Orange County 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.
From Injury To Recovery, Our Orange County Dog Bite Lawyers Fight For You.
A dog bite can completely alter your life. More than just the pain and fear that lingers long after the wound heals, getting bit by a dog can also leave victims with medical bills and financial trouble. Our Orange County dog bite lawyers will fight for your rights. We’ll handle all the legal legwork so you can focus on getting better. Call us now at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation.
The American Pet Products Association’s 2023-2024 Pet Owners Survey found that approximately 65 million U.S. households own dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 90 million dogs live in U.S. households. It’s estimated that 4.5 million people get bitten by dogs every year.
Dogs have long been known as man’s best friend, offering companionship, loyalty, and joy with every wag of their tail. They are more than just pets; dogs are beloved members of the family. Although most of them are affectionate, some can act unpredictably in stressful or unfamiliar situations. When they feel threatened, anxious, or protective, they may bite, resulting in painful and potentially dangerous injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, our skilled lawyers are here to help. We understand the physical and emotional toll these incidents can take, and we’re dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. Our experienced team will handle every stage of your case, ensuring that your voice is heard and that your rights are protected.
Why Hire Our Orange County Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog bite injuries, regardless of their severity, can have serious, lasting consequences. Even a minor puncture wound that draws blood can be fatal if the dog carries rabies. Furthermore, the trauma caused by such incidents may last long after the injury has healed, affecting the victim’s life.
If you’re wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for my dog bite case?” the answer is yes. Having our experienced Orange County dog bite attorneys by your side ensures your case is handled with the care and professionalism it deserves. We are not just lawyers; we are your committed advocates, fighting to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
With decades of experience in personal injury cases involving dog bites, we know the ins and outs of California law and how to handle insurance companies that may try to take advantage of you. Our proven track record speaks for itself, with over $750 million secured in settlements and verdicts.
When you work with us, you’ll receive personalized, attentive support at every step of the legal process. We don’t just handle cases; we prioritize our clients’ well-being, treating each person with care and respect. As one of our clients, John P., shared, “Not only did they provide premiere customer service, but they treated me like family.”
Don’t delay your path to justice and recovery. Contact us today to get started. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
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
The aftermath of a dog bite can be painful and distressing. You may feel overwhelmed by the trauma, and you may wonder how to get help. You don’t have to face this difficult time alone. Let our experienced dog bite attorneys in Orange County assist you.
Our Orange County injury law firm can help you by:
Explaining Your Rights
Our dog bite lawyers in Orange County will help you understand your rights. We’ll carefully explain the legal protections available to you, including your right to seek compensation. The moment you understand your rights, you will be empowered to make informed decisions with confidence.
Calculating Your Damages
Most injured victims are unaware of the full scope of damages they can recover. Our Orange County dog bite attorneys will carefully calculate your losses. We will make sure to get fair payment for your medical bills and other expenses.
Gathering Evidence
We will collect essential information, including witness statements, medical records, and photos of your injuries. Our dog bite lawyers in Orange County will investigate the dog’s history and the circumstances of the attack, helping you build a powerful case.
Handling All Communication
Our Orange County attorneys, who handle dog bite cases, will manage all communication with the insurance company and other parties involved. We will protect your rights and prevent you from making any statements that might harm your claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Our Orange County lawyers specializing in dog bite cases are skilled negotiators who understand the true value of your claim. We advocate for the maximum compensation you are entitled to during negotiations.
Filing A Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly or offers a low settlement, we will take your case to court without hesitation. Our Orange County dog bite attorneys are prepared to fight aggressively to protect your rights and secure fair restitution. With a strong reputation in the courtroom, our team is ready to fight for your rights.
Dog Bite Laws In Orange County, California
Unlike other states, California does not have a one-bite rule, which can shield a dog owner from liability for their pet’s first bite or injury incident. Instead, California has a “strict liability” rule in place for dog bites. This means that dog owners are automatically liable for damages caused by their pets, whether or not they exercised due care or had prior knowledge of their dog’s aggressive tendencies.
