California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
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Get Compensation For Your Injuries With The Help Of Our California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
While dogs are often known as loyal and loving companions, even the most gentle canines can react aggressively if they feel scared or threatened. If someone else’s dog has bitten you, you might be eligible to file a claim and recover damages from its owner. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation and case review. Our California dog bite injury lawyers will help you get justice and ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Imagine enjoying a family day at the park when someone’s dog charges at you and attacks your child. Or, you could be delivering a package to someone’s property when their dog runs across the yard and bites you.
A dog bite can be extremely traumatic for the victim and their families, especially in the event of a catastrophic injury or wrongful death. Statistically, the most severely wounded victims have been children. For this vulnerable party, a dog bite can leave emotional scars or cause conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. A bitten child, for example, may develop a fear of dogs or going outside.
Contact our personal injury law firm for counsel on what to do if you or a loved one has suffered dog bite injuries. We understand the dog bite laws in California and can help you bring a claim against the dog’s owner.
Why Hire Our California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers For Your Claim?
The law may protect people from dog bite accidents, but not all victims receive compensation for their injuries. These claims could be tricky, especially if the canine only attacked the victim and didn’t bite them. Our California dog bite injury lawyers have handled a wide range of these cases, so we can help you fight for your rights. We’ll also get your medical bills and other damages paid.
Here’s what our legal team offers for all victims injured in dog-related incidents:
- Knowledge, Experience, & Expertise — With decades of experience in this field, our personal injury attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of these cases. We also know the strategies that work and those that don’t. When you hire us, you can expect a personalized approach to how we plan to build and win your case.
- Dedication & Competence — We work hard to bring you closer to justice, utilizing all available resources to ensure you have a solid case. Our meticulous dog bite attorneys will look at every detail and leave no stone unturned in gathering evidence to support your claim.
- Compassion & Integrity — Our firm also offers top-notch legal services with no upfront costs. With a contingency fee agreement, you don’t have to pay us for our services until we win your case.
- Reliability & Accessibility — Arash Law is available 24/7 to answer your legal questions and update you on the progress of your case. We will also work around your schedule and meet you wherever you are in California.
We have successfully recovered over $500 million in compensation for our clients. Our California personal injury lawyers fight aggressively to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.
Do You Need An Attorney For A Dog Bite Injury?
You can try to settle things independently, but you would have a better chance of receiving compensation with legal representation. Here’s what our dog bite attorneys can do for you:
- Review the details of your case and conduct an investigation
- Identify the cause of the accident and determine who is at fault
- Connect you with medical professionals for the treatment of your injuries
- File a claim and make sure you comply with all requirements and deadlines
- Collect sufficient proof for your claim, including security footage and witness statements
- Communicate and negotiate with the at-fault party to try and reach a settlement
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if the liable party refuses to settle
Our attorneys know the dog bite laws in California like the back of their hands. We understand how the legal system works, so we also know how to navigate it. Hiring our lawyers will give you valuable support and guidance as you decide on your next steps.
Why Are Dog Bites Dangerous?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one out of five dog bites requires medical attention. If 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs, that means more than 900,000 individuals have to get treated for dog bite injuries.
A dog bite can cause minor nips or scratches, severe cuts, and punctures that lead to irreparable damage to the skin. These bites may also cause injuries to the bones, muscles, and surrounding blood vessels and nerves.
As with any open wound, dog bites can also lead to serious, life-threatening infections if left untreated. Even the smallest cuts or scratches must be kept clean and dressed (if needed) to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria that can easily infect the wound. Victims with liver disease, diabetes, or immune system problems are more susceptible to developing infections from dog bites.
If you are bitten by a dog, even if the wound seems superficial, you should get emergency medical care immediately. Your health is of the topmost importance. If you need help pursuing compensation for treatment, our dog bite injury lawyers in California can help.
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California Dog Bite Law
Every state follows its own statutes when someone’s dog bites another person. California law Section 3342 outlines the legal processes in a dog bite case.
