
While many dogs are friendly pets and trusted companions, these animals can also become aggressive and extremely dangerous on occasion. The state of California leads the U.S. in fatal dog attacks, according to CityWatch Los Angeles.
California law holds dog owners responsible if their animals bite other people. If you or your loved one suffered a dog bite in Santa Clarita, you could be legally entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
A Santa Clarita dog bite lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to help with your case. Contact us today at (800) 816-0755 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options after a dog bite.
Dangers of Dog Bites
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that dogs of any age can carry harmful germs and bacteria that may cause a variety of illnesses. When a dog bites a person, they can transfer these germs and cause serious illness as well as a physical injury or even death. Over 50% of households in the United States have one or more dogs, and while the majority of these are loving pets, dogs can become aggressive for many reasons.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that aggression is the most serious and most common problem among dog behaviors. Dogs may attack people for a variety of reasons, including:
- Protecting their territory
- Out of fear
- Defending themselves, their offspring, or their owner
- Because they are in pain or have been mistreated
Regardless of why a dog attacked you, if the dog has an owner, that owner is legally responsible for the bite in almost all situations.
Dog Owner Liability for Bites in California
California has one of the strictest laws regarding owner liability for dog bites. This law, California Civil Code (CIV) §3342, states: “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
Therefore, in most cases, the dog’s owner is legally responsible if their dog attacks and bites another person. A Santa Clarita dog bite lawyer can help you hold the owner accountable by investigating the attack, gathering evidence of the bite and the owner’s liability, and pursuing a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. You may also be able to recover compensation by filing an insurance claim.
There are a few instances in which the dog’s owner may not be liable, such as if you were trespassing on their property or if the bite was a result of an encounter with law enforcement during the commission of a crime. People who work with dogs professionally, such as dog walkers, groomers, veterinarians, and other similar occupations, may not be able to hold a dog’s owner liable for biting, depending on the situation. To learn more, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free consultation with a member of our team.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bites Lawyer serving Santa Clarita, call (800) 794-0444
Potential Damages You Could Recover
When someone else harms you through their actions or their negligence, you have the legal right to pursue financial compensation for your losses. In the case of a dog bite, you may be able to recover compensation from the dog’s owner. The types of damages you could recover for a dog bite in Santa Clarita include:
- Current and future medical treatment
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
After suffering from a dog attack, you should not have to suffer even further from the financial burden of medical bills and other damages. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit can help ease your financial burden and hold the owner accountable for their dog’s behavior.
Santa Clarita Dog Bites Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
The Statute of Limitations Can Affect Your Case
Statutes of limitations are state laws that give a deadline for pursuing legal action after a wrongful event takes place. According to California’s statute of limitations, California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, you have two years to file a claim after a dog bite.
If you miss this two-year deadline, you could lose your right to recover financial compensation, so it is best to contact a Santa Clarita dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
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Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Is Here to Help
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, our purpose is to help victims receive the compensation they deserve. To build your case, our team of Santa Clarita dog bite lawyers can:
- Gather photo and video evidence
- Interview witnesses and gather statements
- Review your medical records
- Locate the dog owner
- File an insurance claim and negotiate with claims adjusters on your behalf
- File a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf
- Negotiate a settlement or represent you in court
- Manage all necessary documentation in a timely manner
- Keep you updated about the progress of your case
We work on a contingency basis, which means we never charge you any fees unless we can win your case. Since we do not get paid unless you do, you can count on us to do everything possible to obtain a full and fair settlement for your losses after a dog bite. Take the time you need to rest, heal, and recover while we do all the work for you.
To learn more, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755 for a free case evaluation.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form