Dog Bite

The Basics of California Dog Bite Law

They say that a dog is man’s best friend. Canines can certainly provide companionship and loyalty; In fact, for some people, they even provide much-needed services. However, no one should ever forget that dogs are still animals with instincts and the ability to cause serious injuries.

If you or someone you love was recently bitten by a dog, getting in touch with an experienced California dog bite attorney should be your next step. You could receive compensation for your injuries, but you shouldn’t wait to act. In this article, leasing California Personal Injury Lawyers with Power Trial Lawyers, P.C. discuss California’s Dog Bite Laws.

California Dog Bite Laws

Sadly, California sees more dog bites than any other state in the United States. As such, California lawmakers take this matter very seriously and imposes strict liability on dog owners. This means that owners can be held liable for injuries that occur when their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has bitten someone in the past. In contrast, some states that have a “one bite” rule. In those states, a dog owner can’t be held strictly liable if their dog bites someone if the animal hadn’t previously bitten someone or exhibited aggressive behaviors.

If a dog bites you, you need only prove that the bite happened while you were in a public location or legally allowed to be in a private location. Your California dog bite attorney can help you prove this as well as your damages in a dog bite claim. However, dog bite victims who were trespassing when the bite occurred won’t likely have any legal recourse.

Dog Bites and Potential Complications

While some dog bites are minor and may not even break the skin, others can be horrific, life-altering, and disfiguring. Another problem with dog bites is that they often come with serious complications. Even though a dog bite might seem minor, any complications could turn it into a significant medical problem. Infections are common complications with dog bites due to many bacteria living in a dog’s mouth. Even if the wound is properly cleaned as soon as possible and the victim begins antibiotics, infections can still occur that may require hospitalization and surgery.

Some other potential dog bite complications include scarring or other disfigurements. Sometimes, scarring and disfigurement still occur, no matter how well the wound is stitched up or how skilled a plastic surgeon is. This is something that the victim will live with for the rest of their life and can be especially difficult if the bite occurs in an obvious place such as the face or arms. Dog bite victims deserve compensation not only for their initial damages but also for any complications that result.

Why You Need a California Dog Bite Lawyer

A California dog bite lawyer can seek compensation for your injuries on your behalf. They can determine who owns the dog who bit you, what insurance coverage or other assets might be available to compensate you and negotiate a full and fair settlement. They can also file a lawsuit seeking monetary compensation for your damages if necessary. An attorney can handle your claim from beginning to end, allowing you the time and space you need to recover as completely as possible from your injuries.

At Power Trial Lawyers P.C., we know the profound implications a dog bite can have on your life for months and even years to come. We offer free, confidential consultations to get your case started. Contact our office today at (213) 863-5300 to schedule yours or reach out for help online. Contact us to today to consult with one our Southern California Personal Injury Lawyers for a free evaluation of your case.