Lakewood Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
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Our Lakewood Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Offer Personalized Legal Support For Every Client
Are you suffering from a dog bite injury? Our Lakewood Dog Bite Injury Lawyer can help you understand your rights and potential avenues for seeking compensation. The legal team at Arash Law offers legal representation and a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options following your accident. We can arrange a meeting at a location that is convenient for you if you are unable to visit us. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation with one of our dog bite injury lawyers in Lakewood.
Dogs can play several roles in the lives of people. They can be service dogs, helping people with disabilities to navigate their lives more easily and efficiently. Dogs can be hunters, helping their owners to gather food for their families. They can be herders, assisting farmers in controlling and keeping track of barn animals. Dogs can be companions, friends, and part of the family.
Because dogs occupy such diverse and emotionally significant roles, it can be difficult for some people to recognize and accept their natural, animal instincts. Like other animals, dogs possess a survival and defensive instinct, which enables them to protect themselves and their owners. However, when a dog’s behavior becomes uncontrolled or aggressive, it can pose a serious risk to those nearby. This danger can lead to dog bite attacks, which are a common incident in the United States. Statistically, the United States averages almost five million dog bite injuries annually, and nearly 800,000 of those injuries require medical attention.
In Los Angeles County, California, resides the city of Lakewood. In comparison to California’s major cities, Lakewood has a relatively small population of 80,048, according to the 2010 census. The towns surrounding Lakewood have their popular venues, tourist attractions, and activities. In Lakewood, many people keep dogs as pets, and one of the most popular activities is walking them or spending time outdoors so they can play.
Lakewood is full of “man’s best friend.” Though dogs can be playful and bring joy and love, sometimes dangerous situations can occur where someone is attacked and injured. Not all dog attack injuries are severe and require medical care, but some can be and possibly result in fatalities. In any scenario, knowing what to do after an attack is crucial, both medically and legally.
For decades, the attorneys at Arash Law, founded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have handled different types of injury cases in California. The effects of suffering a dog bite accident can be daunting and extensive, and we understand the challenges that some victims may face.
The Lakewood dog bite injury lawyers at Arash Law are dedicated to helping victims navigate the legal process and manage their case so they can concentrate on their recovery. We are committed to thorough case preparation and pursuing the compensation that may be available to you.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or via online chat to schedule a case evaluation with our firm.
largest animal attack settlement in 2020 for California; client suffered Traumatic Brain Injury– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
California Dog Bite Laws
California has strict dog-bite laws. California Civil Code Section 3342 states that a dog owner whose dog bites another person is liable for injuries and other damage caused by the dog. This liability applies regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s prior knowledge of any vicious tendencies.
Courts may consider the following factors when determining whether the dog was vicious:
- The dog has previously attacked a person, causing injury or death.
- The dog has attacked, chased, or bitten twice within one year.
- The dog is owned and trained for dogfighting.
Under California law, dog bite injury victims have two years from the accident date to file a civil lawsuit for damages. If filing the lawsuit is prolonged beyond two years, the victim may lose their ability to pursue compensation for said damages. However, certain exceptions can extend or “toll” the statute of limitations. These include:
- The defendant, or liable party, left California. This absence does not count toward the statute of limitations period.
- At the time of the dog bite attack, the victim was under 18. The statute of limitations begins upon their coming of adult age.
- If someone has suffered a dog bite from a dog assisting a government agency, i.e., police, military, etc., the victim typically cannot pursue a claim.
United States Dog Bite Statistics
Any dog, regardless of breed, has the potential to bite. However, certain breeds are more frequently involved in reported bite incidents than others. It’s important to exercise caution when around any dog, especially if you are unfamiliar with the animal. Particular breeds are more dangerous than others.
There was a study conducted over 13 years that examined 432 dog bites. The study found the following dogs are more likely to bite than other breeds:
- Rottweilers make up 10.4% of all dog bites.
- Pit Bulls make up 65.5% of all dog bites.
