggressive and attack anyone.
In California, dog owners may be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets. If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, our Bakersfield dog bite attorneys can help you understand your legal options. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Bakersfield in Kern County is a good place to live because of its excellent schools, job opportunities, and relatively lower costs of living. It’s also a solid choice for those who own pets. Based on metrics like dog parks, walkability, average home sales price, and more, Bakersfield ranks as the 19th most dog-friendly city in America.
With so many dogs and other pets in the city, incidents such as dog bites are not uncommon. If you or a loved one has been injured in this type of situation, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation. Our Bakersfield dog bite lawyers are available to discuss your case and guide you through the next steps.
Personal Injury: 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
How Our Dog Bite Lawyers In Bakersfield Can Help You
Our personal injury lawyers in Bakersfield handle dog bite accident cases and can help you navigate the legal process if you’ve been injured. Here are some of the steps our team may take on your behalf:
- Investigating the Case — We carefully review the circumstances of the incident to build a well-supported claim.
- Gathering Evidence — Our team may collect photos, videos, witness statements, and medical records to help establish a connection between your injuries and the dog bite attack.
- Applying Legal Knowledge — We draw on our experience with California personal injury law to prepare a solid case and address challenges that may arise during negotiations with insurance companies.
If you’ve found yourself thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer in Bakersfield,” our team is here to help. We can explain your legal options, answer your questions, and guide you through each step of the process. While you focus on your recovery, our Bakersfield dog bite attorneys can handle the legal work on your behalf.
California’s Strict Liability Law For Dog Bites
In California, strict liability laws apply to dog bite cases. Under these laws, dog owners may be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets, even if the dog has never shown aggression before or the owner attempted to prevent the incident.
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite attack, you may have the right to pursue a claim to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related losses. In tragic cases where a family member passes away as a result of an attack, the law also allows eligible survivors to file a wrongful death claim.
Why Do Dogs Attack Humans?
Dogs attack humans for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Possessiveness — Dogs are naturally possessive animals. They tend to guard and protect their owners and belongings, such as toys and food. They might launch an attack if they perceive a threat to their territory.
- Fear — When dogs feel afraid, their behavior can become unpredictable. In most cases, they resort to aggressiveness to defend themselves. They might bite you when they think you are a threat.
- Pain — Dogs experiencing pain may become fearful or defensive and lash out. An attack can happen even with dogs that are normally friendly and well-behaved.
- Instincts — Dogs can develop maternal instincts when they give birth to puppies. They might attack those they think will harm their puppies.
Dog bite victims can suffer both physical injuries and emotional trauma, often requiring medical treatment and time away from work. A dog bite attorney in Bakersfield can help collect and review documentation of your injuries from medical providers and connect this evidence to the dog bite attack. This information is then used to assess liability and support your claim for compensation under California law.
What Are The Types Of Dog Bites?
The severity of a dog bite is classified as follows:
- Level 1 — It is called a pre-bite or near-bite. The dog is showing aggressive behavior and signaling a potential attack. At this level, there is no physical contact with humans yet.
- Level 2 — The dog attack resulted in bruises and redness. It touches the skin but doesn’t break it.
- Level 3 — The skin receives one to four shallow punctures, which cause minor tearing but do not damage the tissue.
- Level 4 — This level is classified as severe. The dog inflicts one to four punctures, at least one of which is deep, affecting the nerves, blood vessels, and bones of the victim.
- Level 5 — The dog attack involves multiple deep punctures. It causes extensive tearing of the skin and muscle tissues, which can cause life-threatening injuries.
- Level 6 — At this level, the dog attack results in the victim’s death.
Understanding the level of a dog bite is important not just for medical treatment but also for the legal process. The more severe the bite, the greater the medical care, recovery time, and potential costs.
Dog bite lawyers can use this classification to show how serious the injury is, demonstrate its impact on your daily life, and help pursue compensation that reflects the harm you suffered.
How Does A Dog Bite Affect Victims?
A dog bite can have a profound impact on the victim’s life and that of their family, including life-altering consequences like disfigurement, disabilities, and mental health issues. Our Bakersfield dog bite attorneys have handled cases involving the following:
Physical Injuries
Dog bite victims may sustain injuries ranging from minor to severe, leading to varying degrees of pain and suffering. In many cases, these effects can be long-lasting, especially if they develop mobility problems.
The following are the physical injuries that a dog bite victim might also suffer from:
- Puncture wounds
- Tissue damage
- Bone fractures
- Skin disfigurement
- Bruises
- Amputated limbs
Emotional Trauma
Dog attacks can lead to fear and anxiety, potentially causing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to a study in The Journal of Pediatrics, 12 out of 22 children who were victims of dog bite incidents had symptoms of PTSD. This can include fear of dogs, nightmares, and avoidance of the place where the attack occurred.
Financial Burden
Treatment for dog bite injuries can be expensive. Severe cases may also require a long process of rehabilitation. For example, the injured victim might need to undergo surgery for a fracture or disfigurement. Moreover, they might need physical therapy for mobility issues or psychological counseling for emotional distress and mental trauma.
Medical expenses can mount up quickly and cause significant financial strain on the victim. In some cases, the victim will need to take out loans or use their life savings to cover these expenses. If the victim is unable to work due to disability or recovery, they might lose a significant source of income and have difficulty paying their bills.
