Dog attacks and bites often happen in Los Angeles County. According to the county’s Department of Public Health, each year, around 20,000 people suffer injuries from dog bites in the county, with children accounting for 64% of all dog bite victims requiring medical attention across the U.S.
Dog bites can cause serious and disfiguring injuries that potentially result in costly medical bills. If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog at Del Rey Lagoon in Playa Del Rey and suffered injuries as a result, you could speak to a Los Angeles Del Rey Lagoon dog bite lawyer to find out if you have legal recourse and could receive compensation for your injuries. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755 to determine whether you have a case.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can vary widely depending on the size and type of dog, and the severity of the attack. A dog bite can sometimes result in a scratch or abrasion that a quick trip to the doctor, a disinfectant, and perhaps a tetanus injection can quickly resolve. However, some injuries from dog attacks can be severe and even fatal. A minor injury can require a doctor’s trip to ensure that the wound remains free from infection. Here are some common injuries suffered in dog bite incidents.
Puncture wounds
Puncture wounds are typically deeper than a superficial scrape and can be challenging to clean. They can also injure blood vessels, tendons, nerves, and ligaments. These types of wounds are prone to infections and may require a tetanus shot.
Lacerations
Any tearing of skin from a dog bite can cause soft tissue lacerations. Laceration wounds are typically jagged and irregular. Since it can be difficult to clean a gash thoroughly, infection is a possibility.
Fractures
Fractures and crush injuries can occur in dog attacks by large and powerful dogs. Children can be particularly vulnerable to fractures in dog attacks, as they have smaller limbs and bones that a powerful dog can more easily crush and break.
Scarring and disfigurement
Scarring and disfigurement can result from any dog bite, whether puncture, laceration, or other wound types.
Infections
According to Healthline, 10-15% of dog bites result in infections. Infections from animal bites can become serious and even life-threatening if left untreated. For example, rabies is a contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that causes brain inflammation.
Seeking medical attention after any dog attack is important, no matter how small an injury seems, as infection can occur with any dog bite. If you or a member of your family suffered any injuries in a dog attack, you may now have medical expenses and other damages. You might want to contact a Los Angeles Del Rey Lagoon dog bite lawyer for help. Talk to a team member at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to discuss your case.
California Law Regarding Dog Bite Attacks
If you suffered from a dog attack in California, state law could help protect you. Dog bites and attacks generally fall under what some call “strict liability law.” CIV § 3342 holds dog owners in California responsible for your injuries even if the dog had no history of being vicious, or they did not know that their dog was aggressive or dangerous. This liability remains in place provided that the attack happened in a public place, or the victim was not trespassing on private property or committing a crime at the time.
While California law can offer some protection, you could still face challenges to receive compensation for your injuries, especially in cases where the owner alleges that you have some fault in the attack. You might have to prove negligence by the owner to recover any damages.
If you would like to discover your legal options and find out if you have a case, a Los Angeles Del Rey Lagoon dog bite lawyer can explain your options following an attack. Timely action can be important, as according to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you generally have only two years to initiate a lawsuit starting from the day of the injury.
For a free legal consultation with a Del Rey Lagoon Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
Compensation Available in Dog Bite Cases
You may have incurred medical expenses, property damage, or even psychological trauma if you suffered injuries from dog bites in Los Angeles’ Del Rey Lagoon. You could be entitled to compensation for your suffering and financial losses. In a personal injury lawsuit, you can potentially receive the following compensation:
- Medical costs (both present and future)
- Cosmetic treatment of scars
- Transportation for medical visits
- Lost wages and future income loss
- Disfigurement
- Expenses for psychological therapy
- Property damage
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
You could also receive other types of compensation. If a dog owner was particularly reckless in a dog attack—for example, if they knew their dog was aggressive and did not take steps to control their pet as required by CIV § 3342.5—you could also receive punitive damages.
Compensation will depend on your specific case and the extent of your injuries. If you have any questions regarding compensation, a Los Angeles Del Rey Lagoon dog bite lawyer can advise you on how to proceed.
Los Angeles Del Rey Lagoon Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Contact Us Today for Help
Holding a negligent dog owner to account can prove challenging. After the emotional trauma and physical pain of a dog attack, you should not deal with all the costs yourself. An attorney can stand by your side and help you get justice and compensation.
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help protect you and your family from any present and future losses due to a dog attack. Call us at (800) 816-0755 for your free consultation today and find out how we can help you. There are no out-of-pocket costs if you decide to work with us. We only get paid if we win your case.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
