A sudden canine attack can happen to anyone, even without the slightest provocation. If you were a victim of one, it is only fair that the party responsible compensates you for your injuries.
Dog bites are costly to treat, especially those that cause extensive injuries. Apart from the resulting physical pain, it can also lead to emotional trauma that may affect your quality of life. A Los Angeles Coldwater Canyon Park dog bite lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you determine your next steps. When you are ready, call (800) 816-0755 to discuss the specifics of your case.
Potential Damages for Dog Bite-Related Injuries
If you sustain injuries from a dog bite, you may recover economic, and sometimes even non-economic, losses because of the attack. However, the amount varies for every case since multiple factors often come into play. The liable party has to pay for the following where applicable:
Medical Expenses
Following the canine attack, it is crucial to seek medical attention right away, even if the bite wound appears small or shallow. Treatments prevent the possibility of infection from rabies and tetanus, both of which are highly fatal if left unchecked. However, these can set you back. Treating severe bite-related injuries also tend to cost more, further adding to your financial burden. You can recover all of these from the dog owner.
Lost Income
Sometimes, bite-related injuries can be painful enough to prevent you from working. If you needed time off work to recuperate or get treated, it is also equivalent to lost income opportunities. Know that you can reimburse such losses from the liable party. If the incident impaired your capacity to work, you would also receive compensation for future earnings.
Pain & Suffering
Victims of canine attacks often suffer from trauma, which may have an impact on their lives. The aftermath can affect how they live following the harrowing experience. For that, you can get awarded for your pain and suffering. If the injuries also impacted your relationships, you are eligible for compensation.
Property Damage
When the dog bit you, were your belongings destroyed in the process? If yes, the dog owner also has to pay for the replacement or repair.
California Dog Owners Are Strictly Liable for Their Pet’s Bites
During animal attack incidents, establishing liability differs from state to state. In California, there is a strict liability law for dog owners but only limited to bite-related injuries. Pet owners are primarily responsible for the actions of their canine companions—it does not matter if the dog previously exhibited aggressive behavior or was provoked into attacking.
California Civil Code Section 3342 also applies when the incident happened in a public place or private property, given that the victim was given permission to enter the premises. Whether the dog bit you in the sidewalk or at your friend’s home, its owner is liable and must pay for the resulting damages. The same applies to people who have a legal duty to perform inside the private area, such as the mailman, plumber, or hired contractor.
An exception to strict liability is when a military or police dog bit or attacked a person while on duty or defending itself from harassment or provocation. In this case, you cannot seek compensation for injuries sustained. Should you have questions about who is liable, you can consult a Los Angeles Coldwater Canyon Park dog bite lawyer to determine how you would proceed with the matter.
Injuries Unrelated to Dog Bites Is a Different Matter
The strict liability law in California only applies to dog bites; any unrelated injuries do not fall under the statute. For instance, the dog suddenly chased you, causing you to trip and get injured. Perhaps, the dog jumped on you and, in the process, made you fall over, resulting in scratches, bruises, and a fracture.
Instead, you may collect damages under the negligence rule. The owner failed to exercise reasonable care in securing their dog, such as putting a leash on it or fencing the area. If the owner knows that their dog is potentially dangerous and failed to take the necessary steps to control them, they may also face criminal charges when the canine injures or attacks someone. It may be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on if the victim died or was injured.
When you are unsure if you can receive compensation, you have the right to seek out a Los Angeles Coldwater Canyon Park dog bite lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with a Coldwater Canyon Park Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
Work with a Lawyer To Explore Your Legal Options
As a victim of a dog bite attack, understand that you have the legal right to collect damages from liable parties. You can do it by filing a claim or pursuing litigation—either way, you can work with a Los Angeles Coldwater Canyon Park dog bite lawyer.
They can assist you in determining the right amount of compensation.
Call on Us for Legal Help and Support
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, know that you will work with a Los Angeles Coldwater Canyon Park dog bite lawyer to seek the compensation you deserve. Whatever legal option that you choose, their professional team will gladly help you navigate throughout the process.
Reach out to us by dialing (800) 816-0755 for a no-obligation initial consultation on your situation.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form