It only takes a split second for a dog to attack. It can happen so quickly that you have no time to defend yourself or your family member. Even a dog you know and trust can bite and leave significant damage.
You might end up with hospital bills, doctor bills, lost wages, and more. If the attack was not your fault, you could ask for compensation. You have a right to safety while out in public or lawfully at a private residence.
Getting compensation for the injuries you have suffered begins with a phone call. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can put a Lancaster dog bite lawyer on your team, advising you about your case and fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today at (800) 816-0755 for a free consultation about your case. You will not pay any attorney’s fees unless we win.
Dog Owners Have Liability
A dog might attack for many reasons. Something could frighten the dog and cause it to attack anyone nearby—even someone who gave it no reason to be afraid. Playing with a dog could turn into aggressive behavior quickly. Of course, the dog could simply become aggressive and attack for no particular reason.
If the dog owner tries to tell you that you caused their dog to bite you, do not back down. You can speak to a Lancaster dog bite lawyer before you make any decisions. You do not have to take anyone’s word before getting legal advice.
In California, it does not matter whether a dog has attacked before or not—their owner remains liable for the dog’s actions. California Civil Code (CIV) §3342 spells out the owner’s legal responsibility for any dog bite injuries. Whether it happened at a family party or while carrying out your job duties, the owner has responsibility if their dog bites you. A few exceptions to this rule could apply, so you might want to speak with an attorney to discuss the details of your case.
The rules regarding the ownership of a vicious or potentially dangerous dog are even stricter. For example, Food and Agricultural Code (FAC) §31642 requires that the owner of a potentially dangerous dog keep their animal safely separated from children.
Dog Bites Happen Frequently
Sadly, dog bites are no unusual occurrence. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), California tops the list of states whose residents make the most insurance claims for dog bites and other dog-related injuries. The III also states that in 2019, dog bites and related injuries cost $797 million in insurance claims nationwide.
The victims of dog bites are often children. When a dog attacks a child, it usually bites at the head and neck. These injuries can leave lifelong scars and other damage, both physical and mental. Sometimes, they even cause death.
According to an article published in the journal Heliyon, dog bites rank among the top 15 injuries seen in emergency rooms across the country. A dog bite can cause other injuries as well. MedicalNewsToday describes how dog bites can cause infections such as tetanus or rabies when bacteria enter the bloodstream. You can include these injury costs in your lawsuit as well.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm knows you have a lot on your plate trying to recover from your injuries. We want to ease your burden. Call us today to get started.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bite Lawyer Lawyer serving Lancaster, call (800) 223-5115
You Could Receive Compensation
Thousands of people suffer dog bites every year, and many require emergency room care. A dog can attack unprovoked. You could suffer injuries that prevent you from working or that require hospitalization. All these costs can disrupt your life and cause undue stress. You deserve compensation for your suffering. You can ask for awards in your lawsuit to recover what you have already lost and the costs you expect to incur.
CIV §1431.2 describes both economic and non-economic damages. There are rules about how much compensation you can request for different kinds of damages. A Lancaster dog bite lawyer can help you calculate how much to request in your claim. Economic damages include:
- Medical bills, which can result from visits to the emergency room, your primary care physician, a specialist, or physical rehabilitation therapy.
- Hospital bills if you needed to stay overnight or longer.
- Lost income to cover both the money you have already lost from missing work and the money you might lose in the future because you can no longer perform your job duties.
- Other expenses, such as pharmacy costs, medical equipment, and burial and funeral costs if you file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Noneconomic damages may not have cost you money, but they certainly cost you peace of mind. These damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship of your deceased loved one in a wrongful death lawsuit.
The dog owner is responsible for your injuries, and they should pay for the damage caused by their dog. A Lancaster dog bite lawyer can handle the legwork involved in filing a lawsuit, compiling evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. They can also file your case within the two-year statute of limitations set by California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1.
Lancaster Dog Bite Lawyer Lawyer Near Me (800) 223-5115
We Are Here for You
The legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can fight for you and protect your rights. A strong case requires knowledge of the law. With one of our lawyers on your side, you will have a partner. You and your family have been through a frightening and costly ordeal. We can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Whether you file a claim for your injuries or on behalf of a child or loved one, you could pursue compensation for your undue harm. You can discuss your case with a Lancaster dog bite lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Our team can tell you how much compensation you can request and what we can do to build a case. Call us today at (800) 816-0755 for a free case evaluation.
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