La Jolla 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 La Jolla Dog Bite Lawyers Are Focused On Helping You Take The Next Step
Our La Jolla dog bite lawyers represent those harmed by dog bites. If you’re struggling with medical bills, lost income, or emotional distress, we are here to help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Each year, millions of people in the U.S. suffer from dog bites. In San Diego County alone, approximately 2,500 dog bite incidents are reported annually to the California Department of Public Health. While dogs are beloved members of many families, they are still animals driven by instinct. Even the most well-behaved dog may bite if it feels threatened, stressed, scared, or protective of its owner or puppies, especially if it has a history of abuse.
Dog owners must control their pets, and when they fail, innocent people suffer. Our lawyers have helped our clients hold dog owners accountable and pursue fair compensation on their behalf. With years of experience handling dog bite cases, our attorneys understand the legal intricacies and emotional impact these incidents bring. We provide dedicated representation both in and out of court.
Why Choose Arash Law’s La Jolla Dog Bite Lawyers
Our committed dog bite lawyers provide legal representation to help injured individuals pursue fair compensation. With a focus on client needs, our attorneys in La Jolla work to help hold responsible parties accountable.
Here’s why you should work with our lawyers in La Jolla:
- 24/7 Availability — Our attorneys work with a team of over 100 skilled legal professionals. Regardless of the time or day, we are available to assist you with your legal concerns.
- Knowledge in Personal Injury Claims — Our lawyers have represented individuals who were victims of negligence, helping them seek a fair settlement for their injuries and losses in accordance with California law.
- Resource and Experience — Arash Law has the experience and resources to handle both straightforward and complex dog bite cases. We will assist you through the claims process from start to resolution.
- No Upfront Costs — We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. If you don’t receive compensation, you won’t owe us the cost of hiring our services. There may be other case-related costs that may be charged separately, regardless of the outcome of your case. During your initial consultation, we can answer any questions you may have about these fees and costs.
largest animal attack settlement in 2020 for California; client suffered Traumatic Brain Injury– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Our Attorneys Can Help You With Your Dog Bite Case
A dog bite can leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future. “I need a personal injury lawyer” may be your first thought, and our La Jolla dog bite lawyers are here to help you understand your legal rights. We take immediate action to investigate your claim, build a well-supported case, and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Our attorneys can help manage your case by:
- Investigating the incident to gather crucial evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage.
- Calculating your potential damages, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs.
- Working to help hold dog owners and other potentially liable parties accountable for your injuries.
- Providing constant updates and legal guidance, helping you understand every step of the process.
- Handling all communication and negotiations with insurance companies to prevent lowball settlements.
- Taking your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.
Our injury lawyers can help you through the complexities of the claims process. We can meet with you at your location throughout California. Whether it’s an in-person consultation at your home, office, or hospital bedside, we are available to meet at a time that works for you to discuss your legal needs.
Dog Bite Laws In San Diego County, California
California has some of the strictest dog bite laws in the country, holding dog owners accountable for damages resulting from dog bites. In San Diego County, dog bite cases can involve both strict liability and premises liability, depending on the circumstances of the incident.
Under strict liability, a dog owner is automatically responsible for the resulting damages if their dog bites someone in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property. As long as the victim did not provoke the dog and was not trespassing, the owner may be held liable for damages.
In some cases, premises liability may also apply. If a property owner, landlord, or business allows an aggressive dog on the premises without proper warnings or precautions, they may be held responsible for injuries caused by the animal. A dog bite victim may be able to seek accountability from both the dog owner and the property owner if negligence plays a role in the incident.
San Diego County also has specific laws regulating dog bites and owner responsibilities, which include:
- Mandatory Reporting — Dog bites must be reported to the Department of Animal Services by the victim, the treating physician, or the dog owner.
- Quarantine and Isolation — The county has the authority to confine or isolate dogs involved in incidents to ensure public safety.
- Owner Penalties — Dog owners can face legal consequences for failing to restrain their pets, lacking proper licensing, or allowing their dog to create a dangerous situation.
To understand your rights and determine your next steps, speak with our La Jolla dog bite lawyers. We can evaluate your case, explain the relevant laws, and assist you in pursuing compensation.
Dog Bite?
