Glendale Dog Bite Lawyers
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Powerful Dog Bite Lawyers Committed toTurning Injured Victims Into Victors in Glendale
Have you or someone you know recently experienced a traumatic dog bite incident in Glendale? If so, it’s necessary to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to protect them. That’s where Arash Law, a powerhouse of renowned dog bite lawyers, comes into play. As a leading personal injury firm, we specialize in helping individuals who have suffered from dog bites get the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact our Glendale dog bite lawyers today at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation.
Being a dog owner comes with numerous responsibilities. One of the most important aspects of being a responsible dog owner is monitoring your pet and ensuring they are properly socialized, trained, and developing good behavior. It’s not just about having a furry companion to cuddle with, it’s about caring for their physical and emotional well-being and training them not to attack people. It is our duty to take proactive measures to keep others safe from any potential harm that our animals may unintentionally cause.
When a person falls victim to a dog bite, the physical injuries can be severe and require immediate medical attention. From deep puncture wounds to torn flesh, the physical trauma inflicted by a dog can be extensive, and some who have experienced a dog bite develop a fear of dogs. In some cases, victims may even require surgery or extensive medical treatment to recover fully. There are also situations where a dog bite can lead to a wrongful death. It is the goal of our Glendale dog bite lawyers to hold the responsible party accountable for the physical and emotional suffering endured by victims.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being a victim of a dog bite, it is imperative to remain vigilant and not allow the pet owner or insurance companies to deceive you. At Arash Law, our experienced Glendale dog bite attorneys are ready to go above and beyond to advocate for your rights and help you recover the maximum damages you rightfully deserve. Fill out our online “Do I Have a Case?” form to take your first step toward understanding your legal options.
What Is A Dog Bite?
Dog attacks can manifest in various forms, including knockdowns, scratches, and bites. Specifically, a dog bite occurs when a canine inflicts harm through the physical act of biting, potentially leading to severe consequences such as infection, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, and, tragically, even death. To successfully claim legal recourse for a dog bite cases, establishing negligence involves a meticulous demonstration of several key elements:
- The defendant must be the owner of the dog.
- The dog bite incident transpired either in a public space or while the victim was lawfully present on private property.
- Proof that the dog bite directly caused the victim to sustain injuries.
- The dog bite is a major contributing factor causing such injury.
Section 3342 of the California Civil Code imposes liability on dog owners for injuries stemming from a bite. However, it is essential to note that if you have experienced a dog that did not involve a bite, the legal process parallels other personal injury cases in other states. In such instances, proving negligence necessitates meeting three essential conditions:
- The defendant owed a duty of care to the victim.
- The duty of care owed was breached.
- The injury is a direct result of the breach that occurred.
To pursue legal recourse in a dog bite case, establishing negligence is paramount. At Arash Law, our Glendale dog bite lawyers are here to guide you through the maze of legalities. Contact us today to start your path to recovery.
What to Do When a Dog Attacks You?
Dog bites often occur suddenly, catching individuals off guard and leaving little time for preparation. However, despite the unexpected nature of such incidents, there are proactive measures you can take to defend yourself. In the event of a dog attack, it is essential to create a barrier, utilizing any objects within reach as potential distractions. Redirecting the dog’s attention or, if feasible, throwing the object can offer a window to free and escape safely.
It is imperative to recognize the severity of dog bites, which can result in grave injuries, including fatalities. When faced with approaching an aggressive dog, prioritize the protection of vulnerable areas such as your face, throat, and chest, which are common targets for dog bites. Awareness of these defensive strategies enhances your ability to respond effectively when unexpectedly confronted by a potentially dangerous dog.
Largest animal attack settlement in 2020 for California; client suffered Traumatic Brain Injury– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Taking Action After a Dog Bite
In the event of a dog bite injury, taking prompt and appropriate actions is of utmost importance. If a dog bites you, a loved one, or a friend, consider the following detailed steps:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention. It is imperative to consult with a medical professional promptly following any type of dog bite.
Report the Incident to the Police. Immediately inform the police about the incident and obtain a copy of the police accident report for documentation.
Collect Dog Owner Information. Gather the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
Obtain Witness Information. Collect the names and contact details of individuals who witnessed the dog attack.
Photograph the Animal and Incident Location. Capture clear photographs of the animal responsible for the injuries and document where the incident occurred.
Document Visible Injuries. Take photographs of any visible injuries resulting from the encounter with the animal.
Preserve Damaged Clothing. Retain any clothing that may have been damaged during the dog attack.
Document Property Damage: Save and, if feasible, photograph any property that the animal may have damaged during the incident.
