If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, you should consult with a California dog bite lawyer to determine if you are entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills and damages. Dog bites go much further than broken bones or scarring. The emotional trauma of a dog bite can last a lifetime.
The personal injury lawyers at Gerard Law handle dog bite and attack cases. We have the knowledge and experience it takes to represent our clients and help them obtain fair and full compensation for all their losses.
Please contact us at949.328.4818 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights. We are here to help. We’ll provide you with a no obligation, free consultation about your dog bite case.
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When a dog attacks an individual – regardless of the victim’s age, physical build or mental attributes – the incident leaves a mark. This goes beyond the physical puncture wounds and bite marks suffered by the victim. There is a heavy emotional and psychological toll in dog bite cases, which is indisputable. Whether the victim is a 6-foot-tall man or a 2-foot toddler, they both go through a period of intense fear and insecurity. A dog attack is traumatic, period. Dog aggression can leave long-lasting anxiety.
Injuries associated with a serious dog bite are typically:
- Deep contusions
- Fractures
- Amputations
- Serious head and face injuries
- Long-term emotional scars
Dog Bite attorneys at Gerard Law will discuss the steps to take after you’ve been bitten by a dog including taking pictures of your injuries right away.
Strict Liability Statute in California for Dog Bites
California has what is known as a “strict liability statute” when it comes to dog attacks. What this means is that dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets, no ifs or buts. The only exceptions may be when the dog attack was provoked by cruelty toward the animal or when a dog bites someone who was committing a crime or trespassing on the owner’s property. However, there are very few exceptions in this regard. In a majority of cases, dog owners can be held financially liable in addition to receiving citations or facing other penalties associated with the attack.
California’s Civil Code Section 3342 states: “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.” There have also been several recent cases in California where courts have upheld personal injury claims against landlords who have allowed a tenant to have a dangerous dog on premises.
Injuries and Treatment in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite incidents can result in serious injuries including, but not limited to, bites, puncture wounds, broken bones and even nerve injuries. Dog attacks also result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, which also causes serious emotional and psychological issues for victims. Often, victims or their families spend thousands of dollars on therapy so that their lives can return to normal. Many victims develop a long-term fear of dogs. Others also require plastic surgery to treat bite marks and scars. Some undergo several surgeries to repair these scars. Some are unsuccessful and are left with permanent scars.
Victims and their families also struggle with paying for these treatments. Most insurance companies do not cover plastic surgery procedures because they are cosmetic in nature and not something that is needed to save the life of a patient. Patients end up paying out of pocket for these procedures and much-needed psychological therapy sessions to combat issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Holding Dog Owners Accountable
It is unfair that victims pay such a high physical and financial price for a dog attack when the incident was not even their fault. Dog owners should be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages, and losses suffered by these unsuspecting victims. Injured victims can seek compensation in dog bite cases for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, cost of surgeries, permanent injuries, pain, and suffering and emotional distress.
Dog Attacks and Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners’ insurance policies usually cover dog attacks. Most of these policies provide between $100,000 and $300,000 in liability coverage. However, if the dog owner is a renter or lacks insurance, the victim can try to hold the property owner liable for allowing a dangerous dog to live on the premises.