Animal attacks and dog bites are unfortunate, common incidents that can result in severe pain, injuries, and emotional distress. An experienced Escondido dog bite lawyer and animal attack attorney may provide critical legal guidance to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Whether it’s you or a loved one who has been bitten by a dog, the consequences can be devastating. Laws concerning dog bites and animal attacks can be complex in California, making it essential for you to understand your rights and the legal avenues available to you.
If you plan to file a claim after experiencing a dog bite in California, you can hire an Escondido dog bite lawyer to help you obtain compensation for your damages. At The Law Office of Frank S. Clowney III, we have a proven track record of success, with years of experience under our belt.
Our Escondido personal injury lawyers understand how difficult this time can be for our clients, which is why we dedicate substantial time to each of our cases so we can develop a tailored plan to help our clients receive the compensation they deserve. If you are in this situation, it’s time to get in touch with our office.
The state of California operates under a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites, meaning that a dog owner can be held financially responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog has never shown aggression before. This law is under California Civil Code Section 3342. With this law, the victim doesn’t need to prove the dog owner was negligent or failed to control their dog.
Regardless of whether the dog had previously bitten someone or was known to be dangerous, the law still applies. There are exceptions to this rule, making legal assistance essential. If the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property without permission, the dog owner may not be liable. Provoking or teasing the dog could be a defense for the dog owner as well, or if the dog was under the control of a professional, different rules may apply.
A dog bite or animal attack may be the result of the dog owner’s negligence in some cases. If the owner failed to restrain the animal, keep it in a fenced yard, or properly train it to prevent aggressive behavior, then negligence and premise liability may apply. The victim can pursue a negligence claim, which requires proving the owner was careless in managing their pet.
Your actions following a dog bite or animal attack can significantly impact your ability to recover damages. The priority should always be your safety and health, but there are steps to follow if one of these incidents occurs:
Animal attacks and dog bites in Escondido can cause a range of injuries. These can be minor to serious, life-threatening wounds that require extensive medical treatment. Some of these injuries include:
Animal attack and dog bite victims in Escondido are often entitled to compensation for their injuries. This payment can help cover medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Having a skilled lawyer on your side may help you receive a higher compensation amount.
Medical expenses are the most common type of damages that someone sues for when it comes to a dog bite. Compensation that is received for this type of damage covers the cost of immediate medical care, surgeries, follow-up treatment, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical expenses related to the injury.
In the event you are unable to work because of the dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you lost during your recovery. Dog bite victims may also receive compensation for any physical pain and emotional suffering they deal with. There are rare cases in which the victim can prove the dog owner’s conduct was reckless or malicious, and the court will award punitive damages to punish the owner and deter future incidents.
It can be complicated to navigate a dog bite claim, especially when dealing with insurance companies or the possibility of a legal defense from the dog owner. This is why it is so important to hire an experienced Escondido dog-bite lawyer. These attorneys understand California’s dog bite laws and may help you understand your rights and guide you on a legal strategy suitable for your case.
A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation that may become crucial later if they need to secure a strong testimony. They do this through gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses. Insurance companies will try and minimize payouts, but a dog bite lawyer will also work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all damages. If your case ends up going to trial, an animal attack attorney will represent you in court.
There are several steps one can take to negotiate a dog bite settlement. These include documenting everything, consulting a lawyer, understanding state laws, gathering evidence, and explaining the impact the bite has had on you or your loved ones. It is always recommended to discuss your case with an experienced dog bite lawyer to try and secure a positive outcome with negotiations.
Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability cases. It’s important to check your policy so you are aware of your limit. If the claim exceeds your limit, you will be personally responsible for all damages from the lawsuit. This is why it is crucial to do everything you can to keep your dog from being involved in these attacks.
Whether or not you have to stay in the hospital for a short amount of time or an extended stay greatly influences the bill for a dog bite. Other factors that pay into the hospital bill for the dog bite include the severity and type of injuries, location of the injuries, whether surgery is required, type of medication used, whether there is an infection and more.
A level 3 dog bite is described as when a dog bites down with enough force to break the skin causing one to four punctures. These punctures are usually half the length of the canine teeth. These types of injuries may require medical attention, antibiotics, stitches, or reconstructive surgery depending on which part of the body the dog bite occurred.
If you or someone you know has experienced a dog bite and is thinking about suing for damages, it is time to get in contact with The Law Office of Frank S. Clowney III. Our experienced and knowledgeable Escondido dog bite lawyers are prepared to handle your case and work hard to help you receive the damages you deserve. Contact our office today.