3342(a) The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner.
It states that the owner is liable for the damages resulting from a dog bite in a public or private place where the victim was lawfully present. This is the case regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s violent tendencies. The “owner” can be anyone in charge of controlling the dog at the time of the attack. Our dog bite injury attorneys in California can assist you in filing a claim against negligent dog owners. There is an exception in which the bitten person could not file a claim – such as when the dog was performing police or military work at the time of the bite.
California’s Leash Laws
In general, California’s leash laws require owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public places, common areas of private property, and their own properties that aren’t enclosed by a fence or wall.
Walking around with an unleashed canine or letting it roam free in a public park is essentially illegal. Doing so violates the law and increases the likelihood of a dog bite.
A public place can be scary or overwhelming for a dog, with many possible triggers. They would be much harder to control or pacify if they weren’t on a leash. Additionally, unfamiliar places make them anxious, even on private property with only a few people.
For this reason, owners often find themselves caught up in a dog bite injury claim. So, unless the property owner explicitly gives you consent to take your dog off the leash within their premises, it would be best to follow the law to prevent dog bites.
Reach out to our California dog bite injury lawyers if you have questions about the state’s leash laws. We can explain these in more detail and help you understand what you can do about your case.
Strict Liability For Dog Bites And Other Related Injuries
California’s dog bite law is a strict liability statute. A dog owner cannot use the defense that they had no prior knowledge of the dog’s viciousness, as this is irrelevant to the law.
It also does not matter if the dog’s owner took steps to prevent a dog bite. If the dog bites someone, the owner is strictly liable for damages unless the person was trespassing on private property at the time of the attack.
This is one of the very few exceptions. If someone’s dog bites you in California, the odds are that the owner will have to pay for your medical bills and other damages.
In some states, the “dog bite” statute also covers other types of dog-related incidents, such as being knocked down or chased by a canine. However, in California, strict liability applies specifically to dog bites. If a dog injured you in a way other than by biting you, you could bring a claim against the owner on the basis of negligence.
In this case, the injured party would have to prove that the dog’s owner was careless and did not use reasonable care to prevent the injury. For example, a dog was loose in a yard and jumped on the mailman, knocking him down and breaking his hip. The mailman could assert that the dog’s owner reasonably should have foreseen the risk of this happening and taken measures such as a fence or a leash to prevent the injury.
Our California dog bite injury lawyers are adept at proving an owner’s negligence when a bite doesn’t cause injuries. We know all the laws and how they apply in these situations, so we can protect your rights and build a strong case in your favor.
Common Reasons Why Dogs Bite
Like most animals, dogs often behave aggressively when frightened, startled, threatened, or unwell. California dog bite lawyers have handled many cases involving dogs that are normally mild-mannered and trained but attacked a victim without warning.
If you want to know why dogs bite, here are the commonly reported reasons:
Anxiety Or Fear
Being in unfamiliar public places where many things are going on all at once can make a dog feel anxious and scared. These emotions often trigger aggressive behavior. When a dog is scared, it shakes or puts its tail between its legs. This is a common sign that bystanders should be wary of when approaching a dog.
It’s also worth noting that many of the cases our California dog bite injury attorneys have seen involve the victim trying to pet an unfamiliar dog. To keep yourself and your companions safe, do not pet random dogs on your way somewhere.
Defensiveness
Canines are usually possessive and territorial, which means they can get mad and resort to biting when people try to take their food and toys or invade their space. Nursing dogs may also snap if their puppies are touched, carried, or moved without their permission.
To express anger, dogs often growl, bark, or bare their teeth. You may also notice them tense up or see the hair on their backs raise when they take a defensive stance. When dogs get extremely angry, they may attack you, regardless of whether you run away or stay calm.
Our dog bite injury lawyers have helped several couriers who got hurt while delivering packages to homes with dogs running at large. If a dog bites you while you are lawfully on a property, we can help you file a personal injury claim.
