June 16, 2022

Why Do I Need a California Dog Bite Lawyer

In California, if a dog attacks and injures someone, the owner is held strictly liable under the state's dog bite statute.

Why Do I Need a California Dog Bite Lawyer?

Because dog attacks in California are so common, the state's liability laws are extremely strict. Dog bites in California can occur for a variety of different reasons, but they are almost always sudden. An experienced lawyer can help you strengthen your case as a dog bite victim. A dog bite attorney can be invaluable in these situations. You need guidance to stay on track and collect evidence that will help your case regardless of whether you hire a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles, Orange County or elsewhere in California.

Dog bites and how a lawyer can help are covered in this section.

Are There Any Repercussions If My Dog Bites Someone in California?

Dog bites are a matter of strict liability in California. In the event that your dog attacks someone, you will be held responsible. However, there are exceptions to this rule based on the specifics of the situation. In the majority of dog bite cases, the dog's owner is held liable.

There is a dangerous propensity rule in place in California for cases involving dog bites that must be followed strictly. A dog's dangerous propensity will be assessed in this manner. Records, like the dog's history of biting people, will be examined. Labels like these can be used to impose additional conditions or restrictions. This also implies that a dog bite may result in criminal or punitive damages if the dog is deemed dangerous.

Other considerations, on the other hand, may increase the dog owner's liability. The owner's carelessness may have contributed to the dog biting someone or something, which the court can investigate. If the owners are unable to control their dogs, the court may order them to be put down.

Anyone who has been bitten by a dog, or who owns a dog that has bitten someone, should take photos, videos, and other types of evidence to support their case. Our  dog bite lawyers can use this information to help determine the severity of the injury, which can lead to a more precise case evaluation.

When Do You Have to File A Police Report For A Dog Bite?

It is mandatory for doctors in California to file a report even if the dog bite is not reported, as well as to provide evaluations and treatments.  17 California Code of Regulations 2606 indicates, “local health officer or designee shall be immediately notified of any person or animal bitten by or potentially exposed to a rabid or suspected rabid animal.” This includes dog bites.

Even if the injury is minor, health officials in the area should be notified as soon as possible. There are other motives at work here as well. In order to keep rabies from spreading, doctors perform this procedure. Even if the dog is not rabid, doctors must still report the incident of biting.

Dog Bite Laws in California

In California, if a dog attacks and injures someone, the owner is held strictly liable under the state's dog bite statute. It doesn't matter if the dog's owner was negligent or if the dog has or does not have a history of aggression.

"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..." is stated in California Law, Section 3342.

Liability for Dog Bite Injuries in the State of California

 If the victim's injury was caused by a dog bite and the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property at the time of the dog bite, the owner of the dog can be held liable in a case, according to the state of California.

Because of California's "strict liability" law, the dog's history of attacking people is largely irrelevant. Regardless of the circumstances, you need a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer on your side. It is possible for insurance companies to trick and manipulate their clients into giving up their legal options. Those who have been bitten by a dog in California may be forced to accept settlements that fall far short of what they deserve

How to Find a Local Dog Bite Attorney

It is important to pursue a dog bite case in order to protect your health, avoid accumulating debt, and secure the maximum monetary compensation for your losses. So, it's imperative that you get an attorney with your best interests at heart. You need to find local lawyers and law firms specializing in dog attacks in your area. Lawyers who specialize in dog bite cases have access to a network of canine experts that can be used to support your claim.

Our Attorneys, for example, specialize in this area of law. As a law firm, we have a deep understanding of the legal ramifications of dog bite incidents. We can help you get the compensation you deserve because of our extensive experience with dog bites.

If a dog bite lawyer offers a free consultation, take advantage of it. You can use this to see if you're a good fit for each other. On your consultation, you can also present some supporting evidence, such as the following:

·        Photographs of the injury

·        Medical records 

·        Surveillance footage if any

·        Any documentation that supports your case such as receipts or invoices

Choose a dog bite lawyer who can communicate effectively with you and help you through the entire process.

Is It Necessary to Hire a California Dog Bite Attorney?

After a dog bite, the first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention. A doctor's examination is the only way to determine the extent of your injury. After receiving medical attention, you should contact a dog bite attorney. Having a good lawyer on your side can help you gather evidence, go through police and medical reports, and take note of other evidence. Dog bite lawyers can use all of this evidence to build a strong case for you.

Our lawyers are your best bet if you've been injured by a dog bite.  Our personal injury and dog bite lawyers in Orange County, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, and surrounding cities are among the best in California. To get the compensation you deserve, contact one of our dog bite lawyers.

 

For a free consultation, please contact us at 949-258-6859 right away. We're here to assist you at any time of day or night, seven days a week.