What if you are bitten by a dog while on private property? Whether you are lawfully present or not, you may still be able to file a claim under California’s dog bite laws. To have a valid claim, you must prove that your injury resulted directly from the dog bite and not from other actions, such as being jumped on, scratched, or knocked down by the dog.
If the dog’s owner claims that their pet is a “service” or “emotional support” animal, this may not necessarily affect your claim. Under California law, even service animals or emotional support dogs are not exempt from liability if they bite someone. The owner can still be held accountable for the injuries caused by their dog.
The unpredictable nature of dog bite attacks can lead to serious injuries. Victims may not know when or why a dog will bite, making it harder to prevent these incidents. This is why strict liability laws are so important.
If you want to understand the laws on dog bites better, contact our experienced Orange County dog bite lawyers. We will explain them in simple terms and help you use them to your advantage.
Dog Bite?
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause a range of injuries, from minor wounds to severe trauma. These injuries often require extensive medical care and may impact a victim’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
Here are some common injuries from dog bites:
- Puncture Wounds — If not treated quickly, a deep puncture wound can easily become infected, which may lead to a longer recovery period and extra medical bills.
- Lacerations — Sharp teeth may tear through the skin with force during the attack. See a doctor to check for rabies. Ensure proper wound care to avoid infection and further complications.
- Bone Fractures — If a larger dog bites you, the force of its jaws clamping down could break or fracture a bone. These injuries often mean time off work and costly treatments.
- Nerve Damage — A deep dog bite can damage your nerves, leaving you with ongoing pain or numbness. This can limit your abilities and impact your overall quality of life.
- Disfigurement — Severe dog bite attacks can result in facial or bodily disfigurement. Not only will these require expensive surgeries, but they can also affect the victim’s mental health.
Our dog bite attorneys in Orange County understand how devastating these injuries can be. We will get you access to the top medical specialists to ensure you receive proper treatment for your wounds.
Remember, a dog’s likelihood to bite does not depend on breed but on its history and behavior. We will thoroughly investigate whether the dog has a history of aggression or previous attacks, as this information can strengthen your case and establish the owner’s liability.
Recoverable Compensation After A Dog Bite Attack
If you or a loved one was bitten and injured by a dog, you might be entitled to compensation to cover your losses. These damages may assist in addressing both the physical and emotional effects of the incident, as well as the financial burden.
Here are the damages our Orange County dog bite lawyers can help you recover:
- Medical Bills — These include emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and any follow-up treatments you may need.
- Lost Wages And Benefits — We can help recover the wages and benefits you’ve lost due to your injuries, ensuring that your financial well-being is protected during your recovery.
- Loss Of Earning Capacity — Whenever your injury prevents you from returning to the same type of work, we can seek reimbursement for the loss of earning capacity.
- Scarring And Disfigurement — We can seek payment for the physical and emotional impact of the dog bite, as well as reconstructive surgery required to address permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Physical Or Vocational Therapy — Dog bite victims often need physical therapy to recover from their injuries or vocational therapy so that they can return to work. Compensation can cover the costs of therapy sessions.
- Psychological Counseling — Dog bites and other similar incidents can lead to emotional distress and trauma. Our law firm can assist you in recovering the costs of therapy that will help you cope with post-traumatic stress.
- Loss Of Personal Enjoyment — This covers the loss of personal enjoyment if the injury prevented you from enjoying activities you once enjoyed.
Contact our Orange County personal injury lawyers who handle dog bite cases at (888) 488-1391. We can help you assess and calculate the damages you may be entitled to.
Proving Liability In Dog Bite Cases
To prove strict liability in a dog bite case in California, you need to demonstrate the following:
- Ownership — The defendant owned the dog.
- Location — The bite occurred in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property.
- Injury — The dog bite injured the victim.
- Causation — The dog bite was a substantial factor in causing the victim’s injuries.
However, there are instances where strict liability does not apply. In these exceptions, the legal approach shifts to other forms of liability, such as negligence or assumption of risk. Here’s a breakdown of each exception and what typically happens:
- Trespassing — If the victim was trespassing, the dog owner might not be held liable under strict liability. However, the owner could still be liable if they were negligent, such as if they intentionally set the dog on the trespasser.
