Dogs of any breed can attack, with or without provocation. Even a small dog can cause serious injuries, such as cuts, broken bones, damage to tendons and ligaments, and permanent disfigurement. In some cases, dog bites result in nerve damage that can trigger severe pain and cause a victim to lose the ability to use a limb.
Dog bites may require medical treatment ranging from stitches in the emergency room to surgery, physical therapy, and long-term in-home care. Victims of dog bites may find themselves unable to work and participate in activities they used to enjoy.
In addition to the physical harm and financial losses, dog bites can cause emotional trauma. Being attacked by an aggressive dog can be terrifying, especially for a child. It can lead to fear, anxiety, nightmares, and other forms of mental anguish.
If you or a member of your family was injured by a dog attack while visiting Chase Park in the West Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, a Los Angeles Chase Park dog bite lawyer might be able to help you seek compensation.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has represented thousands of clients across the United States in personal injury cases. We can file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company or file a lawsuit against the owner to seek compensation.
A staff member can travel to meet with you in person and discuss the details of your case and what we may be able to do to help. Call our office at (800) 816-0755 to get the process started with a team member.
Dog Bite Liability
A person who takes a dog to a Los Angeles County park has a responsibility to take measures to protect other pets and people at the park. Some dog parks require dogs to be leashed, while at other parks, leashes are optional.
Regardless of the policy on leashes, owners must supervise their pets and should not take dogs that have a history of biting or other aggressive behavior to dog parks. Aggressive or unneutered dogs may bite with little or no provocation. Pets that have not been socialized and become frightened of people or other dogs easily may bite out of fear.
According to California Civil Code § 3342, the owner of a dog has liability for damages if the dog bites someone in a public place or private property where the victim was present lawfully. It does not matter if the dog has a history of biting or if the owner is aware of its former viciousness.
The owner of the dog that bit you may argue that you accepted a certain level of risk by using the dog park. Even if you chose to go to the park, and even if leashes were not required, CIV § 3342 holds the owner liable regardless of whether they failed to exercise a reasonable degree of care.
How a Lawyer May Be Able to Help You
A Los Angeles Chase Park dog bite lawyer can review any reports that the police or Animal Control filed related to the incident. Sometimes, the dog owner tries to escape liability by arguing that the victim did something to provoke the attack. That is why it is so important to review all available evidence.
An attorney can interview the dog’s owner and anyone who witnessed the attack, as well as review any videos that captured the incident and events that occurred before or after the attack. They can also review photos of the injuries you suffered and medical records related to treatments you have received.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Injuries from a dog bite may not seem serious at first. The full extent of the damage, especially neurological impairment, may not become apparent until weeks or months after the attack. If you have not already seen a doctor, please schedule a visit to get your injuries checked out. Up to 15% of all dog bites become infected, which can lead to serious complications or, in the case of rabies, death.
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can review reports from your physicians and physical therapists to understand:
- The severity of your injuries.
- How long it will take you to recover.
- Whether you will make a full recovery.
This information can help us make sure that we seek a fair level of compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Call us today to discuss your injuries and legal options with a member of our staff.
For a free legal consultation with a Chase Park Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
How We Can Pursue Justice for You
Our team may be able to negotiate a settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the liability portion of a homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy usually cover dog bite awards.
Seeking compensation from an insurance policy is not always possible. Some insurance companies exclude dog breeds that are considered aggressive, while other insurers make decisions based on individual dogs.
If the owner’s policy does not cover your damages or your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering exceed the dog owner’s liability coverage limits, one of our Los Angeles Chase Park dog bite lawyers can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the owner to seek compensation.
Los Angeles Chase Park Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm partners with attorneys across the United States to represent clients in personal injury cases. A Los Angeles attorney familiar with relevant state laws can provide legal guidance in your case.
Our firm works on a contingency model. We do not charge victims of dog bites any money upfront to represent them. We only get paid if we recover compensation on behalf of a client through an insurance settlement or a successful lawsuit.
You have a limited window of opportunity to seek justice for the injuries you suffered from a dog bite. According to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in California is two years. Contact a team member at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755 so we can get started.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form