San Francisco Dog Bite
Lawyers
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San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyers Offering Practical Help After A Personal Injury
Some dogs may attack people and cause serious bodily injuries and death. Dogs may also permanently scar a person during an attack. Many dogs attack humans without being provoked or enticed. The San Francisco dog bite lawyers at Arash Law understand how dog bites can affect a victim for a long time. Our lawyers are prepared to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner and any parties who may be responsible for your injuries.
California follows a strict liability rule in dog bite cases. Victims of dog bites may pursue financial compensation for both non-economic damages and economic damages. Consulting an experienced and knowledgeable dog bite lawyer can help you understand the legal options available to you.
Our San Francisco dog bite lawyers can help you communicate with insurance companies. We can help you build a case that reflects the extent of your losses and seek fair compensation.
Dog Bite Statistics
Important facts include:
- 36% of American families own a dog.
- 750,000 people need medical treatment every year for injuries attributable to dog attacks.
- 350,000 people go to the emergency room every year to treat dog bite injuries.
Our San Francisco dog bite lawyers have decades of experience helping victims pursue financial compensation for their injuries. We can guide you through the process.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– Arash Khorsandi
How To Prevent Dog Bite Injuries
Not every dog bite can be prevented. However, certain precautions can reduce the risk of getting attacked. Awareness of a dog’s behavior and careful interactions in both the home and public spaces are important.
Agitated Behavior?
Some dog breeds have a reputation for violently reacting when agitated or provoked. Particular dogs may have attacked someone in the past. If you have knowledge of a dog’s past behavior and its tendency to react violently in specific situations, you should not interact with the dog.
Young Child?
Adults and children do not interact with dogs with the same level of caution. Young children may make sudden movements around dogs that make the animals feel pressured or cornered. Dogs that are not normally aggressive or violent may respond to children in unpredictable ways. Do not leave any children alone with dogs.
When a dog displays violent propensities, the safest way to respond is to remain calm. Move slowly and avoid staring the dog in the eyes. If the dog bites you, then you will probably need to seek immediate medical attention. You risk getting an infection if you leave the wound untreated.
Treating A Dog Bite
Bleeding, scarring, and infections are all possible consequences that arise due to dog bites. Stray animals and family pets can bite people with no warning. The animal’s teeth may contain infected saliva that can spread disease in the human body.
The following categories of bites must be taken seriously and treated in a medical clinic or hospital as soon as possible after an attack:
- Pus inside the wound.
- Tenderness, redness, and swelling.
- Loss of blood.
- Ruptured skin.
- Puncture wounds.
If a dog bite caused you a minor injury, it can be treated with soap and water. Antibiotic creams and bandages may also be necessary to treat dog bites. However, minor bites can still cause infectious diseases to spread in the human body.
Dog Bite Laws In California
California has a dog bite statute. Many jurisdictions have statutes devoted to animal attacks and dog bites. California Civil Code Section 3342 states that a dog owner is responsible for damages if the injuries were caused by a dog bite and the injured victim was in a public place when attacked or lawfully in a private place at the time of the attack.
The statute does not contain a “one free bite” provision. Before the adoption of the statute described above, dog owners were liable for injuries caused by a dog only if the owners knew about the animal’s violent propensities. The “one free bite” rule does not apply, and dog owners can be liable when a dog bites someone for the first time.
The Breed Of Dog Does Not Matter
Many specific breeds have a reputation for being violent, dangerous, and more prone to biting others. Pitt Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers are some of the breeds that people think of as inherently dangerous dog breeds. However, under California law, you do not have to consider the breed of the dog when pursuing financial compensation for your injuries. You only need to prove that a dog bit you and that you were lawfully present at the location, not that a specific breed of dog bit you.
Financial compensation may be available for injuries caused by any dog breed, from German shepherds to Chihuahuas. Dogs are more likely to attack young children and older adults. The breed itself does not affect the legal analysis, though the success of any claim depends on the specific facts and circumstances.
The dog attack may fall under the California dog bite statute, or you may bring a negligence claim against the dog owner. Either legal theory may provide a basis for seeking monetary compensation, though the success of your claim will depend on the specific facts and evidence.
Dog Attacks May Cause Serious Injuries
Dog bites occur every day in California. Dogs are responsible for the most animal attacks in the United States each year. Approximately five million individuals suffer dog bites in the United States every year. Although many dog bites are mild in nature and do not cause serious bodily injuries, a large number of dog attacks cause infections and serious injuries that require prompt medical treatment.
Dogs are more likely to attack children than adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that approximately 800,000 dog bite victims seek medical treatment for their injuries every year. Some dog bites can be severe. The experienced San Francisco dog bite lawyers at our firm have assisted clients who have suffered the following types of injuries:
- Finger Amputations
- Tendon Damage
- Torn Muscles & Ligaments
- Damaged Veins & Arteries
- Deep Lacerations
- Puncture Wounds
- Bodily Disfigurement
California law imposes strict liability for dog bites. A dog owner may be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, provided the victim was in a public place or lawfully in a private place, and no legal defenses apply. The dog does not need to have previously known violent propensities for the dog owner to be held liable.
