If a dog bit you in Angeles Mesa Park in Los Angeles, the dog’s owner may owe you compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Despite the protections you may have from a dog bite under California law, you still may want to consider representation in your case. There is no guarantee that the dog owner will cooperate with your claim. In addition to defending your right to compensation, a Los Angeles Angeles Mesa Park dog bite lawyer may be able to evaluate and document the full extent of your injuries for settlement negotiations or trial.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm represents dog bite victims in Los Angeles. Call us at (800) 816-0755 for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case with a member of our team. We may be able to handle your case on a contingency fee basis with no up-front payment required.
Dog Bite Laws in the State of California
Dog bite laws fall under CIV § 3342, which details the responsibilities of dog owners in California. This law indicates that if a dog bites another person in a public place, such as the Angeles Mesa Park, the victim does not have to prove that the dog owner behaved in a negligent way. Instead, a victim simply needs to prove that the dog bite actually occurred. This lowered burden of proof for the victim is due to a “strict liability” law and provides a victim a simpler legal route to receive compensation for their injuries.
Aggressive Dogs
California law is clear that a dog does not have to have shown any kind of previous aggression or have bitten another person previously in order to have dog bite laws apply. Even if an owner had no idea that their dog was violent or aggressive in any way, the dog owner may be responsible for any injuries suffered as a result of their dog biting someone else.
Police and Military Dogs
It is important to note that there is an exception to the dog bite law rule for police and military dogs. If a victim receives a dog bite from a police or military dog while they are on active duty, the victim may not have the right to file a claim under typical dog bite laws.
However, there are circumstances in which a police officer or military personnel may have acted in a negligent manner regarding the use of their dog. If this is the case, a victim may be able to file a claim against the governmental entity directly for their injuries.
Dog Bites Versus Dog Attacks
The California dog bite laws specifically pertain to those victims who receive injuries as a result of a dog bite. However, if a dog attacked but did not bite you, you may still have legal recourse to receive compensation for your injuries.
A personal injury claim could hold a dog owner responsible for the damages you suffered from their pet’s attack, even if no bite occurred. A Los Angeles Angeles Mesa Park dog bite lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to represent you in this type of legal action as well. Call us today to learn more about legal options.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
You should seek immediate medical care after a dog bite. It is possible for any wound or laceration to become infected. A doctor can evaluate your injuries and treat them. They can also create an important link in your medical record between the accident and the injuries that you can use as evidence in your case.
You may also want to take photographs of your wound or the scene where the bite occurred. Retain any evidence you have, including contact information of witnesses.
Keep all documentation regarding your medical bills, lost wages due to your inability to return to work, and a diary of your pain and suffering levels as well as the activities you can no longer perform due to your injuries.
Finally, use caution if the responsible party’s insurance company contacts you to discuss the case. They may be able to use your statements to reduce or deny your claim.
When you work with a Los Angeles Angeles Mesa Park dog bite lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm on your case, we can handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf.
For a free legal consultation with a Angeles Mesa Park Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
How a Dog Bite Lawyer May Be Able to Help You
Dog bites can result in astronomical medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, along with severe emotional trauma. If you experience the fallout from a dog bite in Angeles Mesa park, allow a Los Angeles Angeles Mesa Park dog bite lawyer from at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to handle your case while you concentrate on your recovery. We may be able to:
- Answer your questions and provide you with legal advice
- Manage all legal deadlines, paperwork, and communications in your case
- Identify the liable party
- Gather evidence of their liability and the extent of your injuries
- Pursue compensation on your behalf in settlement negotiations or on trial
- Defend your rights at every stage
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients to not pay for our attorney’s fees unless and until they recover compensation.
Learn more about your options in a free consultation on your case with a member of our team when you call (800) 816-0755 today.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form