Insufficient Training
Many dog bites result from a lack of proper training and socialization. When owners neglect socialization training for their dogs, such as allowing them to play with other dogs and exposing them to people during their development stages, they may grow up to become hostile.
Additionally, dogs with improper or insufficient training may bite others due to a lack of discipline. When dogs aren’t trained to understand their boundaries and limits, they will likely resort to aggression upon encountering an unfamiliar situation.
If you’ve gotten injured by an untrained dog, you have the right to file a claim. Our California dog bite injury lawyers can help you build a case and ensure you receive maximum compensation from the negligent dog owner.
Provocation
Dogs are social beings who respond to stimuli. Pulling a dog’s ears or tail may annoy them and cause them to bite you. The same goes for continuing to playfully tease them even when their body language clearly says they don’t like it. Even the friendliest or most loyal dogs could end up biting people when their boundaries are disrespected.
It’s also possible to unintentionally provoke a dog, such as trying to play with them while they’re eating or startling them with loud voices and sounds. Our dog bite attorneys have encountered many of these cases and successfully recovered compensation for injured victims.
Pain Or Illness
Dogs may display aggression when they’re feeling unwell. It could be their way of communicating that they’re feeling pain or discomfort somewhere in their body.
Watch out for uncharacteristically hostile dogs. They may be sick or in need of immediate medical attention. Owners are expected to schedule an appointment with the vet as soon as they notice a change in their dog’s actions or behavior.
Our dog bite lawyers in California will help you prove an owner’s negligence if they refuse to take their dog to the vet or get them treated.
Trauma
Past traumatic experiences, such as abuse, lead a dog to attack when they’re triggered. This behavior is more common in stray or adopted dogs, and sudden movements or loud noises often scare or stress them out.
When a dog perceives a threat, it may snap at you and bite. The best way to address this is to learn about their history and be gentle when handling them. It will be easier for them to adjust and warm up if they realize you won’t hurt them.
Regardless of the reason behind a dog bite, our California injury lawyers can help you go after its owner and ensure you get paid for your medical bills and other damages.
Typical Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause superficial injuries like cuts, bruising, and puncture wounds. On the other hand, they can also lead to serious injuries, such as fractures, nerve damage, infections, or even fatal ones. Here are the most common types of dog bite injuries our California dog bite lawyers observed in the victims they helped:
- Deep Cuts — Dog bites often cause cuts with jagged or rough edges and excessive bleeding. These injuries often require stitching and must be monitored to prevent getting infected. Laceration injuries sometimes also crush tissues, therefore requiring debridement.
- Puncture Wounds — These happen when a dog’s teeth pierce the victim’s skin. Puncture wounds from dog bites can be very painful and take weeks to heal. They are also more prone to infection and may cause more complications, especially when they occur close to a bone or joint.
- Nerve Damage — A dog bite can also lead to nerve damage, which can cause a loss of function for the affected body part. Some more severe cases may also lead to amputation or paralysis.
- Fractures And Crush Injuries — The force of a dog bite, especially from larger dog breeds, may lead to broken or crushed bones. Victims may also suffer bone fractures from falling after an attack.
- Rabies — Dog bites can become infected overnight, and one of the worst infections that can result is rabies. Symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to years to appear, and once they do, rabies is virtually 100% fatal.
- Death — Other infections, such as tetanus and sepsis, may lead to complications and result in the victim’s death. If a loved one dies from a dog bite, our injury lawyers can help you file a wrongful death claim against the negligent dog owner.
If you get injured from a dog bite in California, our attorneys can connect you with the top medical specialists in the state. We will help ensure you get a thorough examination and the best treatment for your injuries.
What To Do After A Dog Bite Injury In California
Dog bites are often violent and hectic events, so it is crucial that you know what to do after an attack. Our California dog bite injury lawyers have come up with this guide to help you:
- Seek medical attention. The most important thing to do after a dog attack is to seek medical attention. If the dog’s vaccinations were not up-to-date, the dog bite victim may have to receive a rabies shot or other treatments to avoid infection. The faster doctors treat your injuries, the better your prognosis may be.