Steps To Take After A San Francisco Dog Bite
Dog bites may occur unexpectedly and without warning. Our San Francisco dog bite lawyers understand that clients may not know which actions to take after suffering dog bite injuries. The following steps are recommended if you have suffered injuries during a dog bite.
Obtain Medical Treatment As Soon As Possible
Medical treatment is an absolute necessity after receiving a dog bite. Dog bites may potentially cause severe infections and serious bodily injuries. Dog attacks can occur at any place and at any time. Call 911 and request an ambulance or drive to the nearest urgent care center or hospital. If you do not seek immediate medical treatment for your dog bite injuries, you risk experiencing severe infections that will require a longer recovery period.
Collect Details Regarding The Dog And The Dog’s Owner
You need to obtain the contact information regarding the dog owner. The name and address are two important pieces of information that will help you with your personal injury case. The owner of the dog may be responsible for your injuries. If you want to obtain financial compensation for your injuries, you need to know the name and address of the dog owner.
File An Incident Report About The Dog Bite With Authorities
Report the dog bite to San Francisco animal services and any other animal control authorities in your local area.
Document The Dog Attack By Taking Photographs Of Your Injuries
A physician or other medical professional should document your injuries with photographs. The medical professional should take these photographs soon after you suffer injuries. As your body heals, document your body’s changes by taking additional photographs of your injuries.
Additionally, keep a recovery journal in which you document your symptoms and your recovery. You should record the dates of your doctor’s appointments, your medical treatments, and the time periods associated with your recovery. Take detailed notes about your symptoms, such as pain and numbness. It is also important to document how much time you miss from work while you recover from your injuries. The information you record in a recovery journal can help you with your personal injury case.
Call Our Dog Bite Lawyers To Schedule A Free Initial Consultation
After you suffer injuries during a dog attack, you need to focus on healing and recovering. However, your medical bills may be mounting as you undergo medical treatment. You may be forced to take time off work after the attack. To pursue fair compensation for your losses, you may want to consult a knowledgeable San Francisco dog bite lawyer.
At Arash Law, our attorneys can provide you with guidance and advice regarding your legal rights. Our San Francisco personal injury attorney can help you build a case, communicate with insurers, and seek compensation for your injuries. Talk to us about the specifics of your case during your free initial consultation.
The Statute Of Limitations On Dog Bite Cases In California
Injured victims in California must file a personal injury case within two years of the date of the incident. The case must be filed before the statute of limitations period expires; otherwise, your claims will be barred. If a city or state is liable, you must file your claim within six months of the date of injury.
An experienced San Francisco dog bite lawyer can explain how the statute of limitations may apply in your situation and outline the steps involved in filing a claim. Our attorneys can also discuss the types of evidence and documentation that may be helpful in establishing liability.
Which Parties Are Liable For My Dog Bite Injuries?
It can sometimes seem confusing to attempt to figure out which parties may be responsible for your injuries. In California, the specific facts and details surrounding each dog bite attack will determine which parties may be liable for the injuries. The following parties may be liable for your dog bite injuries:
- Commercial property owners associated with the location of the dog bite.
- Residential property owners associated with the location of the dog bite.
- Any landlord associated with the location of the dog bite.
- The owner or caretaker of the dog.
During an initial consultation with a dog bite lawyer at our firm, you will need to provide the address where the dog bite happened. You can also give us the names of any witnesses or businesses that will also be relevant to your personal injury case. Government agencies may also be relevant to your dog bite claims. Gathering these facts will help your dog bite lawyer identify which parties may be liable for your injuries.
Should I Be Concerned About Other Dog Bite Injuries?
Dogs can cause a wide range of injuries, not just from bites. California’s dog bite statute specifically addresses injuries that result from an actual bite. However, if someone is harmed by other aggressive or dangerous behavior, such as getting knocked down or scratched, different legal theories may be applicable.
An experienced dog bite lawyer at Arash Law can explain how strict liability and negligence per se apply to your case. We can also guide you on the type of damages you can pursue on a negligence theory.
Financial Compensation For Dog Bite Injuries
A dog bite lawyer can help identify and pursue compensation for all applicable losses related to your dog bite injuries. We can also bring in physicians and other experts to help with your case. Our team can review your medical records and accident reports to calculate your potential amount of damages.
Non-economic damages and economic damages need to be calculated before filing any legal claims. Dog bites often cause psychological suffering and emotional trauma. Dog attacks may be unpredictable and traumatize the victim. Younger dog bite victims may suffer nightmares and lingering psychological problems caused by a violent attack. The following are the types of damages dog bite victims may include in a legal claim:
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Permanent bodily disfigurement.
- Emotional trauma.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of income.
- Lost future earnings.
- Reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery.
- Medical bills for past and present medical treatment.
When Should I Hire A San Francisco Dog Bite Injury Lawyer?