Avoid Communication with the Dog Owner or Insurance Provider. Refrain from engaging in communication with the dog owner or their insurance provider. Accepting reimbursement may waive your right to pursue additional damages through legal action.
By diligently following these steps, you can proactively contribute to building a comprehensive record of the incident, which may prove valuable in legal proceedings and the pursuit of compensation for the injuries sustained.
At Arash Law, our commitment is not just legal; it is personal. We understand the dog bite challenges you face, and we are here to empower the full potential of your claim. Contact our Glendale dog bite lawyers today.
Glendale Dog Bite Statistics
In the United States, there are currently 89.7 million dogs residing in households. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 4.5 million Americans experience dog bites annually, and 800,000 of these incidents call for medical attention. Notably, 72% of dog bites target extremities such as arms, hands, legs, and feet. California stands as the state with the second-highest rate of dog bite fatalities, with a striking 82% attributed to pit bull attacks.
Given the heightened risk in California, the Humane Society outlines specific precautions to enhance safety:
- Respect the dog’s space, especially during activities like eating, sleeping, or caring for its offspring.
- Pay careful attention to the dog’s body language and refrain from approaching if it exhibits growling, tension, or fear.
- Avoid approaching unfamiliar dogs.
- Refrain from attempting to touch or pet a dog without allowing it to see and smell you first.
Children face a higher risk of dog bites, constituting 50% of all victims. Attacks often occur during play. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that roughly half of all children aged 12 or younger have experienced a dog bite, with 65% of these bites affecting the head or neck. The American Humane Association emphasizes that most dog bite victims are acquainted with the attacking animal.
In the face of these concerning statistics, Arash Law’s Glendale dog bite lawyers are here to educate you about your legal options. To prevent dog bites, the Humane Society advises dog owners to:
- Spay or neuter their dogs.
- Socialize their dogs by exposing them to diverse people and situations.
- Shield their dogs from stressful situations.
- Provide training for their dogs.
Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of dog bites and enhance overall safety.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Individuals who fall victim to dog bites or attacks may endure a range of injuries, including:
- Lacerations and Puncture Wounds – Dogs with sharp teeth and claws can inflict deep cuts during bites or attacks. Bites targeting the neck or major arteries may result in life-threatening blood loss. Punctures by a dog’s teeth can harm underlying muscles, tendons, or ligaments, impacting the affected body parts’ functionality.
- Broken Bones – Dogs with powerful jaws, including breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds, may bite forcefully enough to cause fractures in a person’s arms, wrists, hands, legs, or ankles.
- Nerve Damage – When a dog bites or claws an individual, it may damage or severe the nerves, resulting in intense pain, loss of sensation, and partial or complete paralysis.
- Scarring and Disfigurement – The deep cuts and puncture wounds resulting from dog bites or attacks can leave lasting scars. These injuries may necessitate cosmetic surgery to repair the damage, serving as a permanent reminder of the incident.
- Emotional Trauma – A sudden and aggressive dog attack can leave enduring psychological scars. Individuals may grapple with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges that significantly impact their overall well-being.
- Fall Injuries – Large dogs have the potential to knock individuals off their feet, resulting in injuries such as brain trauma, broken bones, or dislocated joints upon impact with the ground.
Understanding the diverse range of injuries that can result from dog bites or attacks emphasizes the need for preventive measures and legal recourse to address the physical, emotional, and financial toll inflicted upon victims. Arash Law’s Glendale dog bite lawyers are committed to facilitating legal recovery for victims of dog bites.
How to Evaluate Damages in a Dog Bite Case?
After a dog attack, the pressing concern often revolves around addressing the financial burden, particularly when faced with medical bills and potential disabilities resulting from the incident. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, dog attacks can incur substantial costs, with the extent of injuries significantly impacting the financial aftermath. For instance, a profound back injury necessitating surgery or physical therapy can entail expenses amounting to thousands of dollars.
In California, where a substantial savings account is not commonplace for many individuals and health insurance only covers a fraction of incurred injuries, pursuing a claim against the dog owner becomes a crucial avenue to manage the escalating medical bills.
However, the scope of compensation extends beyond medical expenses. In the state of California, victims of dog attacks have the right to file a claim for a diverse range of damages, including:
- Medical Bills – Coverage for both past and anticipated future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for income lost due to time off work during recovery.
- Reduced Earning Capacity-Addressing the financial impact on future earning potential.
- Lost Career Opportunities – Compensation for missed career opportunities resulting from the inability to continue working at the previous place of employment.
- Home and Vehicle Adjustments – Coverage for modifications to home and vehicle necessitated by disabilities.
- Pain and Suffering – Settlement for the physical and emotional distress experienced.
