The loyalty and companionship offered by dogs bring joy to many people. However, it is also true that many people are injured when a dog attacks them. These attacks may be provoked, and sometimes these animals have a history of aggressive behavior. However, it is also true that an animal can attack without provocation and without a history of harming others. If this has happened to you or a loved one, contact us at Salamati Law for a free consultation.
California’s Dog Bite Law
California is more pro-victim than other states when it comes to dog bites. An experienced West Covina dog bite attorney knows that dog bites are covered by Article 2, Section 3342 of California’s Civil Code, which states the following:
The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.
In other words, dog owners are held strictly liable for any injuries, even if it has never bitten anyone before. As long as you were not trespassing or committing a crime, the owner is still responsible.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Dog Bites
While pedestrian accidents and car accidents often cause serious injuries, so do dog bites. An experienced dog bite lawyer in West Covina knows that some of the injuries commonly associated with dog bites include the following:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Infections
- Rabies
- Puncture wounds
- Soft tissue injuries
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Death
Dog Bite Victims Can Pursue These Types of Damages
The physical and emotional fallout from a dog bite can be life changing. Fortunately, the legal system enables you to file a personal injury claim to obtain financial compensation. Here are some of the types of damages typically sought in dog bite cases:
- Medical costs including emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctors’ appointments, surgeries or procedures, psychological therapy, physical therapy, scar revision treatment, assistive devices, and in-home care.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
What Should I Do After a Dog has Attacked Me?
The shock, pain, and trauma that come with being attacked by a dog can be overwhelming. If possible, here are some steps that you can take in the immediate aftermath to maximize the amount of financial compensation:
- Seek immediate medical attention. One of the classic defenses in personal injury cases is that the injuries you are experiencing were not caused by the attack. If you wait too long after the dog bite to seek medical attention, you are opening the door for the defendant to undermine your claim by utilizing this defense.
- Obtain identifying information for the dog that bit you and its owner.
- Report the bite to the police and animal services.
- Take pictures of your injuries and the scene of the attack.
- Save any evidence that you have, such as bloody or torn clothing.
- Consult with an experienced dog bite attorney in West Covina as soon as possible. In this meeting with a West Covina personal injury lawyer, you will be informed about the approximate value of your claim and your legal rights.
Call a West Covina Dog Bite Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
At Salamati Law, our attorneys have been fighting for maximum financial compensation for our injured clients since 1995. For example, one client, a child, was disfigured after being attacked by a dog– we secured a $300,000 settlement on their behalf.
If you have been injured by a dog, contact Salamati Law today to schedule your free consultation with a dog bite lawyer in West Covina, CA. We will handle your case on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not pay any legal fees unless you win.
