Anyone who has ever been chased by a large dog understands the fear you experience at that moment. For those brief moments, you do not know if the dog will catch you and what kind of pain will accompany the attack.
If you are suffering from a dog bite that occurred while visiting Alma Park in San Pedro, you have the right to hold the dog owner responsible for your injuries, including the emotional trauma stemming from the dog’s bite or attack.
A Los Angeles Alma Park dog bite lawyer can help you build a case, pursuing fair compensation for your injuries. At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we understand the laws that impact dog bite injury cases and know how to present your case in a way that will help us negotiate a fair settlement.
For a free review of your case and to find out what options you have for recovering compensation for your injuries, call the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755.
Understanding the Severity of a Dog Bite Injury
Dog bites can create severe injuries. Certain breeds have a particularly strong bite, which can tear the skin and cause severe bleeding, extreme pain, and perhaps even scarring. The bacteria in a dog’s mouth can lead to serious, even life-threatening infections or disease if the injuries are not treated right away.
Open Wounds
Bites create open wounds in the form of deep cuts, skin tearing, and abrasions. Lacerations and deep wounds can cause rapid, severe bleeding and require sutures or stitches to close.
Puncture wounds often do not cause serious bleeding, but in cases when the puncture is deep, it can damage the underlying muscles or even internal organs. Your doctor might have you get a tetanus or rabies shot to prevent infection.
Because a victim often uses their hands to protect themselves during an attack, bites to the hands and arms are common in dog attacks. These bites can lead to crushed bones and damaged nerves.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur if the dog knocks the victim down, and they hit their head on the pavement or an object when they fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of the complications from TBIs include impairments related to cognitive function and memory—or even personality changes. These injuries are a significant cause of disability in the U.S.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Dog bites or attacks can cause emotional trauma for victims. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reported on a study conducted on 22 children who were attacked or bitten by dogs. The children ranged anywhere from 1 to 14 years of age, and all received minor surgical treatment in an emergency room department. Of all of the children, nearly half displayed signs of PTSD within two to nine months of their attack.
How the Statute of Limitations Can Impact Your Claim
Every state places a limit on the amount of time that victims have to file a lawsuit pursuing compensation after a personal injury accident. In California, Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 sets a two-year time limit on personal injury lawsuits. If you fail to file your claim within two years of the date of the injury, you typically will be barred from recovery.
For a free legal consultation with a Alma Park Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
Understanding California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
California follows a strict liability rule (CIV § 3342) when it comes to dog bites. The statute states that the dog does not have to have a history of aggressive behavior or biting. The owner is automatically responsible for injuries caused by a dog bite if:
- The victim was on public property or legally on private property at the time of the injury.
- The victim did not provoke the animal.
While the statute does not include injuries suffered from an attack in which the dog does not bite the victim, if the dog owner was negligent in how they handled their pet, they could also be held liable for any injuries.
A Los Angeles Alma Park dog bite lawyer can help gather evidence related to your attack, including eyewitness statements proving that you did not taunt or tease the dog in any way. This can help you build a case to pursue a fair settlement for your injuries. For a free case review, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
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Recoverable Damages After a Dog Bite or Dog Attack
There are many damages you may be able to recover in a personal injury claim after a dog attack or bite. Some of the possible damages include:
- Disfigurement
- Loss of use of a limb
- Medical costs
- Physical therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
If your loved one was killed by a dog, your family may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death claim. Some possible damages in that type of lawsuit include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
While unlikely, in some personal injury cases, the court can award punitive damages. These damages are generally only awarded in situations where the defendant acted with a conscious disregard for others’ safety. While punitive damages are unlikely in a dog bite case, there is nothing to prevent the court from awarding punitive damages if the defendant’s negligence with the animal was particularly egregious.
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How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You
A Los Angeles Alma Park dog bite lawyer understands how to present your case to the defendant’s lawyer or the insurance company. They know when it can be helpful to use expert statements from medical professionals to justify a settlement offer.
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has worked on many cases like these. Our clients understand that when they work with us, they get access not only to our experience with these cases, but also our network of medical experts and mental health professionals who can help us build a case.
For a free review of your dog bite case, contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755.
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