- Mental Anguish – Acknowledgment of the psychological impact endured.
- Property Damage – Payment for any damage to personal belongings resulting from the dog attack.
Understanding the comprehensive range of compensable damages empowers victims to pursue just compensation, not only for immediate medical needs but also for the broader repercussions of a dog attack on their lives.
Financial Recovery From A Dog Bite Suit
The typical compensation for a dog bite claim hovers around $40,000, although this figure serves as a general benchmark and doesn’t guarantee your specific outcome, as individual results vary. Notably, depending on the specific details and the severity of your injuries, the value of your claim could surpass the $40,000 average. Our assistance extends to evaluating the worth of your case by meticulously considering all relevant details surrounding your incident and procuring any available evidence crucial to your claim. Evidence, such as photographs and comprehensive medical documentation, substantiates the dog bite personal injury claim.
The potential types of compensation you may be entitled to, contingent on the severity of the dog bite, include:
- Medical costs – Coverage for all immediate medical costs resulting from the dog bite, including emergency care, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments. This also encompasses anticipated future medical expenses such as rehabilitative therapy, follow-up surgeries, and long-term care.
- Physical or Vocational Therapy – Compensation for physical therapy sessions to restore functionality, mobility, and independence. Vocational therapy is also included, covering specialized training to help you return to work or adjust to a new career path if necessary.
- Psychological Counseling – Reimbursement for counseling services to address the psychological impact of the dog bite, including treatment for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other mental health issues resulting from the incident.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for the income lost during your recovery period, accounting for any missed workdays, reduced working hours, or the temporary inability to perform job duties due to the dog bite.
- Lost Earning Capacity – Addressing the financial impact on your future earning potential. This compensation factor considers any limitations or restrictions on your ability to perform your job or pursue specific career opportunities due to the lasting effects of the dog bite.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the dog bite. This includes not only the immediate discomfort but also the long-term emotional distress, anxiety, and overall reduction in the quality of life.
- Scarring and Disfigurement – Reimbursement for the permanent scars, disfigurement, or physical alterations resulting from the dog bite. This compensation factor acknowledges the lasting impact on your appearance and self-esteem.
- Loss of the Use of a Limb – Compensation for the loss of function or use of a limb due to the severity of the dog bite. This includes coverage for medical interventions, assistive devices, and adjustments to daily life necessitated by the loss of limb function.
If you want to pursue a comprehensive and fair settlement for the impact a dog bite has had on your life, you need to understand the range of compensable damages that might be available.
At Arash Law, our Glendale dog bite lawyers are committed to equipping you with a thorough understanding of the diverse compensable damages available. This will enable you to pursue rightful compensation, addressing not only immediate medical needs but also the broader consequences of a dog attack.
How Can Glendale Dog Bite Lawyers Assist Your Case?
Collaborating with seasoned Glendale dog bite attorneys at Arash Law can significantly enhance your position when negotiating with a pet owner’s insurance company. Opting for representation becomes crucial, as being unrepresented heightens the risk of the insurance company attempting to exploit your situation. With legal representation, the insurance company is compelled to approach your case seriously and treat you equitably. Glendale dog bite attorneys prove advantageous in various ways, including:
- Providing expertise in understanding and navigating the intricate landscape of dog bite laws, ensuring your rights are safeguarded.
- Conducting thorough investigations to gather evidence establishing the pet owner’s liability, if required for your case.
- Leveraging the expertise of professionals to bolster your claim, whether it be medical experts, behavior analysts, or other specialists.
- Preparedness to take your case to trial if the insurance company fails to present a satisfactory settlement offer.
Engaging a legal professional in the aftermath of a dog bite incident not only safeguards your interests but also empowers you to navigate the legal complexities involved. From understanding relevant laws to building a solid case, our Glendale dog bite attorneys at Arash Law play a pivotal role in securing fair compensation for your injuries.
Statutes of Limitations in Dog Bite Cases
In California, the statutory timeframe for initiating a dog bite lawsuit is two years from the date of the injury. An exception to this two-year limit is applicable when the victim is under 18 years old at the time of the injury. For minors, the two-year statute of limitations commences once they reach the age of 18. Consequently, any individual under 18 possesses the right to file a dog bite lawsuit until their 20th birthday.
However, for victims aged 18 and above, the opportunity to file a lawsuit expires once the two-year period has lapsed. Given the time-sensitive nature of seeking compensation, it is strongly recommended to promptly contact our Glendale personal injury lawyers at Arash Law following a dog bite injury. This urgency is particularly important as there might be instances where locating the dog and owner requires a substantial amount of time. In dog bite personal injury lawsuits, time is a critical factor, and reaching out to Arash Law immediately after the incident enhances the likelihood of a positive outcome for your claim.