Hiring a dog bite injury lawyer after receiving medical treatment for your injuries can be helpful to your personal injury case. Our dog bite lawyers provide free initial consultations and take payment on contingency fee contracts. You do not have to pay any upfront attorney fees to retain our firm. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we obtain for you, but clients may still be responsible for some case-related costs.
You should consider contacting us after you have your initial doctor’s appointment. The first medical appointment should happen immediately after the dog attack. You do not want to wait longer than twenty-four hours to see a medical professional after a dog bite attack.
Working with an attorney can also help you avoid common mistakes that could affect your case. Our San Francisco dog bite lawyers handle the necessary filings, communications, and court procedures. You can spend your time recovering from your injuries, and we can handle the legal work related to your personal injury case.
Will The Other Party Try To Avoid Paying My Personal Injury Claim?
When a personal injury claim is filed, it is common for the opposing party or their insurer to review the circumstances closely. During this process, they may raise defenses that challenge the extent of their responsibility.
For example, they could say that you were partly responsible for your injuries, that you provoked the animal, or that you overlooked posted warnings. In some cases, prior incidents involving the dog or interactions between animals may also be brought up. Being aware of these potential defenses can help you better understand how your case may be handled.
Will An Insurance Policy Provide Coverage For Dog Bites And Injuries Caused By Animals?
In many dog bite injury cases, it will be important to look closely at the homeowner’s insurance policy. In a majority of cases, the dog owner is liable for the injuries caused by a dog attack. It may be difficult to obtain the financial compensation you seek if the dog’s owner did not have renters’ insurance or homeowner’s insurance.
Is There An Average Settlement Offer For Dog Bite Cases In California?
The average settlement for dog bite cases will differ depending on the facts and circumstances associated with the case. The nature and extent of the injuries caused by the dog bite will also be relevant to your case.
What If The Defense Claims I Caused The Dog Attack?
Dog owners might not be responsible for damages if the injured person provoked the dog into attacking. If a defendant resorts to this defense, it will not have merit unless clear evidence demonstrates that the injured person provoked the animal. If you know you did not provoke the dog, a personal injury lawyer at our law firm can try to obtain surveillance footage of the dog bite attack or depose witnesses who saw the dog attack you without being provoked.
Strict liability applies in dog bite cases, and dog owners can be responsible for injuries without proving negligence. A dog owner may not possess evidence that the dog attack was caused by the injured victim’s behavior. This kind of defense needs to be backed by substantive evidence.
Although the attack was provoked, the victim can still file a claim for damages for their injuries. The financial compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributable to the injured victim. These details are described in California’s pure comparative negligence law. If the total damages are 100,000 dollars and a jury finds that a victim was twenty percent at fault for the dog bite injuries, the judge or jury may reduce the total amount by twenty thousand dollars to account for the injured person’s negligence.
It can be difficult to use a provocation defense in California. A defense linked to provocation can only be effective if the victim’s behavior constituted provocation. The facts relating to the dog bite case are important when dealing with these questions of fact. A dog bite lawyer at our firm may hire experts such as animal behavioral specialists. Your behavior can be assessed by these professionals to help a judge or jury determine whether your actions constituted provocation.
What If The Dog Owner Made A Dog Attack Me?
It is not common for dog owners to order attacks. In rare situations where this occurs, the circumstances of the case will determine whether the court views the conduct as malicious. In such cases, you may request an award of punitive damages, but whether punitive damages are granted lies solely within the court’s discretion.
A request for punitive damages may also be made if the owner or property owner was aware that the dog had shown violent tendencies in the past. For example, if the dog had previously attacked someone, the court can determine whether the owner’s knowledge of that history reflects reckless or malicious conduct.
Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter the defendant from committing the same act in the future. Punitive damages are typically reserved for extreme cases of gross negligence and intentional misconduct.
Why Choose Our San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyers?
No Upfront Attorney’s Fees
All personal injury and wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis. This means we only get paid if you receive compensation through a verdict or settlement, but clients may still be responsible for certain case-related costs regardless of the outcome.
Committed To Pursuing Fair Compensation
We can build a case geared toward seeking compensation that reflects the full extent of your losses. If a fair settlement isn’t reached or the at-fault party’s liability is disputed, we are ready to take your case to court. Our injury attorneys focus on pursuing fair compensation while working on your case.
Contact A Dog Bite Lawyer In The San Francisco Bay Area
There are many ways in which you can sustain injuries due to an animal attack. A dog may have pushed you over onto a concrete sidewalk. It may have bitten you, making you unable to return to work. You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim and pursue financial compensation for your injuries. The dog bite lawyers at Arash Law have decades of experience representing clients in personal injury cases throughout California.
Dog bite cases can be difficult to handle due to various factors. Our personal injury lawyers who handle dog bite cases can guide you throughout your case.
We are experienced in personal injury claims and know how to help you seek the compensation that may be available to you. Whether you have been in an auto accident, slip and fall accident, sustained an animal bite, or suffered the pain of a loved one’s wrongful death, our attorneys can represent your interests.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation. We serve clients in San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sherman Oaks, and throughout California.
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