- Document the scene and collect evidence. It is also crucial to take pictures of the location of the attack, your injuries, and the dog that bit you. Ask for the dog owner’s contact and insurance details. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.
- Report the incident. Inform animal control of the dog bite as soon as you can. They can help locate and obtain information about the dog. Dog bites need to be reported so that the authorities can be on guard to prevent the canine from biting more people.
- Speak with our California dog bite lawyers. Our attorneys can advise you on your legal options following your dog bite injury. We can also assist you in gathering evidence that could support your subsequent claim.
It would be overwhelming to deal with a legal claim or lawsuit as you recover from your injuries, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our dog bite law firm has the resources you need to negotiate and reach a settlement with the at-fault party and their insurer. If they refuse to compensate you, you can sue for a dog bite in California with our lawyers’ help.
Who Will Be Held Liable For A Dog Bite?
It’s mostly the owner’s fault if a dog bites in California and across the United States. Generally, “owner” refers to anyone caring for or controlling the dog at the time of the accident. Here are the different parties who can be considered owners and held liable for a dog bite:
- The actual owner of the dog
- A dog walker or sitter
- The parents or guardians of a minor who owns the dog
- A landlord who allows a tenant to keep a dangerous dog on their property
Our California dog bite injury lawyers can pinpoint who should be responsible for compensating you for damages. Call us at (888) 488-1391 anytime for a free case review. We will go over the details of your case, identify the “owner” who should pay for a dog bite, and discuss your legal options moving forward.
What If A Support Dog Bites Me In The State Of California?
More than ever, Americans are conscious of and supportive of the problems confronting people with disabilities. There are several laws in place meant to protect people with disabilities from discrimination and to assure that their needs are covered.
One type is service animals. While those animals used to be a unique sight, more people than ever are using dogs and other kinds of animals for a wide variety of health conditions, ranging from physical disabilities to mental health issues. With more support animals in public areas than ever before, the chance that an animal can bite or injure someone increases. It might also be a higher possibility with a relatively new type of service animal, known today as ‘emotional support animals.’
Compared to service animals that are professionally trained to do a task to assist a person with a known disability, emotional support animals don’t need to have any training at all. Rather, their job is to give ‘emotional comfort’ to their owners. Because they are allowed in many public places and aren’t obligated to have specialized training, the possibility that an emotional support animal will hurt another person is more significant than that of a service animal.
Arash Khorsandi, Esq. and his skilled team at Arash Law support the rights of people with disabilities who receive help and comfort from animals. Still, if a dog or other support animal hasn’t been appropriately trained and hurts another person, the owner should be held liable. Our California lawyers have decades of unrivaled experience handling all types of injury cases, including dog bite claims resulting in top-dollar settlements.
Compensation For Dog Bite Victims
In most cases, you can get money if a dog bites you. Financial compensation does not undo the damage, especially in cases of wrongful death. However, it can take some of the burden off your shoulders and help you recover from the traumatic incident.
Here are some examples of damages you can get compensated for:
- Past, ongoing, and future medical expenses for the treatment of your injuries
- Lost income from missing a few days or weeks from work as you recover
- Repair costs for property damage resulting from the dog bite
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life as a result of the injuries
- Loss of earning capacity due to permanent injuries
- Funeral and burial costs for the death of a loved one
- Punitive damages for cases of extreme negligence
If you’re wondering how to get money after a dog bite and use it for the treatment of your injuries, we are here to give you an answer. Our California dog bite injury attorneys will work with medical and economic experts to assess the full extent of your damages. We will also work tirelessly to document their findings and collect enough evidence to ensure you are fairly compensated.
Dog Bite Levels
You can get compensation for a dog bite, but the actual amount varies depending on the level at which the attack occurred. Here are the six dog bite levels in California:
- Level 1 — A dog shows aggressive behavior, such as growling or snapping. At this level, there is no physical contact yet between the dog and the victim.
