Bakersfield Dog Bite Attorneys
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Our Powerful Bakersfield Dog Bite Attorneys Are Defending The Injured
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. If a dog attacks you, you can hold the owner liable for your injuries. Let our Bakersfield dog bite attorneys review your case when you call our hotline at (888) 488-1391. We offer free initial consultations.
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.
As a result of the high number of dogs and other pets in the city, incidents involving animals, like dog bites, are becoming quite common. In such cases, injured victims must know where to go so they can get compensation. Feel free to reach out to our law firm in Bakersfield anytime, any day. Our Bakersfield dog bite lawyers will help you determine 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 Recover Compensation For You
Our personal injury lawyers in Bakersfield, who specialize in dog bite accident cases, will build you a compelling case and use their skills at the negotiation table or courtroom to obtain the compensation you are entitled to. We will do the following to ensure that we achieve a favorable outcome for you:
- Investigate the case thoroughly. Our lawyers will look at every aspect of your accident in order to make a strong and convincing case.
- Gather evidence. We will collect images and footage, as well as witness statements if there are any, to strengthen your claim. We can also use medical records as evidence to establish a clear and direct link between your injuries and the dog attack.
- Utilize our knowledge and experience. Our Bakersfield dog bite lawyers know all the laws we can use to maximize your claim. We won’t allow the insurance company, which will do everything in its power to minimize its payout, to take advantage of you during the negotiation.
Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., is the go-to California firm for dog bites and other personal injury cases. We have the necessary skills and knowledge of the applicable laws, allowing us to win cases that even other law firms have declined in the first place. With our commitment to pursuing maximum compensation, we have recovered $500 Million in settlements and awards for our clients.
If you’re still thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer in Bakersfield,” look no further! Hire our Bakersfield dog bite attorneys today. While you focus on recovering, as your health should be your top priority, we will work on your case.
California’s Strict Liability Law For Dog Bites
In California, strict liability laws regulate dog bite accidents. According to these laws, dog owners are responsible for any harm or damage caused by their pets, even if the dog has never shown any signs of aggression before. It is also irrelevant whether or not the owner tried to prevent the attack from happening. As soon as the attack occurs, they can be held accountable for any resulting injuries and losses.
As the victim, you have the legal right to file a claim against the dog owner to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other losses you may have sustained. If you lost a family member due to an attack, you can also file a wrongful death claim.
To learn if you have a valid personal injury case, feel free to fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form. Our experienced dog bite attorneys in Bakersfield will then contact you to discuss your legal options.
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.
Victims of dog bites can suffer physical injuries and emotional trauma. They will require compensation for the medical expenses and losses they incur as a result. If you’re an injured victim, contact our dedicated Bakersfield dog bite attorneys, and we’ll help you get paid by the dog’s owner.
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 afflicts 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.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), nearly one in five people bitten by a dog require medical attention immediately. A bite can also put the victim at risk of contracting rabies, which is why doctors recommend they go to the ER and get vaccinated right away.
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. Based on the dog bite accident cases our Bakersfield attorneys have successfully handled, these are the most common repercussions:
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 specialize in dog bite accidents in Bakersfield, you can get paid for your damages. The compensation you receive from the liable party can help you recover from this traumatic experience.
Long-Term Impact On Victim’s Daily Life
Getting bitten by a dog can affect the victim’s life in many ways. 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 helped claim economic and non-economic compensation, along with other damages, for injured victims. We have a proven track record to show that. The compensation should cover all 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 can recover:
- 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
- Medical expenses incurred by the victim
- 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.
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. Our dog bite lawyers for injured victims in Bakersfield recommend taking the following steps when a dog attacks you:
- 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 the dog who harmed you can be challenging. With our expertise in the field, we know what steps to take to get you compensated for all your damages.
Statistics About Dog Bites
According to the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), California recorded 48,596 emergency room visits, or 125 visits per 100,000 residents, due to dog bites in 2022. The statistics also show a 70% increase in the rate of visits since 2005.
The death rate due to dog bites also increased by about 70%, with a total of 28 deaths in California from 2018 to 2022.
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 consult with our Bakersfield dog bite lawyers to understand how you can get compensation.
Who Pays For My Dog Bite?
The dog owner or their insurance company will pay for the injuries you sustain from their pet’s attack. You’ll have to file a claim to get the full amount of compensation you deserve. To learn what you’re entitled to, contact the top-rated dog bite lawyers Bakersfield trusts today.
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 will be.
Consult With The Best Dog Bite Attorneys Bakersfield Has To Offer
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 can secure fair compensation for all your losses. With decades of combined experience, we know the process by heart, from filing a claim to litigating you in court. We will use our resources and exceptional skills to win your case and serve you justice while you focus on your recovery.
We work on cases with a contingency fee arrangement. This way, you don’t have to pay us upfront, as our payment will be a percentage of your final settlement. You also won’t owe us if we don’t win!
Additionally, our team values communication. Arash Law has staff members who also speak Spanish, Italian, Korean, French, and other languages. This way, we can properly discuss your case even if English is not your first language. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for your free initial consultation.
Our Bakersfield dog bite attorneys also serve justice 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.