Of all dog bite fatalities, the following breeds comprise the percentages of deadly dog bites nationwide:
- Husky — 3%
- Mastiff — 3.2%
- American Bulldog — 3.5%
- German Shepherds — 4.6%
- Pit Bulls and Rottweilers — 77%
Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that of the over four million people bitten by dogs in the United States, children are the most common victims of a dog attack and suffer injuries at a higher rate than any other demographic. Older adults are the second largest group for dog bite injuries.
About 800,000 people require medical attention after a dog bite injury annually. Although nearly one million people report a dog injury yearly, around two million dog bite injuries go unreported.
Also, according to the CDC database, 226 fatalities occurred due to dog bite attacks between 2018-2021. This three-year period showed a significant percentage increase in fatal dog attacks. Below is a short list of dog bite fatalities:
- Rottweilers accounted for 45 fatalities.
- Siberian Huskies accounted for 13 fatalities.
- Bull Mastiffs accounted for 14 fatalities.
- Pit Bulls accounted for 284 deaths.
- American Bulldogs accounted for 15 deaths.
- Mixed Breeds accounted for 17 deaths.
These statistics can be surprising, as many people do not consider dog bites to be a common incident. Unfortunately, these attacks occur quite often, and it is important to know the steps to take after an attack.
Typical Causes Of Dog Bites
Often, a dog biting someone is done as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened or afraid. However, fear is not the only cause. Other common reasons include:
- Illness or Pain — A dog in pain or discomfort may bite when touched or approached too closely.
- Protective Behavior — A mother dog may bite if she perceives a threat to her puppies.
- Playfulness — During rough play, some dogs may bite unintentionally, not out of aggression but from overexcitement.
Regardless of the cause or intent, a dog bite can still result in serious injury or lasting damage.
What Should I Do After A Dog Bite Injury In Lakewood?
The victim of a dog attack should know the necessary steps to take following the incident, including seeking medical attention, gathering evidence of the attack, obtaining the contact information of the liable party, contacting the authorities to file a police report, and consulting an experienced Lakewood dog bite lawyer.
Each of these steps is crucial to protecting your legal rights and recovering from a dog bite incident. Hiring a dog bite attorney who’s from Lakewood is beneficial in helping a victim navigate the legal process.
Here are steps to consider following a dog bite incident:
- To reduce the possibility of infection, cleanse the bitten area with water and soap.
- Get the dog owner’s information, including their name, contact information, and a copy of their dog’s vaccination records.
- Contact the authorities and emergency responders to file a report about the dog bite. Contacting authorities may seem excessive, but it is important, especially if you decide to pursue litigation.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. The severity of a dog bite wound can be more than initially apparent. Keep a copy of your medical records describing your injuries suffered from the attack and your prognosis.
- Contact the dog owner’s veterinarian to verify if the dog’s vaccinations are accurate and up to date.
- Consult a Lakewood dog bite injury lawyer for legal assistance in seeking compensation for your injuries. Keep in mind that there is a deadline for filing claims, so it’s crucial to act promptly to preserve your right to pursue damages.
Typical Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite attacks can result in a wide range of injuries. The severity often depends on the force of the attack, the size of the dog, and the location of the bite. Common physical injuries include:
- Eye, head, and neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Torn muscle
- Bone fractures
- Puncture wounds
- Facial disfigurement
While many injuries are localized, some dog bites can lead to serious infections, particularly if the dog’s vaccinations are not up to date. Common infections associated with dog bites include:
- Rabies — If a dog is infected, it can transmit the infection through its saliva. If a victim contracts rabies, typical symptoms include headache, fever, anxiety, and weakness.
- Pasteurella — Pasteurella is a bacterium that is often found in the saliva of any animal, not just dogs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about three-quarters of injuries from animal bites contain this bacterium. Some resulting symptoms are redness, septic arthritis, inflammation, and abscesses.
- MRSA — This acronym stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. It is a bacterial infection that can be quite challenging to treat if infected. The symptoms include abscesses, boils, blisters, and overall skin irritation.