- Level 2 — A dog’s teeth make contact with the victim’s skin but don’t puncture it. This often leaves victims with light scratches or bruises.
- Level 3 — A dog leaves one to four punctures on a victim’s skin. The punctures at this level shouldn’t go deeper than half of the dog’s canine teeth.
- Level 4 — A dog leaves one to four punctures, and at least one goes deeper than half of their canine teeth. These cause extreme pain and bruising to the victim.
- Level 5 — A dog bites the victim several times and leaves one or more Level 4 bites. At this point, the dog will have to be euthanized as it poses extreme danger.
- Level 6 — A dog causes fatal injuries to the victim. The dog will also most likely turn rabid, but if not, it will require euthanasia because of the danger it brings to people.
Our California dog bite lawyers can help you identify the level of your injury and the amount of compensation you are entitled to. Using our expertise, we will give you an accurate estimate of the value of your case and help you obtain sufficient evidence to prove a dog owner’s liability.
Dog Bite Statistics
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 4.5 million people get bitten by dogs in the US every year. WHO also states that children are the most at risk for dog bites. They also suffer more head and neck injuries compared to adult victims.
In 2021, there were 81 fatalities resulting from dog bites or attacks across the country—a drastic increase from previous years’ statistics. Of these victims, 44 were females and 37 were males.
A 2019 study revealed that California had the highest number of fatal dog attacks for any state in a single year, with a total of nine deaths. Most of these instances (89%) involved pit bulls. The county with the highest number of dog bite-related deaths is Stanislaus County, with two deaths in one year.
Based on data from the same study, 30 (63%) of the 48 dog-related fatal attacks recorded in the United States involved multiple dogs. Two or three dogs were involved in 21 cases (70%), and four or more dogs were involved in nine cases (30%). Unsurprisingly, 63%, or 19 of these cases, involved at least one pit bull.
These statistics only prove how dangerous and lethal dog attacks can be. If you or someone you know has been injured in similar instances, reach out to our California dog bite attorneys. We can help you build a strong case and receive compensation for your damages.
Dog Bite Victims Also Ask
Can You Sue For A Minor Dog Bite In California?
You can sue for a dog bite in California, regardless of whether it’s minor or severe. The only thing to note is that dog bite claims are generally settled out of court. You will only have to file a lawsuit if the dog owner refuses to compensate you for your injuries and losses. In this case, our dog bite injury attorneys can offer their assistance and help ensure you receive an adequate settlement.
What Is The Assumption Of Risk In Dog Bite Cases?
Assumption of risk is a defense usually employed by the liable party to disprove your dog bite claim. The owner may try to deny their liability by saying that they weren’t aware of the dog’s violent tendencies prior to the accident. However, this is irrelevant under California law. As with the one-bite rule, strict liability makes this defense or argument invalid. Contact our California injury attorneys to learn more about the actual laws that apply to dog bite cases.
Does Comparative Negligence Apply To Dog Bite Cases?
Yes. Although strict liability laws hold owners liable regardless of whether they were negligent, comparative negligence may still apply to dog bite cases. Owners will compensate you for your damages, but the settlement you receive may be reduced if they can prove that you shared fault in the dog bite incident.
For example, the settlement amount for your case is $10,000. If you are found to be 30% negligent—say, you provoked the dog by pulling on its tail—the final amount you receive will be reduced by your fault percentage accordingly. In this case, the maximum amount you can get will only be $7,000.
Dog owners may pin the blame on you, hoping to reduce the amount they have to pay. It takes the expertise of our California dog bite injury lawyers to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement.
What Happens If A Dog Bites You While You’re Working?
If you get bitten by a dog at work, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. However, this type of claim doesn’t result in a significant compensation amount. If you want to ensure you can be fully compensated for your medical bills and lost wages, you can file a personal injury claim against the dog owner. Reach out to our California dog bite injury lawyers to discuss your legal options.
Will The Dog That Bit Me Have To Be Quarantined?