- Law Enforcement Dogs — If a dog bite occurs while a law enforcement dog is on duty, the officer and their department are usually protected from liability unless the dog was used improperly or the use of force was excessive.
- Assumption Of Risk — In cases where the victim knowingly took the risk of being bitten, like a veterinarian treating the dog, strict liability does not apply. The owner might still be liable under negligence if they failed to inform the vet of the dog’s aggressive behavior.
- Partial Fault — If the victim was partially at fault, such as provoking the dog, the court might reduce the compensation proportionately to the victim’s responsibility.
In these situations, proving liability often involves demonstrating negligence or recklessness rather than relying on strict liability.
Liability issues can get complicated. It is best to work with our Orange County personal injury attorneys, who specialize in dog bite cases. We can handle all the legal proceedings so you can focus on recovery.
What To Do If A Dog Bites You
A dog bite can be a traumatic and unexpected experience. It may leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. Taking immediate action is vital to safeguarding your health and legal rights.
To do so, here are the steps that you should take:
- Prioritize your safety. Move away from the dog and put distance between you to prevent further injury. Call 911 if there is still a danger. The dispatcher will notify the Orange County Police Department and Animal Control to help secure the dog and ensure safety.
- Gather information and evidence. If you are able, take clear photos of the dog and your injuries. Note its breed, color, size, and the location of the incident. Also, obtain the contact information of any witnesses. Their statements could be valuable when establishing the details of the incident.
- Report the accident to the Orange County Animal Care. You can call (714) 796-6421. They are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4 PM. After hours, weekends, or holidays, call (714) 259-1122. You may also fill out their form and fax it to OC Animal Care at (714) 259-1089.
- Seek immediate medical attention. In spite of how minor a bite may seem, it could later become infected or lead to more serious complications. Medical professionals will assess your injury and determine if further treatment is needed, including checking for rabies.
- Consult with the best dog bite lawyers in Orange County. We will review your situation during a free initial consultation. Once we assess your case, we will help you understand your legal options to pursue compensation. Contact Arash Law today to begin your journey towards justice and recovery.
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
Time Limit To File A Dog Bite Claim
You have a two-year limit from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your damages. This strict deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this time limit, you could lose your right to pursue a claim entirely.
To protect your rights and file in a timely manner, consult with one of California’s biggest personal injury law firms. We can guide you through each step of the process so that you meet all the legal requirements. Getting started early can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
There are also some exceptions to the standard two-year timeframe, which can make filing even more complicated. For example, if a minor is involved or if the dog owner is out of state, the time limit may be paused. These complexities make it even more important to work with skilled Orange County dog bite lawyers, who will make sure your claim is timely and complete.
Statistics About Dog Bites
Despite the deep bond between pets and their owners, we cannot overlook the reality that dogs can sometimes exhibit dangerous behavior, leading to serious accidents. Here are some dog bite statistics that emphasize the importance of awareness and legal recourse:
- California leads the nation with 2,104 dog bite claims in 2023.
- An estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S.
- Each year, 800,000 people seek medical attention for injuries caused by dog bites.
- From 1997 to 1998, 27 dog bite fatalities occurred, with pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers responsible for over half of the 238 deaths linked to at least 25 breeds in the past 20 years.
- Stray dogs account for 15.55% of dog bite incidents.
- Over 5,300 postal workers were attacked by dogs in 2022.
As dog bite cases continue to rise, we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping injured victims receive justice. Our Orange County accident lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate and skilled legal representation, ensuring that they get fair indemnity. If a dog has bitten you, don’t hesitate to contact us at (888) 488-1391.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Compensation Can I Expect From My Dog Bite Injury Claim?
The value of a claim for a dog bite case depends on several factors, including your injuries, medical bills, physical and emotional distress, and other long-term effects on your life. Remember, the more severe the injury, the higher the potential compensation.
