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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are millions of dog bites in the United States each year. For a small percentage of these bites, victims may suffer serious harm that could lead to thousands or even millions of dollars in medical bills and related losses. California laws allow dog bite victims to recover damages for their injuries and related losses under many circumstances. You can learn more about California dog bite laws by reading the information below.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention after a dog bite, especially in cases involving children, the immunocompromised, the elderly, or bites that are severe and deep. These individuals are more at risk of developing an infection or other complications from dog bites.
Medical attention is important for other reasons. When you seek medical attention, you are establishing medical documentation of your injuries. If you need to present a claim for damages, this medical documentation will help prove your injuries and damages.
There are many types of dog bite injuries and health complications caused by dog bites. Infections, disfigurement, lacerations, amputations and bone fractures are possible outcomes after a dog bite or dog attack. You could also suffer from mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a dog attack.
These injuries and health conditions may result in extensive costs and damages to the victim. You should be sure to carefully document your injuries in case it becomes necessary to file a claim for damages.
California has a strict liability statute for dog bites. This means that under the correct circumstances, dog owners are automatically liable for damages caused by bites. However, whether the dog owner is liable depends on the circumstances. Under California law, the claimant or plaintiff must be on public property or lawfully on private property.
There are other factors that could affect a claim, such as whether the person bitten contributed to the bite in some way. The profession of the person who suffered bites could also factor into a dog bite case.
You should never wait to contact an attorney after a dog bite or dog attack. An attorney can immediately help you determine what your legal options are and how to seek compensation. You do not want to make mistakes before speaking with an attorney who specializes in these types of cases.
You may be able to recover compensation for damages caused by your injuries or losses. For victims with serious dog bite injuries, it is critical to speak with an attorney to address compensation. Certain types of injuries, such those that result in disfigurement, may cost victim many thousands of dollars over the course of a lifetime. A successful verdict or settlement can help pay for these expenses.
There is a statute of limitations for filing a dog bite injury claim in California. Generally, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the bite. However, there are exceptions to the statute of limitations in some cases. You should speak with an attorney who has experience with dog bite lawsuits to determine whether you can still file a claim.
You can also seek compensation for dog bites that result in the wrongful death of a loved one. Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit involving a dog attack can help you pay for expenses and compensate you for the loss of a loved one. These expenses include funeral expenses, medical bills, and the loss of love and companionship. Compensation for damages, including the amount recovered or awarded, varies by case. There is also a statute of limitations on wrongful death claims involving dog bites or attacks.
Heinrich Law, PC prides itself on providing a cutting-edge approach to our clients’ dog bite and knock down cases. By utilizing our decades of experience and modern technology, we provide our clients the best opportunity to recover full compensation for their injuries, harms and losses. Heinrich Law, PC has the highest recorded victory in California for a single dog bite to the face. Our attorneys have experience with many types of personal injury claims, so call us today for a free consultation. You can reach us by calling (510) 944-0110 or by using our online case review form.