Suffering an unexpected dog attack or a dog bite can be a traumatic experience. Not only can such incidents result in considerable pain and physical damage, but they can also lead to emotional trauma and fear. There are rules in place that protect the wellbeing of the general public from preventable accidents such as dog bites. If these rules are breached or broken, you may be able to recover financial compensation from the parties responsible for causing your injuries.
You have the option of getting your case evaluated to determine whether or not you have grounds for a personal injury claim, and an attorney can help you understand which dog bite laws and statutes apply to your case.
If you suffered injuries of any sort in a dog bite incident, we might be able to help. A Los Angeles Buena Vista Meadow picnic area dog bite lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you gather evidence pertaining to your dog bite incident, interview witnesses of the event, and help you seek any damages that the law may entitle you to. Call us today at (800) 816-0755 for a free case evaluation.
Dog Bite Injuries
It is not uncommon for the victims of dog bites—especially children—to have to undergo multiple medical procedures to help them recover from serious dog bite accidents. Dog attacks involving large animals, and especially cases in which the dog attacks the face of the victim, can lead to scarring and disfigurement. Such injuries can have a major impact on the mental and emotional wellbeing of the victim beyond their physical injuries, and their life may never be the same again.
Other injuries commonly seen with dog bite incidents include:
- Illnesses such as rabies.
- Bleeding and lacerations.
- Bruising and swelling.
- Broken bones and injuries from falling.
Even if you do not have any major symptoms, you should seek medical attention after the bite to ensure that you did not contract any latent bacteria or viruses that can affect your health. For example, mange and tick bites can lead to extreme discomfort and serious health complications, but the symptoms of these illnesses may only appear several days after contact with an infected dog.
After a dog bite, you will understandably face a great deal of anxiety not just about the event, but in terms of the costs you suffer while treating and recovering from your injuries. Based on the specifics of your case, you may be able to seek compensation for losses such as:
- Property that was damaged during the attack.
- Lost income while you recover from your injuries.
- Medical and treatment costs.
- Doctors’ visits and transportation costs.
California Dog Bite Liability
Many different parties may be at fault for your dog bite injury. These parties include:
- The dog owner.
- A dog handler.
- A property owner or renter.
In some states, liability for dog bites may be waived if a dog owner had no reason to believe that their pet was dangerous. In California, however, dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets irrespective of past tendencies, according to California Civil Code § 3342. If a dog bites you or attacks you and you were legally entitled to be where you were at the time of the attack, for example, you were invited to a friend’s house, were at work, or were at a public park when the attack occurred, then you can file a claim for damages.
As long as the following do not apply to your case, you may be able to seek compensation from a dog owner or handler for injuries and damages that you suffer during a dog attack:
- You were trespassing or were illegally on a property.
- You were committing a crime.
- You were attacked by a dog used by the government or military for official purposes.
A Los Angeles Buena Vista Meadow picnic area dog bite lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you determine which statutes and rules apply to your case and which of potentially multiple at-fault parties involved in the incident you may be able to seek compensation from. An understanding of premises liability may also be required if your case involves the owner or operator of a public space that was not in compliance with public safety guidelines.
For a free legal consultation with a Buena Vista Meadow Picnic Area Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
What Happens After a Dog Bite
Dog attacks can be lethal, but most are not. In most cases, the victim dies after contracting an illness or suffering health complications such as sepsis or infections after the fact. If you were attacked and bitten by a dog and want to take legal action for your injuries, we can help you as follows:
- Determine who was at fault for the incident.
- Investigate past complaints or case filings against the dog or its owner.
- Quantify the damages and losses you suffered in the attack.
- Gather evidence from the scene of the incident and identify and interview eyewitnesses.
- Negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurer on your behalf.
In some cases, you must report the incident to your state’s Board of Animal Health and undergo testing to preclude the possibility that you contracted an illness such as rabies from the dog.
According to the Mayo Clinic, when it comes to serious bites, you should also investigate whether or not the animal’s rabies vaccination is up to date. We can assist you here as well. We can put you in touch with the care centers that may be able to assess your condition and look up the animal’s history to see its vaccination record.
Los Angeles Buena Vista Meadow Picnic Area Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Speak to a Member of Our Team Today
A Los Angeles Buena Vista Meadow picnic area dog bite lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm might be able to help you with your dog bite incident. Dog bites should not be taken lightly. Call us today at (800) 816-0755 for assistance with your case.
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