You wanted to enjoy the day at City Hall Park Center in Los Angeles when, seemingly out of nowhere, you find yourself trying to fend off a dog attack. Those who have had such an experience know very well how this can leave both physical and emotional scars. Throughout the United States, millions of dog bites occur every year, with California having one of the country’s highest injury rates. While many cases do not call for medical attention, some result in severe injuries or death.
If you or your loved one suffered dog bite-related injuries, you might qualify to pursue damages for your suffering and losses. A Los Angeles City Hall Park Center dog bite lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you review the facts of your case and discover available legal options. Call (800) 816-0755 to speak with a member of our team for free and learn more about how to get started.
A Quick Look at Dog Bite Statistics in the Country
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that more than 850 Americans end up needing emergency care services every day after suffering from dog bite injuries. Out of all dog breeds, pit bulls pose the greatest threat of inflicting severe and fatal wounds. About 66% of deadly dog attacks from 2005 to 2018 involved pit bulls. Nevertheless, dog bite incidents continue to be an issue in the country.
California Laws Related to Dog Bites
According to CIV § 3342, dog owners are responsible for injuries and damages that their dogs cause biting victims, regardless of whether the attack occurred in a lawfully private place or a public place. It also does not matter whether the dog had a history of aggressive tendencies or if the owner knew of any such history.
Additionally, dog owners are also responsible for their pet’s actions if they negligently handle their pet, such as failing to use a leash as their dog roams freely throughout City Hall Park Center. However, California’s strict liability statute makes an exception for instances when the victim was trespassing, provoking, or attacking the dog, or was committing a crime.
PEN § 398 requires owners to provide dog bite victims with their name, contact information, name and license tag information for the dog, and vaccination records within 48 hours of the attack. Finally, CCP § 335.1 sets a two-year time limit for filing personal injury and wrongful death cases.
You might want to seek the counsel of a Los Angeles City Hall Park Center dog bite lawyer to understand how these laws apply.
For a free legal consultation with a City Hall Park Center Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
Types of Injuries You Can Sustain from Dog Bites
Depending on the intensity of the attack, dog bites can lead to severe injuries and wrongful death. Some of the most frequent examples of injuries resulting from dog bites include:
- Disfigurement
- Puncture wounds
- Nerve injuries
- Facial scars
- Head or brain injuries
- Rabies and other infectious diseases
- Amputations
- Sprains and strains
When a dog has powerful jaws, a victim can also suffer from broken or crushed bones, especially when the animal refuses to let go. A dog bite that punctures an organ or other vulnerable parts of the body like the stomach, neck, and inner thigh area can cause life-threatening bleeding. Moreover, acute infections always remain a possibility if the wound does not receive proper treatment, making it vital to seek immediate medical attention after the incident.
Apart from the physical harm that dog bites inflict, psychological issues may develop from the traumatic incident. These can include:
- Nightmares
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Cynophobia (fear of dogs)
You might want to speak with a Los Angeles City Hall Park Center dog bite lawyer if you want to hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries.
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You May Be Qualified to File a Suit
If a dog attacked and bit you while you enjoyed a day out at City Hall Park Center in Los Angeles, when you did not provoke or harass the animal, you might have the right to sue the dog owner. Your case would benefit from gathering physical evidence of injuries that you can present to insurance adjustors and in court. Photos of the bruises, lacerations, and stitches, as well as the medical bills you incurred after the attack, can help. Copies of police reports and witness statements can also prove useful in establishing the facts of your case, such as where and how the attack took place.
Dog bite cases can be complicated and emotional, so it might help to have a personal injury lawyer by your side who can explain the legal process to you and give objective advice on the best course of action to take.
Liability for a Dog Bite Case in Los Angeles
When it comes to dog bite suits, California has a strict liability statute. If you were in a public place such as City Hall Park Center and did not provoke the dog in any way, you do not need to prove negligence to hold the owner financially responsible for your injuries.
However, it is essential to establish the dog’s ownership and that your injuries stemmed from the dog bite. It is also possible to hold other parties liable for a dog bite, such as a caretaker. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to discuss your claim with a team member and find out who else could be held liable.
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Possible Damages You Can Receive
Victims often incur significant expenses after suffering from severe dog bite injuries. You could recover the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Initial emergency room visit
- Hospitalization expenses
- Permanent injuries and disabilities
- Rehabilitation treatments
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
Keep in mind that future damages may arise depending on the severity of the attack. You may have suffered injuries that did not leave visible wounds, like nerve damage or brain injuries. Complications from your injury may not become immediately apparent, and a dog bite lawyer can help determine appropriate damages specific to your case.
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Let Us Work Together to Protect Your Rights
A Los Angeles City Hall Park Center dog bite lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm understands how devastating an unexpected attack can be when it happens where you least expect it. We believe that we can handle the legal process for dog bite victims as they focus on healing, both physically and mentally. Our firm works to determine ownership of the dog, protect the evidence, investigate your claim, and fight for fair compensation for your injuries. Give us a call at (800) 816-0755 to discuss your case with a team member and schedule a free consultation.
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