Amid the peaceful trails and picturesque views of Carlin G. Smith Park, you could experience an encounter with a dog that results in injury. Responsible dog ownership requires a deep understanding of the risks and consequences of how you act or fail to act as an owner.
Fortunately, for victims of dog bites, negligent pet owners can be held liable for the costs of medical treatment for injuries incurred from the accident. If you or a loved one need legal representation after a dog bite incident, the lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can handle your case. A Los Angeles Carlin G. Smith Park dog bite lawyer can inform you of your legal options to help you make a quick and full recovery. Call our offices now for a free case consultation: (800) 816-0755
About Dog Ownership in Los Angeles
California’s Pet Rescue and Adoption Act (AB-485) requires pet stores to sell dogs that are rescued from shelters. While the benefits of giving a dog a second chance at life by rehoming them instead of adopting a newly bred dog are many, it also comes with certain risks.
Rescued pets can have a good temperament and health record but may also have an undisclosed history of behavioral or health problems that could make them more of a risk to yourself and others.
One of the difficulties of understanding the factors in a dog bite accident is that there is not one unique reason that dogs bite. All dogs are capable of biting other animals or people, regardless of breed, age, sex, or size.
While Los Angeles County once considered breed-specific laws similar to those around the country to mitigate harm from pit bull attacks, no such legislation was ever enacted. People in Los Angeles are free to adopt or buy any breed of dog and are not limited by any temperament or physical traits that a certain breed may be prone to.
If you are a dog owner or dog bite victim, a Los Angeles Carlin G. Smith Park dog bite lawyer can work to defend your rights after an accident.
Fighting a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Whether you are the plaintiff or defendant in a dog bite accident lawsuit, you will want to consider both sides of the case. A lawyer can represent your interests by using the facts and evidence from your experience to construct a solid case.
Reporting a Dog Bite
All dog bites should be reported to the Los Angeles Animal Care and Control as soon as possible. The county enforces a required quarantine period for dogs that bite, in order to monitor them for symptoms of transmittable diseases like rabies, that can quickly become fatal. While dogs with a home can typically be quarantined by their owners, stray dogs will need to be confined by Animal Control. Once you are safe from any immediate danger, you should contact Animal Control to report the incident.
Working with a lawyer can help you take all appropriate actions to file your case with the county appropriately.
Pursuing a Legal Case
Once you are ready to pursue a legal case, you may want to consider any of the following claim types:
- Personal Injury: A personal injury case would help you seek compensation for any bodily injuries to you or a dependent in the event of a dog bite. If the dog bite results in fatal injuries for a loved one, you can file a personal injury claim on their behalf for things like loss of financial security for dependents or to cover necessary expenses and bills from medical treatment and funeral costs.
- Property Damage: In California, pet ownership is considered a unique form of property by law. If your pets are affected by a dog bite, you may be able to seek compensation for up to three years from the date of the incident.
- Criminal Claims: In the pursuit or defense of any criminal claims, a lawyer can advise you on the legal options that best protect your rights and interests, regardless of whether the facts help or hurt your case.
You should not consider the list above exhaustive of all your legal options when it comes to dog bite accidents. In any situation, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to help you pursue a favorable outcome, whether you need help defending yourself against a victim or pursuing compensation for your injuries.
For a free legal consultation with a Carlin G. Smith Park Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
Dog Bite Accident Legal Help
Let the lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm represent your case after a dog bite accident. A Los Angeles Carlin G. Smith Park dog bite lawyer from our team can help you navigate the legal process.
If you are afraid you cannot afford a lawyer, you should know that we do not charge any up-front fees for our legal services. We work on a contingency fee basis in order to help victims of personal injury accidents. We only collect our fee if we secure compensation on your behalf. This allows us to get started on a potential case right away, which helps to abide by any statute of limitations that may apply.
When you contact our offices, you can speak to us in a free consultation about your unique situation. Call us at (800) 816-0755. You have nothing to lose by discussing your case and determining your legal options.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form