Dog bites can lead to numerous medical complications that are often costly to treat. Some of these health risks include nerve or muscle damage, broken bones, and infections such as rabies and tetanus. The infections are particularly dangerous as they can kill you if left untreated.
If a dog bit you in La Puente, the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you get compensation. Contact us today at (800) 816-0755 to learn how a La Puente dog bite lawyer can fight for justice on your behalf.
Liability in La Puente Dog Bites
California Civil Code (CIV) §3342 declares that dog owners are liable for dog bites that occur in public spaces or private properties—granted that the victim was lawfully on the premises. For instance, the owner will be responsible if the dog bit you in La Puente City Park. But if you were trespassing in the dog owner’s home, they will not be at fault if the dog bites you.
You also cannot use this statute as a basis for suing if you provoked the dog into becoming aggressive. Bite victims who were bitten by police canines may also not sue if the dog was on duty at the time.
Keep in mind that this strict liability rule only applies to dog bites. If the dog attacked you in other ways, such as scratching, you would have to prove the dog owner’s negligence.
Dog Bite Compensation Options
The dog owner may offer to pay you upfront to prevent possible problems they might face later, such as additional medical bills for unexpected complications. Though it can be tempting to accept the money and be done with it, the amount may end up being insufficient. It may be in your best interest to refuse the offer and explore your other options first.
If the dog owner carries homeowner insurance, you can file a third-party claim against their liability coverage if the policy covers dog bites. But some insurance companies do not pay for bites by breeds that are often considered dangerous, such as pit bulls, rottweilers, or wolf hybrids. You will have to check the dog’s breed first and if the dog owner’s insurer covers that particular kind.
If the dog owner is uninsured or their insurer will not pay for the bite, you can file a lawsuit instead. La Puente’s civil court will preside over the case and decide if and how much the dog owner should reimburse you.
You can consult first with a La Puente dog bite lawyer before filing any claim or case against the liable dog owner. They can help you gather evidence such as witness testimonies or CCTV footage. Because they study California and Los Angeles County laws related to dog bites, they can also check for possible dog law violations that can further prove the other party’s negligence. For example, the dog might not have any vaccinations or was running at large in public, which would be a violation of Los Angeles County pet laws.
A La Puente dog bite lawyer can also be your representative in court or with insurance companies to defend your evidence and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. To get started, contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bite Lawyer serving La Puente, call (800) 794-0444
Damages in a Dog Bite Case
You can typically recover two types of damages if your dog bite case is successful—economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover actual expenses such as medical treatments and any income you lost while hospitalized. Meanwhile, non-economic damages serve as compensation for any pain and suffering caused by your injuries, such as emotional trauma or disabilities.
Because California dog bite cases operate under a strict liability rule, the La Puente dog owner must pay you the full amount of damages. This is unlike other injury suits that follow the state’s comparative fault system, which reduces your compensation if you share some fault for an incident.
A La Puente dog bite lawyer can help gather all the documents detailing your dog bite expenses, such as medical bills and prescription drug receipts. These records will assist in accurately calculating your total damages so that you are reimbursed accordingly.
La Puente Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Statute of Limitations for La Puente Dog Bites
A La Puente dog bite case has the same filing deadlines as other injury cases in California. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, you must file within two years from when the dog bit you. Exceeding your time allowance means that the court will not accommodate your suit. However, if your case meets the state’s tolling exceptions, your due date may be postponed. For instance, if you are filing the dog bite case for your child, the statute of limitations may only start running once the child reaches 18 years of age. The statute clock may also pause if the dog owner left California and would only resume once they return to the state.
A La Puente dog bite lawyer can help ensure that you comply with the statute of limitations by checking if these tolling exceptions apply and working on your case to finish it faster.
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Our Team Is Ready to Assist You
If a dog bites you in La Puente, get in touch with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Our La Puente dog bite lawyers can offer legal advice and represent you in court. As a contingency fee-based law firm, we will not charge you anything if we do not win. To learn more about our services, contact us today at (800) 816-0755 for a free consultation.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form