Dog bite lawyer Foothill Ranch

Personal Injury lawyers in Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire

Dog Bite Lawyer Foothill Ranch

Our Foothill Ranch dog bite lawyers have been successfully winning dog bite cases for over 10 years. Our team of dedicated attorneys, paralegals, and pre-litigation experts have won several millions for our clients. We want to help make your life better and are dedicated to making the world a safer place

If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, you should consult with one of our Foothill Ranch dog bite attorney to determine if you are entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills and damages and to pursue the at-fault animal owner for compensation as the victim of the injury.Dog bites can go so much further than broken bones or scarring. The emotional trauma of a dog bite can last a lifetime. Our injury attorneys have handled a huge number of canine attack cases with an outstanding success rate. We have the knowledge and experience it takes to provide superior representation for our clients

With a 99% success rate, our team is the right choice for your case. We will fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your losses, injuries, and trauma

To speak with a top-rated California dog attack injury lawyer about your legal rights, and to discuss pursuing a dog bite injury lawsuit, please contact us at (949)258-6859.

Free Dog Bite Case Evaluation and Consultation

We are here to help. Our dog bite lawyers will provide you with a free case evaluation, giving victims the chance to discuss their dog bite case with a legal expert with no obligations.When a dog attacks an individual – regardless of that person’s age, physical build, or mental attributes – the incident always leaves a mark. This goes beyond the physical puncture wounds and bite injuries suffered by the victim.In many canine bite cases, the incident will take a heavy emotional and physical toll on the victim.

Whether that person is a 6 ft-tall man or a tiny toddler, they may go through a period of intense fear and insecurity as a result of the attack.A dog attack can be extremely traumatic. Dog aggression can result in long-lasting anxiety, in addition to the physical wounds that you would normally associate with a dog bite.Injuries that are typically associated with a serious dog bite can include:

  • Deep contusions

  • Fractures

  • Amputations

  • Serious head and face injuries

  • Long term emotional scars

California Leads the Nation in Dog Attacks

Statistics show California to be one of the leading states when it comes to dog attacks, canine bite injuries, and fatalities. Figures released by the United States Postal Service revealed that Los Angeles is consistently at or near the top of the charts when it comes to the cities with the most dog attacks on postal workers, while San Diego also made the top-12. A study examining reported dog bites and criminal charges between 2005-2017 found that:

  • California had the second most dog bite fatalities

  • There were 45 deaths in California over the study period

  • About 4.5 million people are injured by dogs every year across the U.S.

According to a report released by State Farm insurance company, California also led the pack when it came to the number of dog bite claims (527) and the payout in these types of cases ($20.3 million). Experts say the state’s high population and the year-round pleasant weather in Southern California could account for the prevalence of dog attacks here.

Strict Liability Statute in California for Dog Bites

California has what is known as a “strict liability statute” when it comes to dog attacks. This means that dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets, even if they have shown no previous signs of aggression or violence. The only exceptions may be when the dog attack was provoked by cruelty toward the animal, or when a dog bites someone who was committing a crime or trespassing on the owner’s property.

However, there are very few exceptions to the strict liability dog bite law in California. In the majority of cases, dog owners can be held financially liable in addition to receiving citations or facing other penalties associated with an attack.

California’s Civil Code Section 3342 states: “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.”

There have also been several recent cases in California where courts have upheld personal injury claims against landlords who have allowed a tenant to have a dangerous dog on their premises.

Our Foothill Ranch dog bite lawyers excel when it comes to holding irresponsible dog owners accountable and ensuring that dog bite victims are properly compensated and supported.

Strict Liability Statute in California for Dog Bites

The severity of a dog bite injury can range from relatively minor bruising and puncture marks to life-threatening wounds and long-term damage. Even if a victim’s injuries are not severe, it does not mean that they cannot file a dog bite lawsuit. Any attack can result in a financial burden and lasting psychological scars.

Dog bite injuries can be divided into different grades of severity:

  • Grade 1: Scratches and bruising

  • Grade 2: Bite marks but no punctures

  • Grade 3: Puncture wounds that break the skin

  • Grade 4: Deep piercing wounds and ripped flesh

  • Grade 5: A number of different piercing bite wounds from a sustained attack

  • Grade 6: Fatality

The severity of the dog bite wounds will dictate the kind of medical treatment a victim will require. Every year there are about 900,000 dog bite injuries in the United States which result in some form of medical treatment, with a large number also requiring hospital care.

Often, victims or their families spend thousands of dollars on therapy so that their lives can return to normalcy. Most victims develop a long-term fear of dogs, while some require cosmetic surgery to treat bite marks and scars.

Some patients end up paying out of pocket for these procedures, as well as psychological therapy sessions to combat issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This is where one of our Foothill Ranch dog bite attorney can help. By filing a dog bite lawsuit, you may be able to recover expenses and compensation relating to your treatment.

angry dog injury

California Dog Bite FAQs 

Find the answers to some of the most frequent questions asked of our Foothill Ranch dog bite lawyers below. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

How much time do I have to file a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

Personal injury lawsuits have a two-year statute of limitations in California. This means that you have two years from the date you were bitten by the dog to file your claim.