The law may differ slightly across counties, but dogs that have bitten someone are required to be quarantined for ten days. The reason you have to wait ten days after a dog bite is so you can observe the dog’s behavior and see if any rabies symptoms appear.
If the dog does not appear to be rabid, quarantine can be done at home, and it can be released once the ten days are over. However, if it is highly likely that the dog has rabies, it has to be quarantined at an animal control center or veterinary hospital.
The value of a claim will significantly increase if the dog is found to have rabies. It would be best to consult our California dog bite lawyers to know how much your case will be worth in this instance.
Will The Dog Be Euthanized?
If a dog known to show signs of rabies bites someone, it will have to be put down. The only other times that a dog has to be euthanized are if it is its second time biting someone or if it is a household dog trained to attack or kill someone. These dogs are dangerous, so they have to be put down to prevent them from possibly biting more people in the future.
On the other hand, canines will not be euthanized if they aren’t rabid after biting someone. The same also applies to instances when they bite a trespasser or when they’re a military or police dog that bites someone in the line of work. These rules and exceptions may seem complicated, but our California dog bite attorneys can help you navigate them. We will help you understand the applicable laws so you can make an informed decision for your claim.
What Happens If My Dog Bites Someone?
Under California law, if your dog bites someone, you will pay for the treatment of the victim’s injuries. If it’s the other way around, you can file an injury claim against the dog’s owner. If you decide to pursue damages, they will have to compensate you. Additionally, they must monitor their dog’s behavior for the next ten days and watch out for any signs of it going rabid. Our California dog bite injury attorneys assist injured victims in seeking compensation for their losses, such as medical bills, missed work, and emotional suffering.
What Happens If Someone Reports My Dog For Biting Them?
The dog will likely need to be quarantined. The animal control agency will review the dog’s records, confirm its breed, verify its vaccination status, investigate any previous biting incidents, and inspect its living conditions at home. If the authorities determine there is no threat, the only remaining concern will be compensating the victim for their damages.
Does California Have A One Bite Rule?
No. California follows strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning that owners are held liable for compensating victims for their injuries from a dog bite. It’s not relevant whether the dog has no prior history of aggression. However, if it is not their first time biting someone, they will have to be euthanized due to the danger they bring. Reach out to our California dog bite injury attorneys if you have more questions about the applicable laws in a dog attack.
Do Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Most insurers offer dog bite coverage worth $100,000 to $300,000. However, they may refuse coverage if you own a typically dangerous dog breed, such as a pit bull, Doberman, or Rottweiler. These breeds are more likely to bite people, and when they do, the insurance company will have to cover the expenses, which means it will lose money. Our dog bite injury lawyers can help you negotiate with insurance companies and work toward getting them to provide compensation up to the policy limits.
How Much Can I Sue For A Dog Bite In California?
While there’s no set amount of money you can claim for a dog bite, the damages are typically higher in cases of severe injuries. According to the Insurance Information Institute’s estimates, the Golden State led the country in 2023 in having the highest value of dog bite claims, at $143.3 million, and the most dog bite claims, with 2,104 (compared to 1,954 in 2022). Although not the highest, the average payout was $68,125.
In particular, the country’s largest property, casualty, and auto insurance provider, State Farm Insurance, reported that in 2022, the Golden State led the country in having the highest claims paid for dog bites, at $32.2 million, and the most dog bite claims, with 403. This would put California’s average dog bite settlement at around $79,900.
If the insurance company refuses to give you the fair and full compensation you deserve after a dog attack, you may file an injury lawsuit to have your injuries and damages compensated. However, it’s worth noting that most cases of dog bites are resolved outside of court through a settlement. After months of gathering evidence and negotiating, your final compensation will be determined by various factors, such as:
- The extent of your dog bite injuries.
- Your injury’s long-term effects, including scarring and disfigurements.
- Your age.
- Whether the owner was aware of their dog’s aggression but did not address it.
