Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, along with a Downey dog bite lawyer, can help you fight for compensation should you suffer from a dog bite-related injury. A dog bite can have significant consequences on your health and finances. Your life and work can suffer after severe injuries, or your loved one may have even died after a severe dog bite.
Finances can become a pressing issue because of medical bills and blows to your household income. This incident can impact mental and physical health and your life, and our team is prepared to represent you in a fight for economic justice. For a free case consultation, call (800) 816-0755.
Determining Who to Take Action Against
California Civil Code (CIV) §3324 outlines the parties you might hold liable for your losses in a dog bite accident. These parties include the dog’s owner and caretaker, as well as the owner of the property on which the accident took place.
Do note that you may need to prove that the dog owner violated their duty of care to you, depending on the circumstances of your case. Typically, the concept of strict liability takes effect in a California dog bite case. With this, the owner is usually liable for your losses and you do not need to prove negligence. There are instances when this may not apply, and a lawyer can help navigate these scenarios.
If a dog has a history of biting people, owners have additional responsibilities per CIV §3342.5. This history can be used in your fight for money. A member of our team can help you figure out who should be held liable for your injuries, so you do not have to.
Time Limits for Pursuing a Dog Bite Lawsuit
In California, you must make sure to file a lawsuit within two years of the incident, in accordance with the California Code of Civil Procedures (CCP) §335.1. This deadline only applies to lawsuits, not insurance claims or settlements. If you are trying to settle with an insurer, report your claim as soon as possible to get the process started.
Regardless of the path you need to take for compensation, it is in your best interest to act quickly. Gathering evidence or negotiating with the other party can take time, so the sooner you reach out to our team, the sooner we can get started on your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bites Lawyer serving Downey, call (800) 794-0444
Compensation You Can Request After a Dog Bite
You have the right, after a dog bite accident involving the violation of another party’s duty of care, to request economic and non-economic damages for your losses. Economic damages can be readily calculated, as they have an assigned monetary cost affiliated with them. After a dog bite, these can include any medical expenses you take on seeking treatment as well as lost wage or lost opportunity for employment.
Non-economic damages, comparatively, can include the trauma you take on after a dog bite accident. Trauma and anguish, although they are intangible and do not have a direct monetary value, can still be part of your compensation request. Loss of enjoyment of life is another type of non-economic damage you or a lawyer can ask for. You can work with a Downey dog bite lawyer to assign a monetary value to these sorts of losses to help you make up for your losses.
Downey Dog Bites Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
How You Can Fight for Compensation After a Dog Bite Accident
A Downey dog bite lawyer can help you determine what means may suit you best in a fight for compensation. If you do not receive a settlement offer from the party you believe to be liable for your losses, you can either draft a demand letter or submit a complaint to your local court justice.
Demands and complaints tend to contain similar information. Both documents require you to identify the party you believe to be liable for your losses while also presenting an estimate of what compensation to which you may be entitled. Demand letters, however, go straight to the potentially liable party, whereas complaints must be submitted to a court within California’s statute of limitations or be dismissed.
It is entirely possible that you can get a payout without going to court. Our lawyers can help with negotiation and can argue for a fair settlement amount. We can advise you on offers the insurance company makes, and let you know if it is a reasonable amount.
If negotiation does not work out, we are willing and ready to take your case to court. We can represent you and create a strategy to outline your damages and prove the other party’s negligence when necessary. We can also push back against claims that you contributed to your own injuries if the other party tries to make this argument. Our lawyers are willing to fight on your behalf.
Click to contact our Dog Bites Lawyers today
Take Action with a Downey Dog Bite Lawyer
Going after compensation by yourself can be daunting. You may forget to list certain expenses, or you may accept an offer that does not fairly compensate you. Our team can help you handle these tasks and fight for your rights.
You will not be billed for any legal services you receive through Pintas & Mullins Law Firm unless you receive compensation for your losses. With that in mind, you can reach out and begin your fight for compensation after a dog bite accident by calling (800) 816-0755. Our staff is eager to help you, no matter how tough the case may seem. Our team is ready to help you out.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
