A visit to Gladys Park at 6th and Gladys Street in Los Angeles is a great way to spend an afternoon. However, your enjoyable afternoon can rapidly turn upside down because of a dog bite or dog attack.
If you or someone you love is hurt and suffering because of an attack or bite by a dog, you have the right to hold the owner responsible for your injuries. You do not have to suffer alone. A Los Angeles 6th and Gladys Park dog bite lawyer understands how the law applies to dog bite cases. They also understand the common tactics that defense lawyers use to help get their clients off the hook or reduce their liability in these cases.
For a free consultation to determine your options, contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755. Our team works on a contingency fee basis only, which means we only take payment if we secure compensation on your behalf. You never have to pay out of pocket for our help.
Types of Injuries That Can Occur After a Dog Bite or Attack
Many injuries can occur because of a dog attack or bite. Typically, the nature of the attack dictates the type of injuries a victim incurs. For example, if the dog jumps up and knocks someone down, they may knock their head on the pavement and experience a traumatic brain injury. However, if the person is viciously attacked, the dog may cause deep lacerations and bleeding, in addition to the victim potentially suffering post-traumatic stress disorder.
Here are just some of that injuries that victims experience in dog attacks.
Disease and Infection
A victim who suffers a dog bite may not appear initially to have serious injuries. However, they can rapidly become sick, though, as certain infections can lead to dangerous complications and even become fatal. Some of the more serious diseases, according to Medical News Today, include:
- Capnocytophaga
- Sepsis
- Rabies
- Tetanus
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
As mentioned above, if the victim falls during a dog attack, they could easily hit their head and suffer a TBI. Falls are the most common cause of TBIs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and these injuries can cause permanent impairment to the victim’s memory, motor functions, and even personality.
Cuts and Puncture Wounds
During an attack, a dog’s teeth can tear the skin, causing severe bleeding and potentially permanent scarring. The teeth can also puncture the skin when the dog bites down, causing severe pain and damaging the underlying tissue. If the puncture is deep enough, it can even damage the internal organs.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Not all injuries are visible. The emotional trauma that often accompanies dog bites or attacks can have a long-term impact on victims’ lives. A study of 22 children attacked by dogs, reported in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), found that in nearly half of the cases, the children displayed signs of PTSD between two to nine months after the attacks.
Regardless of the injuries you or your loved one suffered as a result of the dog attack, you have the right to hold the dog owner responsible. A Los Angeles 6th and Gladys Park dog bite lawyer may be able to help. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free review of your case.
Understanding Dog Bite Law in California
California follows a “strict liability” rule when it comes to dog bites. That means that the owner is automatically liable if their dog bites or otherwise hurts someone, even if the animal had no history of biting or behaving aggressively.
According to California Civil Code § 3342, the dog owner is liable as long as:
- The victim did not provoke the dog.
- The victim was in a public location or lawfully on private property.
If the bite occurred while you were at Gladys Park, you should have no problem proving that you were legally allowed to be in that location. However, some defense attorneys may try to claim that you provoked the dog by taunting or teasing it and that their client’s liability should be reduced. A lawyer can defend you against underhanded tactics like these.
For a free legal consultation with a 6th and Gladys Park Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
Recoverable Damages After a Dog Bite
There are many types of damages that you might recover after a dog attack or bite. Ultimately, the types of recoverable injuries depend on the severity of your injuries, both physical and emotional, and the extent of your financial losses. While we cannot estimate your damages without first reviewing the details of your case, some common types of damages that victims recover in cases like these include:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Hospitalization
- Medication
- Surgical procedures
- Doctor’s examinations
- Lost wages
- Future wages if your earning potential is lost or diminished
- Out-of-pocket expenses
If your loved one did not survive because of the seriousness of their injuries, your family may be able to recover:
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
- Pain and suffering
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
- Funeral and burial costs
Los Angeles 6th and Gladys Park Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
A Los Angeles 6th and Gladys Park dog bite lawyer can take on the burden of building a case off your shoulders, allowing you to heal from your injuries. They understand what evidence to gather, including eyewitness statements and medical records that detail the extent of your injuries. They also have a network of experts who can offer statements about the impact that your injuries will have on your future.
A lawyer can also calculate the fair value of your injuries, including the cost of your pain and suffering. They use this information to determine what a reasonable settlement would look like for your case. They can negotiate with the insurance company or the defendant’s lawyer to pursue compensation on your behalf.
For a free consultation, call the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755. The sooner you act, the sooner we can get started.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form