What do I do after being bitten by a dog?

If your injuries require immediate medical attention, that should be your first step. You should also collect the name, address, and contact details of the dog owner if possible, as well securing contact details for any witnesses. If you cannot identify the dog owner, contact animal control and provide a full description of the animal. Record your location, take pictures of your injuries.

How much will a dog bite Attorney Cost?

Our law firm is proud to make a ‘No Win, No Fee’ promise. Our law firm advances the costs necessary to win your dog attack case. Contact us to learn more.

How long will my dog bite case take?

The length of a case will depend on a range of factors, such as the severity of your injuries. Your dog bite attorney will need to know the extent of damage, as well as your rehabilitation progress, in order to secure the maximum compensation possible for you. The length of the lawsuit will also depend on whether an out-of-court compensatory settlement can be agreed upon.

Is it worth suing over a dog bite?

If you have been injured, you deserve to be compensated. No victim should be left counting the costs of medical care and other related expenses. To find out if it is worth filing a lawsuit in your case, contact us. We offer a free consultation with no obligations, providing expert legal guidance. There is nothing to lose by exploring your options!

California Dog Bite Compensation

It is unfair that victims pay such a high physical and financial price for a dog attack when the incident was not even their fault. Dog owners should be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages, and losses suffered by these unsuspecting victims.

Injured victims can seek compensation in dog bite cases for damages such as:

  • Medical expenses – such as hospitalization and surgery costs

  • Lost wages

  • Rehabilitation

  • Permanent disfigurement or disability

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

Our dog bite attorneys are very familiar with the laws in California regarding unwarranted dog attacks and will be able to fight for you against the dog owner. We have handled a wide variety of dog attacks including Pitbulls and Rottweilers.

Dog Attacks and Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners’ insurance policies usually cover dog attacks. Most of these policies provide between $100,000 and $300,000 in liability coverage. However, if the dog owner is a renter or lacks insurance, the victim can try to hold the property owner liable for allowing a dangerous dog to live on the premises.

In a recent development, Farmers Group notified its policyholders that it would no longer cover bites by pit bulls, Rottweilers, and wolf hybrids under homeowners’ insurance policies.

Despite sharp criticism from pit bull advocates, insurers say bites from pit bulls and other breeds have risen significantly in recent years along with the cost of settling those damage claims.

Farmers said that the three breeds it listed accounted for more than 25 percent of their dog bite claims. Farmers officials also said that these breeds caused more harm than any other breed when they attacked.

Why Should You Hire one of our Foothill Ranch Dog Bite Lawyers?

In many dog bite cases in California, the victim will decide not to take legal action, or to try to file a case themselves. However, hiring a lawyer is almost always the better route to take.

Our dog bite lawyers are highly experienced and know what it takes to win. They will be able to provide expert guidance and building the best case possible for you.
Our dog attack attorneys are expert negotiators who are adept at securing the maximum settlements from insurance companies. They are also experienced trial lawyers who are not afraid to take a case further if the settlement offer is not satisfactory.

Trust our dog bite attorneys to get the right result for you.

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Testimonials

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“After getting ran into with my 2 children in the car and getting hurt I called them for help. I have had nothing but a great experience with this law firm. I felt well taken care of, there was excellent communication, and great service overall. I had expected my case to take some time but it was settled in less than 5 months and am very happy with the outcome!! Julia and Joanna were a big help and really know what they are doing, very on top of everything! I highly recommend this firm. I can't thank you enough!“

Lindsay C.

“Once I hired your firm we were able to stop the collectors' harassment of my family. You then investigated and found the collector harassing us had a history of illegal collections tactics. Thank you for your hard work. We cant wait to make the collector pay for the harassment inflicted on our family.“

D.H.

“I was in my car going to work last year and another car ran into me causing significant damage. I was injured and needed representation. A close friend of mine had used this law firm in the past and had great results so I decided to use them as well. Joe handled my case and I could not have been happier with the outcome. I had numerous doctor appointments and treatments during the 1st year following my injury and everyone took care me like I was family. They made my doctor appts, called to check up weekly and guided me through the process during my difficult time. I would give them 10 stars if Yelp allowed. I highly recommend them!

Carsten B.

“I have used them on two occasions and both were successful for me. They were attentive, involved, and kept me informed. The entire office supported me in any questions or requests I had. I can highly recommend them and would use them again at any time. Winning is good!“

Ron H.

“Found them via the internet and have been thankful ever since. Not only did the collectors stop calling me but they also got in trouble for the way they harassed me. Very thankful for their help and would heartily recommend this office! They’re very nice people!“

M.W.

“This firm was amazing. Everyone I worked with was exceedingly helpful and kind. Great customer service and they get the job done.“

Lindsey M.

“Lawsuits can be unpredictable and the they have proven to stay by my side and ensure that my welfare and case are taken care of and fought for.

Rudy G.