Does v. California Farm (confidential) –settlement for a group of farmworkers who were killed when the car they were transported in to work flipped over in Merced County.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Tell When a Dog Is About to Bite?
Recognizing the warning signs that a dog may bite is important for owners to ensure a safe environment. Here are key indicators to be mindful of when assessing a dog’s potential distress:
- Growling – Dogs often exhibit signs of aggression through growling or flashing their teeth, signaling discomfort, anger, or a perceived threat. Immediate attention to these cues is crucial to prevent potentially serious injuries from a dog bite. If growling is observed, allowing the dog time and space to relax is advisable to mitigate the risk of an attack.
- Yawning – Dogs feeling anxious may avoid eye contact, accompanied by behaviors such as lip licking and yawning. While not an explicit indication of imminent biting, these actions do signal the dog’s distress and discomfort.
- Raised Fur – Unease or perceived threat prompts a dog to raise its fur, serving as a visual warning that it is prepared to defend itself. Recognition of this sign is essential to address the potential for an aggressive response preemptively.
- Tense Body – An agitated body posture in a dog signifies emotional unrest. While dogs generally display consistent emotion when in a positive mood, a stiffened body warrants concern. Raised ears and tail indicate a readiness to protect against a perceived threat.
- Tail Wagging – Contrary to the common assumption that tail wagging always denotes happiness, it can also indicate heightened arousal or unease. To discern between a “happy wag” and a potentially “angry wag,” careful attention to the dog’s overall body language is crucial. Caution is warranted when a dog stands still with its tail raised, which may indicate defensive preparation or an impending attack.
Understanding and interpreting these behavioral cues can be instrumental in fostering a safe and harmonious relationship between dogs and their owners or those in their vicinity. Awareness of these signs allows for proactive measures to prevent potential dog bites and promotes responsible pet ownership.
Do I Have a Dog Bite Claim?
If you have experienced a dog bite while lawfully present on public or private property, and the incident was unprovoked, you may have grounds to file a legitimate dog bite claim in Glendale. However, eligibility for filing a claim may be compromised if the dog bite resulted from provocation or if you were not legally on the property at the time of the incident.
Instances of provocation that may impact the claim eligibility include situations where you were:
- Involved in the execution of a warrant
- Aiding in a possible or known crime investigation
- Assisting a peace officer or actively defending the peace officer
- Holding or apprehending a suspect
In the event of a valid dog claim, you could potentially recover compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages. The adept Glendale dog bite lawyers of Arash Law possess the resources and expertise to handle your claim competently, ensuring a thorough and practical approach. Having someone advocate your rights allows you to concentrate on recovery from your significant dog bite injury.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Dog Bite in California?
The financial settlements for dog bite injury claims can vary significantly, ranging from $15,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars, determined by the extent of damages incurred. In 2022, State Farm Insurance recorded the highest payout for dog-related injury claims in California, totaling an impressive $210 million — making it the highest payout in any US state. On average, insurance settlements in California for dog bite injuries increased 31.7 percent in 2022, hovering around $64,555 per claim.
Glendale Lawyers With Decades of Experience And Success In Dog Bite Cases
At Arash Law, our Glendale dog bite lawyers comprehend the enduring and distressing repercussions that can arise from being a victim of a dog bite. Our commitment to representing you and recovering damages is a solemn responsibility, consistently prioritizing our client’s best interests. With decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies and dog owners, we strive to achieve optimal outcomes for your case. We recognize the financial strain from a dog bite incident, so we extend a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. During this session, we meticulously review the particulars of your case and provide informed guidance on the best course of action.
Moreover, our “no win, no fee” agreement reduces concerns about out-of-pocket expenses. You incur no charges unless we successfully secure financial damages on your behalf. Choosing Arash Law means you won’t face any upfront costs, enabling you to concentrate on your recovery while we manage the intricate details. We are confident in delivering results after securing more than $750 million for our valued clients.
Under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., Arash Law is a reputable legal firm catering to individuals throughout California and neighboring Glendale, including Sunland, La Crescenta-Montrose, La Cañada Flintridge, Altadena, Pasadena, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Burbank, North Hollywood, and Sun Valley. Our trusted Glendale dog bite lawyers’ commitment is round-the-clock, ensuring that you have dedicated legal assistance whenever you need it. Trust Arash Law for accessible and responsive representation, providing peace of mind at any hour, and being at your service 24/7.
For personalized and unwavering representation in your dog case, reach out to our firm today at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our online form. Our Glendale dog bite lawyers offer the best advocacy and dedication you deserve.
