Los Angeles County boasts some of the loveliest parks in the United States where people of all ages—and their four-legged friends—can enjoy the natural beauty that the state has to offer. However, parks are also home to a few unforeseen dangers, such as sudden dog attacks. Even the most trusted dogs can bite without warning, which can lead to severe injuries and trauma.
Regardless of whether your wounds are severe, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention and prevent an infection from developing. If the dog owner is accountable for your injury, you could obtain compensation that can defray your medical bills and other expenses.
In the wake of a dog attack while visiting Culver/Slauson Park in Culver City, you might not want to delay in pursuing compensation for your injuries. The Los Angeles Culver/Slauson Park dog bite lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help. Call (800) 816-0755 today to speak with a team member and learn more about your rights under California dog-biting laws.
Dog Bites at a Glance
The following are some fast facts about dog bite incidents in the United States.
- Over 900 dog bite injuries that happen in the U.S. every day need emergency care services.
- The Insurance Information Institute reported that in 2019, homeowners’ insurers spent about $797 million to pay out liability claims associated with dog-related injuries, including dog bites.
- Due to rising jury awards, settlement amounts, and medical costs, the average cost per claim in the nation saw a 134% increase from 2003 to 2019.
- Almost 27,000 people required reconstructive plastic surgery in 2018 after a dog bite.
Injuries You Could Suffer From Dog Bites
Not every dog bite incident ends with a trip to the emergency room, but those that do may result in severe or permanent injuries. The following are among the most common injuries that dog bite victims experience.
Infection
There is a high risk of infection when a dog’s teeth puncture your skin because bacteria in the dog’s mouth like staphylococcus, streptococcus, and Pasteurella could make their way inside your body and infect the tissue. What is more dangerous, however, is when an unimmunized dog transmits rabies through the bite. This fatal viral disease affects the brain if a person does not receive immediate medical care. Doctors often administer rabies vaccination shots without waiting for a diagnosis.
Puncture Wounds
Dog bites frequently leave behind deep wounds, especially when the attack was vicious. Even after extensive medical treatment, the wound site may become scarred, requiring cosmetic surgery to repair. If the dog bite is deep enough, nerve damage can occur and result in temporary or permanent loss of function, such as paralysis.
Emotional Pain and Suffering
A dog attack is a harrowing experience for most people. Traumatic events like dog bites can trigger extreme anxiety, nightmares, sleep disturbances, post-traumatic stress disorder, excessive fear of dogs, and mood swings. The emotional consequences related to a dog attack can persist for many years, at times making it necessary to turn to therapy.
You may also experience sprains, broken bones, or crush injuries if a dog knocked you over. If you need answers to questions regarding a dog bite claim and possible compensation, you might want to get in touch with a Los Angeles Culver/Slauson Park dog bite lawyer. The sooner you act, the sooner you can decide on your next steps.
For a free legal consultation with a Culver/Slauson Park Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
California Laws Protect Victims
Even if a dog owner attempts to blame you or your loved one for causing their pet to attack while at Culver/Slauson Park, a court will likely find the owner still liable for your injuries. CIV § 3342 establishes that liability rests with a dog owner in almost all dog bite cases—as long as you were in a public place or had the right to be on private property, and you did not provoke the dog.
Unlike the one-bite rule in other states, California’s strict liability rule makes dog owners responsible for compensating victims even if there was no history of aggression, or they were unaware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies. You also do not need to prove negligence, and you can file a claim despite having only minor wounds.
You will not want to wait too long to file a claim against the responsible party to abide by California’s statute of limitations. After a dog bite, according to CCP § 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the attack to file your personal injury lawsuit. Unless you qualify for an exemption, the court will dismiss your case beyond the given time limit.
If you want guidance in bringing a lawsuit in the aftermath of a dog attack at Culver/Slauson Park, you might want to consult with a dog bite lawyer. They can help make sure that you file your claim before the deadline passes.
Los Angeles Culver/Slauson Park Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
How to Prepare for Filing a Dog Bite Claim
Following a consultation with your doctor, you might want to speak with an attorney who will cover the legal aspects of your case. Make sure to detail what happened on the day of the dog attack. Doing so helps your lawyer determine whether you qualify to file a claim and what legal options are available.
It would help your claim to share pictures of your injuries, receipts for medical expenses, a copy of the police report, the contact details of the dog owner, as well as eyewitness accounts or other substantive evidence. If you do not think you have much evidence to support a case, a personal injury lawyer can investigate the incident and gather relevant documents.
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We Can Help You with Your Dog Bite Case
The Los Angeles Culver/Slauson Park dog bite lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will help you investigate your claim to determine the liable parties. They will also calculate the extent of your losses, negotiate for you during settlement talks, and advocate for the compensation you might be entitled to receive. With their understanding of the law, they can explain how dog bite laws impact your case and recommend the best legal avenue.
Contact us today at (800) 816-0755 for a free evaluation of your case with a team member. We are here for you around the clock, and you pay nothing if you do not win.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form