It’s crucial that you hire a seasoned dog bite attorney as soon as a dog attack injures you. Depending on your case’s circumstances, they can maximize your settlement and ensure that your emotional harm, in addition to physical injuries, is fully covered.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A Dog Bite In California?
Victims can file a dog bite injury claim in California up to two years after the date of the attack. If the victim is a minor, their parents or guardians can file a claim for them. However, if they have no legal guardian, minors have up to two years after they turn 18 to file a claim.
Complying with this deadline is essential, as California courts will not consider your claim after the statute expires. Consult our dog bite injury lawyers right after an attack so we can help you with your claim and make sure you submit all required paperwork within the deadline.
Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer If My Child Was Bitten By A Dog?
Yes, it would be better if you had a lawyer on your side who could fight for your child’s rights. Our California dog bite attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws that apply to dog bite cases. We will know how to approach your case to maximize your chances of receiving compensation from a negligent dog owner.
What Is The Average Settlement For Dog Bite Cases?
According to 2023 data from the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average payout for a dog bite in the US is $58,545. This is a 9.3% decrease from the average settlement amount in 2022, which was $64,555.
The same report revealed that California has the highest number of recorded dog bite claims (2,104), and the average settlement for dog bite cases is $68,125.
If a dog has injured you, the severity of your injuries will affect your settlement as well. For example, in one case where a Santa Rosa woman lost her nose to the bite of a bulldog while she was walking her children to school, the woman and her family were awarded a combined $1 million settlement.
Permanent disfigurement, scarring, and broken bones can all add to the amount of damages you are awarded. It is also important to retain an experienced dog bite lawyer to make sure your rights are protected to the fullest extent of the law.
How Much Is My Dog Bite Settlement Worth?
A dog bite injury attorney can provide you with a more precise estimate of possible compensation for your injury. Dog bite injury settlements can range from a few to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the injuries. Typically, minor injuries result in lower settlement offers since dog owners may prefer to settle quickly to avoid legal proceedings. In any case, victims shouldn’t settle for less than what they deserve. You should pursue compensation that fully covers all of your losses.
In one case, we obtained the maximum limit of a dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy on behalf of our client. In the middle of his daily walk, our elderly client was attacked by an unleashed dog. The impact caused him to fall violently, resulting in his head hitting the asphalt. Our client is recovering from his severe head injuries with the help of skilled medical professionals and appropriate TBI treatment. In the end, our dog bite injury attorneys in California helped our client obtain a $2,300,000 settlement.
How Much Do Dog Bite Lawyers Charge?
Like most personal injury lawyers and firms, our California dog bite law firm charges a small percentage for our services. This usually accounts for around 33–40% of the final settlement amount, depending on the specifics of the case and what we agreed upon during the onboarding meeting.
Our dog bite injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which essentially means there is little to no financial risk when you decide to pursue a claim. You will be able to access all our services upon hiring us, but you won’t pay a single cent until we win your case. In the unlikely event that we fail to secure compensation for your damages, you won’t have to pay us anything.
Get Expert Legal Advice From The Dog Bite Injury Attorneys California Trusts
Dog bite injury claims can get challenging, especially when the owner is uninsured or when their policy doesn’t cover dog bites. You would need the expert legal assistance of our lawyers to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
If you want to hold a negligent owner liable and prevent them from causing damage to other people in the future, get in touch with a skilled dog bite attorney from our law firm. Call us at (888) 488-1391 today for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation.
Arash Law handles a wide range of personal injury cases in California, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace accidents, product liability, wrongful deaths, and more. We also have industry-recognized car accident lawyers who handle all types of auto collisions, such as those involving rideshare vehicles.
We’re proud to offer our no-win, no-fee services throughout the state of California, with offices in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange County, San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Diego, just to name a few. We also serve the following cities: Bakersfield, Fresno, Visalia, Redding, Modesto, Stockton, Palm Springs, Eureka, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Oakland, San Jose, Monterey, Salinas, Vista, Carlsbad, Apple Valley, Victorville, Oceanside, and many others.