- Tetanus — This bacterium exists not just in animal saliva but also in dust or soil. Suppose this bacterium enters through a punctured skin injury. Symptoms include headaches, fever, muscle stiffness, seizures, and even tightening of jaw muscles (or lockjaw).
Although many dog bite injuries heal with proper care, some can cause permanent damage or life-threatening complications. In severe cases, infections or trauma from the attack may even result in death. Understanding the potential risks of dog bites underscores the importance of seeking prompt medical attention after any bite, no matter how minor it may seem.
Who Can Be Held Liable For Dog Bite Injuries?
Generally, the dog’s owner is legally responsible for injuries resulting from a bite. In California and many other states, strict liability laws apply, meaning the owner is liable for damages caused by their dog regardless of intent or prior knowledge of aggressive behavior.
Under California Civil Code section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for paying for injuries and other losses, whether their dog bites a person in public or private places. However, there are notable exceptions to strict liability.
Exceptions To Strict Liability In Dog Bite Cases
The exceptions to strict liability include two scenarios:
- The Plaintiff Trespassed on the Owner’s Property — If the plaintiff trespassed onto the dog owner’s private property and the dog bit them, the owner cannot be held strictly liable for the dog’s actions. The logic behind this policy is that since the plaintiff is not legally present on the owner’s property, it is unfair to hold the owner strictly liable.
- A Working Dog — A dog engaged in military service or police work that bites someone does not create liability in the military, government, or police agency in most cases.
Liability In Dog Bite Cases
If someone suffers a dog bite attack, avoid discussing the legal case with the liable party (i.e., the dog owner). The only necessary discussion with the owner is exchanging contact information.
California has among the strictest dog bite laws nationwide. At the same time, the state follows a modified comparative negligence system when determining liability. Under this approach, if the injured person (plaintiff) is found partially responsible for the incident, their compensation will be reduced proportionally to their share of fault.
Benefits Of Hiring Experienced Lakewood Dog Bite Attorneys
A dog bite attorney can help the victim pursue fair compensation for their injuries and related losses. These damages can be economic or non-economic and include medical fees, lost income, property damage, emotional stress, loss of consortium, pain, and suffering. Additionally, in the case of a fatality, the victim’s spouse or children may be eligible to pursue compensation for their pain and suffering and the victim’s lost income.
A dog bite injury can be daunting, as the emotional stress following the attack can be severe, along with the obvious physical strain the victim endures. However, the case can be complex, so it may be in the victim’s best interest to hire an experienced dog bite lawyer in Lakewood.
Below is a list of services a Lakewood dog bite injury attorney can provide if you suffer an injury:
- Free Initial Consultation — Many dog bite attorneys offer a no-cost case evaluation to review the circumstances of the incident and answer any questions you may have about your case.
- Contingency Fee Arrangement — Many dog bite lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs.
- Case Valuation — The attorney will assess the value of your claim, including medical costs, lost income, psychological stress, and other losses resulting from the injury.
- Assess Liability — The dog bite attorney can help identify the party responsible for the injury, which is crucial for pursuing compensation from insurance providers, since many dog owners may not be able to cover damages out of pocket.
- Settlement Negotiation — The lawyer will negotiate with the liable party’s insurer to seek a fair settlement. This process typically begins with a settlement demand and continues until both sides reach an agreement.
- Litigation and Court Representation — If a settlement cannot be reached, a dog bite injury attorney will file a lawsuit and represent you in court to protect your rights and pursue full compensation.
Types Of Damages Available In Dog Bite Injury Cases
Dog bite attacks can be extremely traumatic, resulting not only in physical injuries but also in psychological stress. This stress may stem from coping with the injuries themselves, as well as navigating potential legal claims.
An experienced Lakewood dog bite attorney can help you seek appropriate compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Potential recoverable damages in a dog bite injury lawsuit include the following.
Economic Damages
These damages are generally easier to quantify because they relate to measurable financial losses. Below are a few of the economic damages a victim may be able to pursue:
- Lost Income — If you miss work, you may be eligible to pursue future lost income and earning capacity if you cannot work or your ability to work is affected by your injury.
