No one prepares to suffer a dog bite injury. Unfortunately, it happens more frequently than most people realize. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) estimates approximately five million people suffer dog bite injuries in the United States annually. Dogs’ mouths contain lots of bacteria, making it extremely important to seek medical treatment right after a dog bite incident.
Bites and puncture wounds from dogs can require extensive medical treatment and rack up costly medical bills. In some cases, the dog bite victim can recover the losses they suffer from the dog bite from the dog’s owner. A dog bite lawsuit payout will depend on the specific facts of each case. Our team can review your case and help you determine the fair value of a dog bite settlement.
When Can Someone File a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
California law allows victims of dog attacks to recover damages from the dog’s owner for any injuries caused by the dog. In California, an owner is strictly liable for the injuries caused by their dog, even if their dog has never shown aggression before.
The dog bite victim needs to prove two things in a dog bite claim. First, the victim that they were on public property or invited to enter private property when the dog bite occurred.
Second, the victim must prove they did not provoke or antagonize a dog into biting them. If a dog retaliates to harassment or provocation, the dog owner is probably not liable for subsequent injuries.
What Kind of Injuries Do Dog Bites Cause?
Dog attack injuries can vary from minor scrapes and contusions to significant cuts and large puncture wounds. Some common injuries in dog bite cases include:
- Facial injuries,
- Vision loss,
- Abrasions,
- Fractures,
- Lacerations,
- Broken bones, and
- Emotional trauma.
In addition to the injuries, dog bites pose a heightened risk of infection. An infection can mean your injuries need around-the-clock treatment and increase the extent of your medical costs.
How Is Dog Bite Compensation Calculated?
In California, dog owners are financially liable for the losses suffered by the victim due to the dog bite. In many cases, the dog owner’s insurance company will pay these funds on behalf of the dog owner. Damages you may be able to recover include:
- Lost wages,
- Loss of earning capacity,
- Rehabilitation costs,
- Pain and suffering,
- Medical expenses,
- Loss of the use of a limb, and
- Disfigurement.
While no settlement amount will erase the consequences of the dog bite, recovering a fair settlement offer can help you pay the expenses you incurred due to your injuries. Keep a record of medical invoices and other receipts so our team can help calculate the full extent of your losses.
Contact a Lawyer at Weinberg Law Offices to Discuss Your Dog Bite Settlement
Navigating a dog bite claim is often an unknown and confusing process. A qualified personal injury attorney can help you through the process and advise you of your rights and options along the way. Our attorneys at Weinberg Law Offices are committed to communicating with our clients throughout the process of your case and making sure they know what to expect for their case.
We will fight tirelessly to secure a settlement that compensates you for your losses. If the opposing party does not give you a fair settlement offer, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial. Every case is different so we cannot anticipate a good settlement offer until we review the details of your claim. Once a member of our team reviews the information about your case we can help calculate a fair settlement offer.
Disclaimer: this content should not be construed as legal advice.
As a personal injury attorney, my mantra is that there is no such thing as a “small case”. I will give 100% matter how big or small a case may be. I am fluent in English, Hebrew, and Spanish, languages which I use regularly in my practice.
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