Consulting with Orange County dog bite lawyers can help you get a clearer estimate based on the specifics of your case. Our attorneys will assess the full extent of your injuries, gather evidence, and work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Does Homeowner's Insurance Cover My Dog Bite Injury?
Yes, many homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover injuries from dog bites, including liability for medical costs and other damages. However, insurance companies exclude certain breeds from coverage. Forbes compiled a list of the insurers’ frequently banned breeds. These limitations can be challenging, especially when trying to receive fair compensation.
Despite insurance restrictions, our skilled dog bite attorneys in Orange County will fight aggressively to secure the justice and restitution you are owed. We’ll meticulously review your coverage and determine the best strategy for your situation. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Can I Still File For A Dog Attack Claim Even If I Wasn’t Bitten?
Even if you weren’t bitten, you can still file a claim for a dog attack. While the strict liability dog bite statute specifically applies to bite injuries, other injuries caused by a dog’s behavior can also lead to a claim.
Our dog bite lawyers in Orange County have handled similar cases. One of our clients, a Canadian visitor to California, was attacked by an unleashed dog during his daily walk. The force of the attack caused him to fall and hit his head on the asphalt, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. We secured $2,300,000 from the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance to cover his medical expenses and recovery.
If you have a dog bite case involving a similar situation, consult our attorneys immediately. We will help you handle all the legal legwork to ensure you receive a fair financial recovery.
Who Is Not Eligible To Sue For Dog Bite Injury Compensation?
Not everyone is eligible to file a claim for compensation after being bitten by a dog. In some situations, certain individuals may not have the right to sue for damages under California law. Below are the cases where a person might not be able to seek monetary payment for their injuries:
- People who deliberately provoke dogs.
- People who were bitten by a dog that was protecting its owner or someone else.
- Individuals who were intruding on private land when the bite occurred.
- Individuals who were attacked by a police or military dog performing official duties within the agency’s guidelines.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to pursue a claim, fill out our “Do I have A Case?” form. Our Orange County dog bite attorneys will evaluate your situation and let you know if you have a viable case.
What If I Was Partially Responsible For The Dog Bite Incident, Such As By Teasing Or Provoking The Dog?
If you were partially at fault in a dog bite incident, you may still seek compensation. Comparative negligence laws allow a plaintiff (the injured party) to recover damages even if they share some responsibility. However, your damages are reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For instance, if you are found to be 22% responsible for the incident, you can still pursue compensation for the remaining 78%.
If you believe you may share some responsibility, it’s wise to consult with the best Orange County dog bite lawyers. They can explain how comparative negligence may affect your case. They will work tirelessly to reduce your liability and secure maximum compensation for you.
How Long Does A Typical Dog Bite Claim Take To Resolve?
The time it takes to resolve a dog bite claim can vary widely. Simpler cases may settle within a few months, while more complex claims, particularly those involving severe injuries or disputed liability, can take a year or longer, especially if they go to trial. During your free consultation, our dog bite attorneys in Orange County will review the details of your case and help you understand the likely timeline so you know what to expect.
Contact The Dog Bite Lawyers Orange County Relies On For Justice
A dog bite is more than just an injury; it can leave victims with lasting physical and emotional scars. Our Orange County dog bite lawyers understand the impact these accidents have on victims and their families, and we are here to help you seek justice.
As one of the best personal injury law firms in California, our commitment to client satisfaction is unwavering as we strive to ensure our client’s rights are fully upheld and their futures protected. With over $750 million recovered in settlements and verdicts, including substantial victories in dog bite cases, our team has a proven track record of success.
If you believe you have a viable case, don’t hesitate to contact us at (888) 488-1391. We will work diligently to investigate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers to secure the money you deserve.
Our law firm handles a wide range of cases, including car accidents, rideshare collisions involving Uber and Lyft, semi-truck crashes, motorcycle incidents, truck collisions, bus incidents, and DUI accidents. We also take personal injury claims involving construction work, mesothelioma cases, brain injuries, pedestrian accidents, bike crashes, hit-and-run cases, and slip-and-fall incidents.
We proudly serve clients across Orange County, including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, and Westminster.
