Dogs have a reputation for being loving companion animals for many people. However, dogs are still animals, and if their owner does not have full control over them, they are not always safe to be around. Around five million people are bitten by dogs every year, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
If a dog bit you in Los Angeles and caused you serious injuries and financial loss, you could be entitled to compensation. The Los Angeles dog bite lawyers at the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to help you secure an award for your losses. Contact us by calling (800) 816-0755.
Review California’s Legal Codes Regarding Dog Bites
The state of California uses strict liability laws when it comes to handling dog bite cases. California Civil Code Section 3342 states that the owner of a dog may be found liable for the dog bite, even if the bite occurred on the owner’s property. Dog owners in Los Angeles may be liable for a dog bite even if their dog:
- Never bit anyone before.
- Was not considered aggressive before the attack.
- Is not a member of a “dangerous” dog breed.
Other state’s statutes have protections for the owner if it is the first time their dog injured someone, called the “one bite rule.” Instead, any dog owner may be liable after a bite.
Allow a Dog Bite Lawyer to Investigate Your Case in Los Angeles
Many cases involving a dog bite require an investigation to determine what happened. You may receive compensation for your injuries if your Los Angeles dog bite lawyer can establish liability. Handling your case may require your lawyer to show that:
- The individual in question owned the dog that bit you.
- You were on public property at the time the attack occurred.
- You were legally on private property at the time the attack occurred.
- The dog bite caused your injuries.
Establishing ownership for a dog in Los Angeles may be difficult if no one is around at the time of the attack. Sometimes, a dog runs off after causing an attack. In this situation, your lawyer may need to question people who live in the area or witnesses to the event. These individuals may be able to identify the owner of the dog that bit you. Note that you may be unable to pursue a legal case if an owner for the dog cannot be found.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bites Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
What to do After a Los Angeles Dog Bite
If a dog bites you in Los Angeles, there are a number of steps you can take right away. Before you leave the area where the attack occurred, you may wish to:
- Report the attack to animal control and the sheriff’s department.
- Take pictures of your injuries
- Document the area where the attack happened.
- Get contact information from the dog’s owner.
- Speak with any witnesses who saw the attack.
It is also crucial that you seek medical treatment after a dog bite in Los Angeles. Dog bites may cause a large amount of physical trauma, sometimes damaging muscle tissue, nerves, tendons, and even bones. If left untreated, a dog bite can become infected.
Finally, it might benefit you to consult a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer after an animal attack. Your lawyer can begin investigating your case to help you build a claim. Allow the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to handle your legal needs while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Los Angeles Dog Bites Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Possible Compensation for Dog Attack in Los Angeles
You might be able to secure an award for your medical expenses and other losses if a dog bit you in Los Angeles. Medical expenses may be very high after a dog attack. Depending upon your situation, you may be left facing the costs for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization
- Surgical procedures
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
However, you may face more than medical expenses after a dog bite. You may lose wages at work during your recovery. Additionally, you may face emotional distress, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, or unbearable pain and suffering. A Los Angeles dog bite lawyer may be able to help you secure compensation for these losses, as well as others.
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Build Your Dog Bite Claim in Los Angeles
Make sure that you seek medical care quickly after a dog bite, as this may serve as a link between the attack and your injuries.
Depending upon the facts of your situation, your Los Angeles dog bite lawyer may be able to represent you in negotiations with the dog’s owner. After a period of negotiations, your lawyer may bring you a settlement that covers your losses. This award may allow you to move forward with your life after a dog attack.
However, sometimes the dog’s owner may refuse to settle the case with you. Some dog owners may claim that you irritated or harassed their dog, provoking the bite. Your lawyer may be able to help you prove that these claims are false. Start getting assistance by reaching out to a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles now.
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Hiring a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm might be able to help you if you were bitten by a dog in Los Angeles. Contact us if you experienced a dog attack that left you dealing with injuries and financial losses. You can reach a member of our Los Angeles dog bite legal team by calling (800) 816-0755 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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