Potential Compensation In A Dog Bite Case
If someone else’s dog bites you, you may be able to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of your injuries. In California, the law does not impose a cap on damages in dog bite cases. The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, their impact on your life, and available insurance coverage. Damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Psychological counseling
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of limbs
- Physical or vocational therapy
In cases where a dog owner is found to have acted with intentional misconduct or willful neglect, the court may award punitive damages. These damages aim to punish the responsible party and deter similar negligent or malicious behavior in the future. Punitive damages are not automatically granted by the court in dog bite cases. These are rare and are typically reserved for extreme misconduct.
The severity of your injury may affect the compensation you could pursue. Minor wounds such as abrasions may result in lower damages, while severe cases like rabies exposure, deep lacerations, avulsions, or nerve damage could lead to more substantial claims.
Determining the exact value of your case depends on various factors, including medical records, the extent of your suffering, and the circumstances of the incident. Call our La Jolla dog bite lawyers at (888) 488-1391. We can assess your case and calculate your potential damages.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one to a dog attack is devastating. Families not only endure grief and sorrow but also face the heavy financial burden of a dog bite fatality. While no amount of money can truly fill the void left behind, pursuing a wrongful death claim offers a way to address the financial challenges that surviving family members face after a loss.
Our wrongful death attorneys understand these challenges and are dedicated to helping families seek a fair settlement for their damages. This compensation can include damages for:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of income and benefits that the deceased would have provided.
- Loss of companionship, love, and support.
Additionally, a “survival action” allows the victim’s estate to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering the victim endured between the injury and their death. These claims help hold those responsible for the attack fully accountable for the harm they caused, both to the victim and to the victim’s family.
Our La Jolla dog bite lawyers can assist in filing either or both of these claims to help you pursue compensation that reflects your estimated damages.
How Our Attorneys Prove Liability In Dog Bite Cases
Proving liability in a dog bite case requires a clear legal strategy. Under California’s strict liability law, dog owners are responsible for injuries their dog causes, regardless of prior aggression. To prove strict liability, our attorneys must establish:
- Ownership — The defendant owned the dog.
- Location — The bite occurred in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property.
- Injury — The bite caused you harm.
- Causation — The dog bite was a direct and substantial factor in your injuries.
Some exceptions to strict liability include:
- Trespassing — If the victim was unlawfully on private property, the owner may not be held liable.
- Law Enforcement Dogs — Police or military dogs on duty are generally exempt unless they bite an innocent bystander.
- Assumed Risk — Professionals like veterinarians who voluntarily interact with dogs may not have a strict liability claim, though negligence may still apply if an owner fails to warn about aggression.
However, not all cases fall under strict liability. In some situations, you may need to establish liability through negligence. For example, if a landlord knew a dangerous dog was on the property but failed to take reasonable precautions, they may be held accountable under premises liability laws. To establish this, our attorneys demonstrate:
- Duty of Care — The property owner had a legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment.
- Knowledge of Danger — The owner knew or should have known about the aggressive dog.
- Failure to Act — The owner did not take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
- Injury Resulting From Negligence — The victim suffered harm due to the owner’s failure to act.
Our La Jolla dog bite attorneys can help prove responsibility under both strict liability and negligence laws. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case assessment.
What To Do If A Dog Bites You
A dog bite is a jarring experience, but taking the right steps immediately after the incident can help protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s a helpful guide to handle the situation properly:
- Seek medical care even for minor bites to prevent infections such as rabies or tetanus. Keep medical records for legal documentation.
- Ask the dog owner for their name, contact details, and proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination. Take note of the dog’s breed, size, and any unique markings.
- Take clear photos of your injuries, including any punctures, scratches, or bruises. Capture images of the scene where the bite occurred and, if possible, the dog itself. If there were witnesses, collect their names and contact information.
- Notify San Diego County Animal Services as soon as possible. You can call their emergency line at (619) 236-2341. If the bite was severe or the dog displayed aggressive behavior, consider reporting the incident to the local law enforcement as well.
- Consult our La Jolla dog bite lawyers. We can help you understand your rights, gather crucial evidence, and handle negotiations with insurance companies for fair compensation on your behalf. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
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
Time Limits To File A Dog Bite Lawsuit
The statute of limitations, or the time limit for filing a lawsuit in California, gives you two years from the date of the dog bite incident. If you miss this deadline, you may risk losing the opportunity to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Some exceptions allow for extending the time limit. One example is when the victim is a minor. If a child gets bitten, the statute of limitations pauses until they turn 18 years old. However, in most cases, a parent or legal guardian files a claim on the child’s behalf well before this deadline.
