Fullerton Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog’s are known to be a “man’s best friend,” providing companionship and protection. They play a significant role in many families. But, owning one comes with several responsibilities. While most of them are friendly and well-behaved, dog bites are still a public safety concern.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 4.5 million bite cases occur per year, with:

• 885,000 seeking medical care
• 370,000 visiting emergency departments
• An average of 16 fatalities 

If you were harmed as a result of a dog bite, you are entitled to sue the liable party to secure compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Fullerton personal injury attorneys will guide you every step of the way to make sure you get a favorable settlement.

With over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases and a strong track record of delivering client satisfaction, we are confident that we will meet or exceed your needs. Our top priority is to help you recover and return to your normal life as quickly as possible.

To schedule a FREE consultation, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our easy online contact form.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can range from minor to life-threatening injuries. This includes the following:

• Lacerations
• Puncture wounds
• Broken bones
• Nerve damage

The severity of bodily harm will depend on certain factors, like the size of the dog and the location of the bite.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

If you were bitten by a dog, it is important to take the steps sectioned below to ensure you receive proper medical care in addition to improving your likelihood of acquiring maximum compensation.

Seek Medical Attention

Be sure to get your wound assessed by a medical professional. They will run imaging tests to determine its severity and will diagnose your condition soon after. You will then be given a treatment plan to help with your recovery.

Document the Incident

If possible, try to take a picture of your injury. You should also note down the dog’s breed and size, along with the owner’s contact information and confirmation of the dog’s rabies vaccination status.

Report the Dog Bite

Since Fullerton is located in Orange County, you will need to contact the OC Animal Care to report a bite or scratch from a domestic or wild animal. You can also reach out to your local police department for assistance.

Consult with a Fullerton Dog Bite Lawyer

If you sustained any injuries or losses as a result of a dog bite, you can reach out to a Fullerton dog bite lawyer to discuss what legal options and rights are available for you. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team will evaluate the evidence presented and determine what would be the best approach to take to ensure you get satisfactory results.

Determining Liability in a Dog Bite Accident

Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for bites that take place in public or private spaces. This means that the owner will be held responsible regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression in the past or if the owner was aware of their behavior prior to the incident.

However, a dog owner’s accountability is significantly reduced or no longer exists if the following factors apply:

• The dog was provoked to attack
• The dog was acting in self-defense against a trespasser
• The dog was working under a military or police force

Each case has its own unique circumstances, which is why it is important to have a legal representative assess the situation to determine if a dog owner should be held liable for the incident. 

How to Prevent Dog Bites

Dog bites can be traumatic. Fortunately, most of them can be prevented with the right approach to training and responsible pet ownership. Whether you have a dog or interact with one on a regular basis, knowing how to implement the following prevention tips is important for everyone’s safety:

• Try to detect warning signs, like growling or baring teeth. If you notice any of these, do not go near the animal.
• Do not disturb the dog when it is eating or sleeping.
• Respect their space, especially if they appear scared or aggressive.

Dog owners should consider doing the following:

• Supervise interactions made between other individuals, specifically children.
• Have your dog restrained when out in public to control its behavior (OCCO 4-1-45).
• Implement a barrier and warning signs around your premises if you have an aggressive or vicious dog (OCCO 4-1-95). 

Schedule a FREE Consultation with West Coast Trial Lawyers

If you were injured as a result of a dog bite, you may be entitled to sue the liable party to recover damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Fullerton personal injury attorneys are readily available to assist. We can review your case and figure out what necessary steps should be taken to ensure you get a fair settlement.

Our law offices can be found in numerous locations across California, including Fullerton, Irvine, and Riverside. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or visiting our online contact form page to submit your request.

Fullerton Dog Bite FAQ

Is it Worth Hiring a Dog Bite Attorney?

A dog bite attorney can offer the support and guidance you need to ensure no error is made when establishing a personal injury claim. They will evaluate the information presented and determine what course of action to take to get you the best outcome possible all while you focus on your recovery without added stress.

How Much Does a Dog Bite Attorney Cost?

The cost of a dog bite lawyer will depend on how each personal injury law firm operates. Some may charge by the hour. But, others, like West Coast Trial Lawyers, run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that our services are FREE unless we settle your lawsuit.

What Is the Average Compensation for a Dog Bite in California?

Dog compensation varies by case. To determine what your settlement value will be, the following factors may apply:

• The extent of your injury
• Degree of fault
• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages and earning capacity

To learn what you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by inputting the expenses you incurred as a result of the dog bite.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?

Since a dog bite is classified as a personal injury, you will be granted two years from the date of when the attack occurred to file a claim. Although you are given a significant amount of time to initiate legal action, you should start right away. Be sure to gather as much evidence as you can and search for the right dog bite lawyer to represent you.

Failing to complete these tasks in a timely manner can cause delays. And if you happen to exceed the statute of limitations, you will lose your opportunity to secure compensation.