Dog Bites Overview

Dogs are friendly and gentle, which is why a lot of people in Los Angeles own them as pets. Even though they are known for their gentleness and loyalty, there is no denying the fact that dogs still have the propensity to bite. There are a lot of situations that may result in dog bites. Regardless if it is provoked or not, if you get bitten by a dog, it would certainly leave a mark on you both physically and emotionally. Apart from the medical complications, the devastating injuries resulting from this kind of animal attack may take its toll on you, as well as on your family.

If you happened to get injured because of a dog bite, seeking medical attention should not be the only your priority. You must also seek the legal expertise from a reputable personal injury lawyer who focuses on handling dog bites and other animal attack claims in Los Angeles, California.

Major Causes of Animal Attacks

Animal attack claims often involve not only dogs, but also other pet animals such as cats, birds, and some exotic ones. Regardless of what animal is involved, there are plenty of reasons why they happen. Provocation, either intentional or otherwise, is one of them. Another is when an animal attacks or bites a person out of fear. Possessiveness, or having that territorial instinct, which is most common among dogs, is another reason why they bite or attack. Lastly, a dog or any pet animal in pain may become easily irritated, therefore causing injuries.

Most animal attack claims primarily involve dog bites. These incidents are usually blamed on the dog owners who were negligent in preventing their pets from hurting someone. In cases of dog bite accidents in California, the strict liability rule applies, which means that the owner is liable for someone’s injuries, regardless if the animal has never bitten anyone or is known for its propensity to bite. If you have been injured because of a dog bite, it is a must that your claim for damages against the negligent dog owner.

When Should I Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?

For you to establish a claim for damages, you must be able to seek an expert dog bite attorney who can help you prove that the owner of the dog that bit you is truly responsible for what happened to you. It is imperative that you hire a lawyer for dog bite claims at the soonest possible time, since the state’s statute of limitations or time limits only allows injured victims to file personal injury claims within two (2) years from the date of the accident. By doing so, you will have an enhanced chance of securing a favorable settlement from the liable dog owner, in which the total amount of compensation will be used to cover for your damages such as the following:

• Medical costs;
• Future medical care and rehabilitation;
• Lost wages;
• Future income;
• Pain and suffering damages like emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of comfort, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish; and
• Funeral and burial expenses, in case a loved one of yours died because of a dog attack.

Basically, your attorney will help you in establishing the fault of the liable party, by collecting pieces of evidence such as medical documents of your treatment, photos of your injuries, witnesses’ accounts, and other further findings from investigators. With these resources and by looking at the extent of your injuries, your legal counsel will determine the type of damages you may be entitled to (which is enumerated above), as well as the settlement amount.