With help from our attorneys, who handle dog bite accidents in Bakersfield, you may be able to pursue compensation for your damages. The compensation you seek from the responsible party may assist in addressing the effects of this experience.
Long-Term Impact On Victim’s Daily Life
A dog bite can have a variety of effects on the victim’s life. The physical injuries sustained may limit their activities, while mental distress can make it challenging for them to carry out daily tasks at work or school. Moreover, severe dog bites can cause scarring and mutilation, making someone feel less confident and isolated.
Wrongful Death
In worse cases, dog attacks can lead to a wrongful death. A dog infected with rabies can transmit the virus when it bites a human. Rabies is a dangerous disease that’s almost always fatal once the symptoms start showing up. That’s why it’s crucial to get treated within 24 to 72 hours.
What Compensation Is Available For A Dog Bite Claim?
Our dog bite attorneys in Bakersfield have assisted clients in pursuing economic and non-economic compensation, along with other damages, for injured victims. We have experience handling these cases. The compensation available may address the effects of a dog bite on your life, including physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial burdens, long-term consequences, and more.
The following are the common types of damages you may pursue:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced earning capacity
- Loss of wages
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of self-confidence
- Decreased reputation
For wrongful death claims, you, as the family member of the deceased victim, can also pursue the following damages:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Emotional trauma
You might be eligible for additional forms of compensation beyond those listed above. Punitive damages, for instance, can be awarded in cases of gross negligence. This is rarely given by the court, though. Our Bakersfield dog bite attorneys can quantify and calculate the value of your case, including your intangible damages.
It is important to note that compensation is not guaranteed. The outcome of a dog bite claim depends on the specific facts, the strength of the evidence, and how liability is established.
What To Do If A Dog Attacks You
Knowing how to protect your rights after a dog bite accident can help increase your chances of getting compensation. Consider taking the following steps:
- Get to a Safe Place, Away From Immediate Danger — If the dog is not contained, get to a high place. Look for something you can put as a barrier between you and the animal, such as a fence, a car, or even your purse.
- Once You’re Safe, Call 911 — The dispatcher can send animal control and local authorities to the scene. They will also send paramedics, especially if you’re seriously injured.
- Get Yourself Checked For Injuries — Let the paramedics assess your condition, even if you think you seem fine. If needed, allow the EMT to take you to the ER. Otherwise, follow up with a visit to the hospital to be thoroughly evaluated and receive primary treatment.
- Report the Incident to the Authorities — When you file a report, include the dog’s owner’s personal information and other relevant details about the accident.
- Take Photos of Your Injuries — These pictures will serve as evidence. You can also take pictures of the dog that bit you and the area where the accident happened.
- Contact Our Bakersfield Dog Bite Attorneys — Filing a claim against the owner of a dog can be complex. Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process and explain what forms of compensation may be available based on the facts of your case.
Statistics About Dog Bites
Nationally, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year in the United States. While many bites go unreported, over 800,000 people require medical attention annually. Statistically, an American has about a 1 in 50 chance of being bitten by a dog each year.
In 2024, California recorded 701 dog bite incidents. The state also reported 2,104 insurance claims related to dog bites, with an average payout of $78,818 per claim. From 2018 to 2023, there were 31 fatalities due to dog attacks in California, highlighting that while most bites are non-fatal, some can have serious or deadly consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Insurance Companies Cover Dog Bites?
In California, homeowners insurance typically covers dog bite injuries. However, it can vary depending on the specific policy. If you’re injured, make sure to get the dog owner’s policy details and consider consulting a Bakersfield dog bite lawyer to learn more about what options may be available for seeking compensation.
Who Pays For My Dog Bite?
The dog owner or their insurance company may be responsible for covering the injuries you sustain from their pet’s attack. You’ll have to file a claim to seek compensation for your losses. To learn what types of damages may be available, contact dog bite lawyers in Bakersfield.
What Is The Average Settlement Amount For A Dog Bite Accident?
In 2022, the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite was $64,555, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). This figure showed a 32% increase compared to the previous year. However, the settlement amount for dog bite cases varies depending on the severity of the injury. The more severe the injury, the higher the compensation may be.
Consult Our Dog Bite Attorneys In Bakersfield For Legal Assistance
At Arash Law, we know how important it is to recover from a devastating experience. By letting our Bakersfield lawyers handle your dog bite case, you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses. With decades of combined experience, we understand the process, from filing a claim to litigation. We will use our resources and skills to handle your case while you focus on your recovery.
We work on cases with a contingency fee arrangement. This means you don’t have to pay us upfront, as our payment is typically collected as a percentage of any recovery. Other case-related costs may still apply, and fee arrangements are explained at the start of representation.
Additionally, our team values communication. If you are more comfortable communicating in a language other than English, please mention this when scheduling your consultation so we can arrange the appropriate support. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for your free initial consultation.
Our Bakersfield dog bite attorneys also assist clients in other areas of Kern County and nearby cities: Lost Hills, Lakeview, Stallion Springs, Molave, Reefer City, Twin Oaks, Tehachapi, Golden Hills, Maricopa, Valley Acres, Grapevine, Bear Valley Springs, McFarland, La Habra in Orange County, and West Covina in Los Angeles County.