- Medical Treatment Bills — Some dog bite injuries require medical treatment, and as a result, medical bills can accumulate. These expenses include emergency room treatment, physical therapy, rehabilitation treatment, surgical procedures, and ambulance services.
- Property Damages — Compensation may cover personal items damaged during the attack, such as clothing, phones, or accessories.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are intangible and more difficult to quantify, which can include:
- Pain and Suffering — Victims may be able to seek compensation for their mental and emotional pain, which resulted from the dog bite. Victims of several dog bite attacks can suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of Consortium — A spouse or close family member may seek compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, or support resulting from the victim’s injuries.
Punitive Damages
In addition to monetary compensation, punitive damages may also be available depending on your case’s circumstances. Punitive damages do not reimburse the victim for their losses but punish the liable party for their wrongdoings. To seek punitive damages, the victim usually must prove that the liable party acted with malice or oppression, although such awards are uncommon and require clear and convincing evidence. Your Lakewood dog bite injury lawyer can help you understand your case’s availability for punitive damages.
Wrongful Death
Any injury resulting from a dog bite attack should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, severe injuries can result in fatalities. In such cases, certain family members, typically defined by state law, can file a wrongful death lawsuit. It is essential to note that each state permits only specific family members to pursue such a lawsuit. Potential plaintiffs in a wrongful death lawsuit include:
- The victim’s spouse or putative spouse and their children.
- The victim’s domestic partner.
- The victim’s children or stepchildren.
- The victim’s parents.
Seeking Medical Attention
The need for medical attention to treat a dog bite injury depends on the severity of the injury. It’s advisable to seek medical treatment immediately because dog bites have a high risk of infection from rabies or bacteria. This infection can lead to severe illness, including death.
Failing to report a dog bite attack may impact your ability to pursue compensation for damages. Also, it may put others at risk of being bitten by the same dog.
2019: $27M confidential settlement in a case involving multiple plaintiffs.– BRIAN BEECHER
Whose Insurance Pays For My Injuries?
Renter’s or homeowner’s insurance typically covers most dog bite attack compensation. Generally, coverage is up to the limits of the owner’s policy and can lie anywhere between $100,000 and about $300,000. The financial impact of dog bite claims is a significant and increasing annual cost. The particulars of insurance policies vary from company to company, but generally, it is not a legal requirement for insurance companies to include dog bite liability in their coverage. Additionally, various insurance companies will not cover dog breeds that are more likely to commit bite attacks.
Suffering A Dog Bite While On The Job Or On Private Property
While performing occupational duties during work hours, individuals may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive medical benefits and wage replacements.
If the bite occurs on private property, a premises liability claim may be appropriate. Generally, the property owner or dog owner may be held liable if the victim was lawfully present on the property at the time of the attack.
Depending upon the specifics of the case, an experienced Lakewood dog bite lawyer can determine the potential compensation that may be available to them.
Seek Legal Help From Our Dog Bite Injury Lawyers In Lakewood
Recovering from a dog bite can be physically and emotionally challenging. Acting quickly is important, as timely legal action can help protect your right to compensation. Our legal team is here to help you pursue the financial recovery you may be eligible for. The compensation may help you get back on track and move forward with your life.
The legal team at Arash Law, under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., offers legal representation and support in cases involving dog bite injuries. Our Lakewood dog bite lawyers serve clients in Lynwood, Paramount, Artesia, Norwalk, Hawaiian Gardens, Cerritos, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Compton, Downey, Long Beach, Bellflower, Cypress, Signal Hill, and La Palma.
The attorneys at Arash Law have decades of experience handling cases for injured victims in California. When a victim suffers harm after a dog bite, an experienced legal team may be able to assist in seeking compensation for pain and suffering, in addition to financial damages, depending on the case’s circumstances. Our legal team is dedicated to handling your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391, or use our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation initial case evaluation. We look forward to hearing from you.
