Dog bites can be traumatic incidents that result in severe, sometimes life-altering injuries. While some dogs are thought to be more aggressive than others, in truth, any dog can be dangerous. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), “unknown” tops the list of the dog breeds that bite the most because the actual breed was not easily identifiable.
If man’s best friend has harmed you, you may be saddled with medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and the strain of lost wages resulting from your injuries. A Pomona dog bite lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured by another person’s dog in Pomona—whether in a dog park, another public place, or at a private residence—you may have the legal right to pursue financial awards for your losses, including medical expenses and emotional anguish. The Pomona dog bite lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you navigate the often-complex legal process, including filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Contact us today at (800) 816-0755 for a free consultation.
Types of Dog Bite Incidents
Dog attacks can range in nature and severity. In some cases, the victim is another animal rather than a human. There are three main categories of attacks.
- Aggressive attacks: This type of attack comes to mind when most people think of a dog bite. For example, a dog that breaks free from its leash or rope can tackle and aggressively bite a victim.
- Non-aggressive incidents: Some dog bite incidents are not acts of aggression at all, but can still cause harm. For instance, a dog that is not adequately trained may nip when it is excited. With certain breeds, these nips can be enough cause injury.
- Dog-on-dog: Dogs can also attack one another, which might injure people nearby. While owners cannot pursue compensation for their dog’s injuries in a personal injury case, they can seek compensation for pain and suffering associated with the incident, as well as any injuries they suffered.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
The actions you take after an attack can affect your likelihood of receiving compensation for your injuries or pain and suffering. The first step should be to get contact information and insurance information from the dog’s owner and gather contact information from eyewitnesses as well. Next, do the following:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Immediately after the attack, seek medical attention. Even if the bite does not seem serious, it can lead to complications (such as infection) if left untreated.
2. File a Police Report and Insurance Claim
It is also essential to file a dog bite report with your local police department and file an insurance claim.
3. Document Everything
Take photos of your injuries and the location where the attack happened. Also, keep a record of your medical bills and any lost wages you incur because of your injuries.
4. Consult with a Pomona Dog Bite Lawyer
A lawyer can help you gather evidence of the incident to prove liability and the extent and scope of your losses. They can also support you in negotiations with the insurance company to help ensure that you receive fair compensation. If necessary, a Pomona dog bite lawyer can represent you in a civil court of law as well. To learn more about your legal options, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free case review.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bites Lawyer serving Pomona, call (800) 794-0444
Establishing Liability
Establishing liability is fundamental to any personal injury claim. You must prove that another party acted recklessly or negligently, causing the incident to occur. In almost all dog bite cases, the responsible party is the dog’s owner.
In California, California Civil Code (CIV) §3342 outlines the state’s laws on dog bites. The state of California operates under the conditions of strict liability. This means that dog owners are liable for any damage their dog causes on public or private property, whether or not the owner knew the dog had aggressive or vicious tendencies. Damage includes harm to people or property.
However, there are exceptions. If a bite victim provokes the animal, such as by harming or taunting it, they may be liable for the harm they suffer. If the bite victim is unlawfully on private property (trespassing), they may not be eligible for compensation.
Also, strict liability does not apply to dogs who attack a suspect when assisting police or the military, where law enforcement or military personnel had reason to believe the suspect was involved in criminal activity. Similarly, government employees are typically not liable if their dog attacks a person to defend them while on the job.
Establishing liability in a dog bite case can be challenging. A Pomona dog bite lawyer can help you gather evidence, including police reports and eyewitness testimony, to prove the dog’s owner did not act appropriately to prevent an attack.
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Damages Associated with Dog Bites
Dog attacks can cause extensive economic and non-economic losses. A Pomona dog bite lawyer can help you determine what types of damages you may be eligible to seek. Examples of damages commonly associated with dog attacks include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income from hours you were unable to work because of your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity if you are unable to return to work in your previous position
- The cost of long-term care if you are permanently disabled
- Emotional pain and suffering
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Find Out What a Pomona Dog Bite Lawyer Can Do for You
Recovering from any traumatic experience takes time and resources, and dog attacks are no exception. Unfortunately, you do not have unlimited time to pursue justice for your suffering. Most insurance providers require policyholders to file a claim within a few weeks at most, and California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1 allows plaintiffs two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim.
A Pomona dog bite lawyer can provide a reliable support system to help you get through this time-consuming and challenging process. The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is prepared to help you pursue the compensation you deserve, so you can regain your footing and move forward. To get started, contact us today at (800) 816-0755 for a free case evaluation.
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