San Jose Dog Bite Lawyer

Experiencing a dog bite can be a life-altering event, leaving victims with physical and emotional trauma. In San Jose, a dog owner is responsible for their pet. They must maintain their behavior to prevent the animal from attacking others. Failing to comply with such obligations could increase the risk of attacks. If one does occur, the dog’s owner may face serious consequences for neglecting their duties.

If you were injured as a result of a dog bite, you may be given the right to seek compensation for the damages you incurred. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we are a law firm that specializes in handling personal injury cases and have handled a variety of dog bite claims from the mild to the severe. We will advocate on your behalf to ensure you are well-taken care of and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

We run on a contingency- fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing until we settle your case. To schedule a FREE consultation with a San Jose dog bite injury lawyer, you can connect with our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.

What Is Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases?

Under California law, strict liability may be enforced in dog bite cases. This regulation indicates that dog owners will face legal repercussions if their pet injures someone. This applies regardless of whether they were aware of the animal’s aggressive behavior.

Exceptions to a dog bite include the following:

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

If a dog bites multiple times, potential court orders may be issued to euthanize the dog, especially if the attack caused significant injuries or if the dog is known to have a history of harming others.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Common dog bite injuries will vary depending on the force of the animal’s teeth when it is penetrating your skin. Once they grab and have a hold of you, they will apply pressure onto the area and may cause the following types of bodily harm:

• Broken bones
• Cuts and scrapes
• Nerve damage
• Scarring

Dog attacks can also lead to significant bleeding and risks of infection. It is important for victims to seek medical attention as soon as possible to make sure the affected area does not worsen.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you are bitten by a dog, you will need to act quickly to protect your health and safety. With minor bite injuries, you may expect small wounds and lacerations, along with minimal bleeding. You should wash the injury site with water and soap, and later apply an antiseptic solution to prevent it from getting infected.

For serious injuries, you may experience deep puncture wounds, heavy bleeding, possible nerve damage, and fractures may occur. Should that happen, it is highly urged to seek immediate medical treatment by contacting paramedics or taking yourself to the emergency room for further assistance. Although this type of encounter can be traumatizing, it is important to remain calm. Try to collect evidence by taking photos of your injuries and gathering information about the dog and its owner. You will also need to report the bite to local animal control.

Once you have received proper medical care, be sure to follow up with your treatments. You could be asked to get a tetanus shot or rabies vaccination depending on the situation. Should you wish to file a claim, you can present this incident to a San Jose dog bite lawyer for legal assistance. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we will help you understand what your legal rights are and the options you have available. In addition, we will determine if the dog owner is liable for your injuries. If so, we will help you develop a strong personal injury claim to better your likelihood of recovering maximum compensation.

Does a Dog Bite Have to Be Proven?

You will need to prove a dog bite has occurred should you wish to file a claim against a responsible party. This includes showing how you did not provoke the animal to attack you and were allowed to be on the property where the incident took place. Additional details you will need to present in your dog bite claim include the following:

• The dog owner legally owned the animal
• The dog was responsible for the attack
• You were not trespassing on a private place
• You suffered injuries and damages as a result of the dog bite
• You have photos of your injuries and where it happened

How Many Bites Before a Dog Is Put Down?

The decision to put down a dog depends on the amount of times it has attacked others. If the animal bites multiple parties, specifically on two separate occasions, it could be euthanized. Before moving forward with this decision, the state will need to hold a hearing to figure out whether the animal poses a threat to public safety.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite in San Jose?

Dog bite claims must be filed within two years from the date of when the incident occurred. Try to gather as much evidence as you can and get legal assistance from the right personal injury attorney. Failing to fulfill these legal duties can delay the filing process. If you exceed the deadline, you will no longer have the right to recover damages.

Compensation for a San Jose Dog Bite Case

Available compensation for a San Jose dog bite case will vary due to unique challenges. The court will consider the following factors when determining what you should be owed:

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

Generally speaking, the victim can recover economic damages and non-economic damages to be made financially whole again. However should you wish to get a more exact estimation, it is recommended to consult with a personal injury attorney. If you do not have enough time and would like to get an estimate of what you could be awarded in a dog bite case, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by entering the expenses you were left with after the attack.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial expenses you incurred as a result of the dog bite, like medical fees and lost income.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary compensation, including:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Our San Jose Dog Bite Lawyers Are Here to Help

Dog bite victims are entitled to file a personal injury claim to pursue compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog attack can bring. Our San Jose team is committed to provide you with the support you need to help you move forward. We will hold the responsible party accountable while also allowing you to focus on your recovery without added stress.

To schedule a FREE consultation with a dog bite lawyer, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our convenient online contact form.