Dog bites send more than 300,000 Americans to the emergency department for treatment every year, according to Heliyon. Dog bite injuries can cause lethal infections and leave lasting scars. Treatment for severe bites can lead to major medical expenses.
If you or a loved one are a victim of a dog bite attack, you have rights under the law. A Glendale dog bite lawyer can help you pursue financial awards from the dog’s owner or their insurance provider. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can get you started on your dog bite case with a free consultation. Call our offices at (800) 816-0755.
Dog Bites Can Be Dangerous and Expensive
One of the most concerning issues with a dog bite is the risk of infection. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about half of all dog bite wounds contain potentially dangerous bacteria like staphylococcus.
Sometimes, prescription antibiotics can ward off or treat an infection. But, if the wound is very serious or an infection has already developed, you may need to be admitted to the hospital or given intravenous (IV) antibiotics. To prevent rabies and tetanus, you may need vaccinations, especially if the vaccination status of the dog that bit you is uncertain. Infections and rabies can cause death if you do not seek medical attention.
Dog bites can also cause broken bones and muscle and nerve damage. These conditions may require surgery to repair. Depending on your injuries, you may need rehabilitative services and follow-up procedures to fully heal.
All of these therapies can add up, but you can seek financial compensation. California Civil Code (CIV) §3342 states that dog owners are liable for the damages suffered by anyone whom their dog bites. This means that you have the legal right to seek a settlement for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
A Glendale Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
You may be wondering why you need an attorney If the law clearly states the dog’s owner is liable for your injuries. There are many ways working with a lawyer can benefit you and may lead to a better outcome for your case.
Many dog bite cases never go to court. Instead, they are settled with the dog owner’s insurance company. Insurers have lawyers working for them, reviewing your claims. They may try to argue that your injuries occurred because of your own actions. There are exceptions to the dog bite statute where strict liability does not apply. For example, the dog owner could try to argue that you were trespassing or that you provoked their dog to attack.
A lawyer will argue against these types of allegations and use whatever evidence they can collect to show that you are entitled to damages. They will fight for the maximum amount of compensation possible.
If you were injured because of a dog, but the dog did not bite you, your case may be less clear-cut. Dogs can also cause real harm and spread dangerous bacteria when they scratch. Maybe you were injured trying to run from a dog you believed was attacking. The law only applies strict liability to bite wounds. You may be able to seek damages, but you will need to prove negligence in these situations. A lawyer can help you with this.
Sometimes, a lawsuit is unavoidable. You may not be able to reach an insurance agreement, or the amount the insurer pays is not nearly enough to cover your bills. You may choose to pursue awards in civil court so that you can ask for additional damages for pain and suffering.
Whatever the reason, the legal process can often be drawn out and confusing. Your case may have a more successful outcome with the help of an attorney familiar with dog bite law.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bites Lawyer serving Glendale, call (800) 816-0755
About Dog Bite Laws
After a dog bite, you should contact the authorities and exchange information with the dog owner. The owner is legally obligated under California Penal Code (PEN) §398 to provide you with their contact information, dog license number, and information about their dog’s vaccinations within 48 hours of when the bite occurred. If they fail to do so, they can be fined up to $100.
Glendale requires residents to license their dogs and renew the license every three years. To obtain a license, you must show proof from your veterinarian that your dog has had its rabies vaccinations.
Glendale Municipal Code §6.08.045 gives the city the authority to declare a dog as vicious if the dog bites or tries to bite a person or animal without provocation. Once a dog is declared vicious, if it bites again, the owner will be found guilty of a misdemeanor.
Children and Dog Bites
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that dog bite injuries happen most frequently to children ages 5 to 9. Children are at risk of suffering bites to the face because they are shorter. These kinds of wounds may require reconstructive surgery, and the scars could have a lifelong impact.
According to Healthline, around 70% of fatal dog bite injuries happen to children under age 10. If you lost a child or other loved one because of a dog bite, a lawyer can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit. You can sek justice for your family member, and compensation for your suffering and loss.
We Are on Your Side
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is here to help victims. No one should ever have to foot the bill for injuries caused by an unprovoked, unlawful dog attack. Whether arguing with insurance agents or presenting your case before a judge, a Glendale dog bite lawyer will work hard to ensure you are adequately compensated.
Let our legal team do the work so that you can worry about healing from your injuries and returning to your normal way of life. We do not want the pursuit of justice to become another worry, so we do not charge our clients an out-of-pocket fee. We get paid from any settlement we win for you. If your case is not successfully resolved, we do not collect a dime. Call (800) 816-0755 to learn more.
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