Valencia Dog Bite Lawyer

Getting bit by a dog is always a painful experience, however, depending on the severity of the bite, dog bite victims are likely to experience physical injuries and emotional trauma. Whether it is short- or long-term care, recovering from a bite can be a costly expense especially if it is not treated immediately. As bills pile up, it can lead to financial burdens and experiencing these issues can be overwhelming, especially if you are also undergoing the process of suing the owner for negligence.

But, with the help of West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Valencia dog bite lawyers will step in to take on the difficult tasks while you focus on recovering from the accident. Our team has over 20 years of collective experience handling personal injury claims, and are confident that we will deliver quality services that will get you proper compensation for the losses you incurred.

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

Understanding California Dog Bite Laws

Dog bite accidents can lead to serious injuries, leaving victims with severe distress. To prevent cases from arising, the following California laws have been established:

• California Civil Code Section 3342: This regulation highlights the state’s strict liability rule for dog bite cases. The owner will be held liable for damages if their pet bites someone who is in a public space or lawfully on private property. Victims are not required to prove whether the dog owner was negligent or a prior history of aggression.
• California Civil Code Section 3342.5: A dog owner must take reasonable steps to remove possible dangers their pet poses to others after it has bitten someone. If two separate cases have occurred, anyone, including the district or city attorney, can file a legal action against the owner in the specific county in which the bite occurred. Courts may impose measures, like confinement or relocation of the dog, to eliminate the danger.
• California Penal Code Section 399: Anyone who owns a mischievous animal, knowing its aggressive tendencies, and willfully allows it to interact freely with others can face criminal charges if it harms someone. If an individual sustains a serious injury, a misdemeanor or felony will be charged depending on the circumstances involved. And, if a death occurs, the dog owner will be guilty of a felony.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Experiencing a dog bite can be a frightening ordeal. Although it is easier said than done, we encourage victims to take immediate action to protect your health and legal rights. Incorporating the steps sectioned below can make a big difference in your recovery and ability to pursue compensation for the losses you suffered.

Contact Local Authorities or Animal Control

After the attack, you should contact your local authorities or Animal Control office. They will arrive at the scene and do the following:

• Evaluate the situation
• Identify the dog and owner
• Verify vaccination status
• Document the incident

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Acquiring immediate medical treatment after a dog bite is important due to various reasons. First and foremost, it will prevent infections from developing. Your physician can also look for any notable concerns that may require extensive medical care. Treatment options will be provided based on the extent of your injury and any medical services you use will be saved on file.

It is recommended for injured victims to do this promptly, because failing to do so can put your health at risk. In addition, the opposing side will argue that your wound may have been caused by another factor or that it was not as serious as you initially claimed.

Get the Owner’s Information

Be sure to obtain the owner’s contact information along with the dog’s vaccination history. This will not only make the recovery process faster, because medical professionals will have a better idea on how to treat the bite injury. 

Consult with a Valencia Dog Bite Lawyer

If you are planning on suing the responsible party for your injury, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to secure compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Valencia dog bite lawyers will:

• Assess the details provided
• Gather evidence to build a strong case
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Represent you in court, if necessary

We will consider your needs and priorities when pursuing legal action to ensure you are granted a favorable outcome.

Proving Liability in Dog Bite Cases

In California, you are not required to prove liability for a dog bite. The only thing you will need to do is show how the dog belonged to the defendant while you were on a public space or lawfully on private property. Under strict liability law, you do not need to demonstrate how the owner was aware of the animal’s dangerous behavior.

But, there are a few exceptions that can relieve a dog owner of liability. For example, if the dog was provoked or teased to attack or if the dog was working under military or police forces, then any bites that were derived from those situations are justified under California law. 

Time Limit to File a Dog Bite Claim

For all personal injury claims, accident victims will be given two years from the date of the attack to file a dog bite claim. Although it may seem like enough time to seek compensation, you will need to act without delay to ensure you have enough evidence to support your case. If you fail to fulfill these duties, you will no longer be given the opportunity to recover damages.

Which is why hiring a Valencia dog bite lawyer can be of great assistance. Your legal representative will make sure all matters have been taken care of prior to the deadline, and will guide you through the lawsuit to better your chances at acquiring a reasonable settlement.

Seeking Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

Available compensation in a dog bite case will differ depending on the unique circumstances presented. The following factors will be considered when calculating what you could be entitled to:

• The severity of your injury
• Degree of fault
• Current and future medical bills
• Lost income and earning capacity

To get an estimate of what you may be awarded, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by inputting the expenses you sustained from the dog bite. Typically, personal injury victims are given compensatory damages, which are categorized into: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are calculable financial losses you incurred from the attack, like hospital fees and lost wages.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible costs that are difficult to measure in monetary terms, such as:

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

Benefits of Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer

There are various benefits involved if you choose to work with our Valencia personal injury lawyers. Our team of attorneys have extensive experience in the legal field, and are confident that we can take on any challenges that may be presented in your dog bite case. In addition, our team will also communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf to prevent low ball offers, ensuring you get fair compensation for the damages you suffered.

We will provide personalized legal services to meet your needs and expectations. This ensures that your unique circumstances are properly addressed, maximizing your likelihood of getting the best outcome possible.

Schedule a FREE Consultation with West Coast Trial Lawyers Today

If you or a family member are a victim of a dog bite attack, you may be entitled to secure damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Valencia personal injury lawyers are readily available to assist you all throughout the duration of your lawsuit. We will work diligently to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf to get you a fair settlement.

We provide legal services in multiple locations across Los Angeles County, including Valencia. To schedule a FREE consultation with our 24/7 legal team, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.