Do You Need a Dog Bite Injury Attorney in Los Angeles?
Let us tell you that dog bite injuries happen often, and can get pretty serious and complicated when it comes to legal matters. So is a dog bite injury attorney necessary?
Here’s what to know.
Introduction
Dogs are our furry, fluffy friends that we love to take everywhere with us. It has been so common to take dogs out to eat that you find treats for them on the menu at certain restaurants – and they even have their own parks.
Whether you are a dog owner or not, a man’s best friend really is a man’s best friend. Until that one day when something goes horribly wrong.
If you have been bitten by a dog in Los Angeles, you need a dog bite injury attorney. Here’s why.
Why Dogs Bite
Dog’s bite for various reasons – and it can be any size dog and any breed. Tiny 3lb dogs bite just as often as larger 100lb dogs. As much as everyone takes these animals out in public, we often forget that they are still, well, animals. They have their own instincts that we may or may not understand.
So, why does a dog bite? It could be the result of a specific situation – or a combination of factors within that situation. For instance, dogs often bite because:
- It is protective of its owner or its territory.
- It is startled, either by a loud noise or fast movement.
- It has been provoked by someone or something in the surroundings.
- It has been abused or has been hurt, whether intentionally or not.
- It has been neglected.
Potential Dog Bite Injuries
The injuries sustained from a dog bite will vary based on things like the size of the dog and whether it was just a snap reaction or the dog truly felt threatened and needed to attack. Some common injuries from dog bites include:
Puncture wounds and skin lacerations. The sharp teeth of dogs can easily break the skin. Depending on the damage it can cause infections and scarring. It may even require surgery.
Sprains and bruises. If a dog grabs the victim, especially if the dog is greater in size and strength than the victim, the injuries may result in sprains and bruises.
Fractured bones or loss of limbs. If the dog bite becomes more of an attack or the victim is viewed as prey, then things may become more vicious — and fractured bones or loss of limbs may easily occur.
Death. Finally, while it may not happen as often as other injuries, there are times when a dog bite can be fatal. Strong jaws capable of crushing through humans make them easily able to kill. Especially when they bite vulnerable areas such as the neck, inner thigh, and wrists.
What to Do if You Have Been Injured From a Dog Bite
If you or someone you love is the victim of a dog bite, there are certain things you need to do to be sure that you are protecting yourself – and your future. For instance, get yourself in a safe space away from the attacking dog and take pictures of your injuries. Or have someone else take the pictures so that they are clear and fully visible. Also, take pictures of the dog and the area where the bite took place.
Gather information from the dog owner, such as name and contact information. And you should try to gather information from any witnesses, as well.
Have your injuries addressed by a medical professional and seek the proper treatment for healing. If your injuries are severe, this should be your first step.
Finally, make animal control aware of the situation to prevent any future attacks.
Establishing Liability in a Dog Bite Case in California
Dog bites occur regularly, but who is to blame when it happens? Because they are not human, dogs cannot be held liable in the courtroom. As a result, the owner of the dog is usually the one held responsible for any wrongdoing. It doesn’t matter if the dog has a history of aggression or not, it will still be held liable.
This is all according to section 3342 of the California Civil Code, which 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.”
Attorneys who are experienced in dog bites know that liability stands with the owner if the victim is in a public place, lawfully in a private place, or legally on the owner’s property.
What Compensation May Look Like
Dog bites can really add up in expenses for the victim. For instance, medical bills, physical pain and suffering, lost wages, and even mental anguish are all things that can add up financially. And, with the right attorney, the owner can be held liable and required to compensate the victim for his or her injuries.
Don’t underestimate small dog bites. Things may seem minor when it happens, but always get checked just in case. You never know what the damage may be under the skin — or if something can be done to prevent permanent scarring.
Don’t Wait to File Your Case – Hire An Attorney
According to the laws in California, particularly California’s Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, there is a 2-year statute of limitation for filing lawsuits in dog bites cases. In other words, you have two years from the date the incident occurred to file a lawsuit. Otherwise, you will lose the right to do so.
Hiring an attorney is a great step on the road to receiving the compensation you deserve. He or she can review your case and determine the next steps to take. After all, there is more than one way to win a dog bites case and receive just compensation. And, an attorney who has experience with these types of cases can be the most informed person to handle them.
Contact a Dog Bite Injury Attorney Today!
We all love our furry friends, but when something happens that can drastically impact one’s life, action must be taken.
Are you in search for a certified attorney to represent you?
Let us help you find one today!