To meet legal deadlines and learn about your rights, contact our La Jolla dog bite lawyers. We can guide you through the process and help you understand important deadlines that apply to your case.
Dog Bite Statistics
Dog bites remain a serious public health and safety concern, affecting thousands of people each year. From severe injuries to fatal rabies infections, the impact of these incidents can be devastating. It is important to understand the prevalence of dog bites and to hold irresponsible dog owners accountable. Here are some statistics that shed light on the frequency and impact of dog bites:
- Rabies contributes to an estimated 59,000 deaths annually worldwide, most caused by bites from rabid dogs.
- California leads the nation with 2,104 dog bite claims filed in 2023.
- More than 5,800 U.S. Postal Service employees were attacked by dogs in 2023.
As dog bite cases continue to rise, victims must understand their legal rights and options for seeking compensation. If you’ve been bitten and are wondering about your legal options, fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation. Our La Jolla dog bite attorneys will let you know if you have a valid claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our La Jolla dog bite lawyers receive many questions from victims seeking legal guidance after an incident. We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions about dog bite claims, liability, and compensation. If you need personalized advice, call us at (888) 488-1391.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
The value of a dog bite claim varies based on several key factors. While an exact estimate requires a detailed consultation, the following elements typically influence the compensation you may seek:
- Severity and nature of your injuries.
- Medical expenses, including ongoing and future treatment.
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential.
- Pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Impact on your daily life and overall well-being.
- Permanent disabilities or disfigurement.
- Circumstances surrounding the incident.
To get a clearer understanding of how much your claim is worth, consult with our La Jolla dog bite attorneys. We can evaluate your situation and calculate potential damages, including those incurred immediately and those that may arise over time.
Can I Sue If The Dog Owner Is A Family Member Or Friend?
Yes, you can sue if a family member or friend’s dog bites you. Damages are typically covered by the responsible party’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, rather than their personal funds. Therefore, you may be able to seek compensation without directly impacting them financially. Our La Jolla lawyers for dog bite cases handle the legal process for you, working to pursue compensation while addressing your concerns.
Can I Sue The Dog Owner If The Bite Occurred On Their Property?
Yes, you can. California law holds dog owners strictly liable for bites, whether or not the incident happens on their property. In some cases, you may also have a premises liability claim against the property owner if they failed to keep their property safe. Our La Jolla lawyers will review your dog bite case, work to identify all liable parties, and help you seek accountability for their negligence.
Can I Still Pursue A Dog Bite Claim If The Dog Had No History of Aggression?
You can pursue a dog bite claim even if the dog showed no previous signs of aggression. California law imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites, regardless of the dog’s past behavior. Our dog bite attorneys in La Jolla will assess your case, work to gather strong evidence, and advocate for your rights.
What If The Dog Owner Doesn’t Have Insurance Or Assets To Compensate Me?
If the dog owner does not have insurance or sufficient assets, you may still have options for financial recovery. Our La Jolla dog bite attorneys will investigate alternative sources, such as renters’ or homeowners’ insurance policies, and explore other potential avenues for compensation. We will guide you through the legal process and help you build a well-supported claim.
How Long Does It Take To Resolve A Dog Bite Case?
The time it takes to resolve a dog bite case depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The complexity of legal issues involved.
- Whether the case settles or proceeds to trial.
Some cases settle within months, while others may take longer if litigation is necessary. Our dog bite lawyers will handle every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, handling the nuances and complexities of the legal process while you focus on recovery.
Explore Your Options With Our Dog Bite Lawyers In La Jolla
Our La Jolla dog bite lawyers have helped injury victims seek damages, including hospital expenses, lost income, and pain & suffering, after a dog bite. Our attorneys work to help hold liable parties accountable and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. From the moment you contact us, our attorneys will advocate for your rights, guiding you through every step of the legal process.
We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the legal support you need. If you are unable to travel, our attorneys will come to you. Our legal services extend beyond La Jolla to San Diego, Solana Beach, Coronado, Encinitas, National City, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Poway, Spring Valley, Chula Vista, and Santee. Our car accident lawyers also handle cases involving truck accidents, DUI crashes, rideshare collisions involving Uber and Lyft, and slip-and-falls. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
