Have you been bitten by someone else’s dog in Tarzana, CA? After a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Call JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers at 833-852-3600 to schedule a free consultation.
Dog bite claims can be complicated, and insurance companies know all the tricks for getting out of paying for your damages. Our experienced Tarzana personal injury lawyers have more than 105 years of combined experience helping accident victims. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for personal injury victims and know what it takes to win complex dog bite cases.
How JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Dog Bite Incident in Tarzana
If you have been bitten by a dog in Tarzana, California, the team at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers can help you by:
- Investigating your accident to determine exactly what happened and gathering evidence
- Locating and identifying the dog’s owner
- Researching the dog’s history to uncover any prior bites or history of aggression
- Assessing all available insurance coverage to help get you as much compensation as possible
- Handling all communications with the dog’s owner and opposing counsel
- Aggressively litigating your case in court when settlement negotiations stall
After getting bitten by a dog, you need experienced attorneys to represent you. Our Tarzana personal injury lawyers have been recognized by Southern California Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell.
Call our Tarzana dog bite attorneys to schedule a free consultation.
How Common Are Dog Bites?
Dog bites are very common in California. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, California has roughly 560,000 dog bites every year. That’s more than 1,000 dog bites every single day across the state.
About 112,000 of these victims must seek medical treatment for their bite-related injuries each year. Unfortunately, some of these bites can cause very serious injuries and leave victims struggling with permanent effects for the rest of their lives.
California Dog Bite Laws
California generally follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that the owner may be held liable for injuries resulting from a bite even if the dog has no history of aggression or biting. As long as the victim was on public property or was lawfully on private property at the time of the bite, the dog’s owner can be held responsible.
California’s rule is in contrast to some states that follow the “one free bite” rule. Under that rule, a dog’s owner may only be held liable if the dog has shown a history of aggression or previous biting. California’s strict liability rule does, however, allow some exceptions in cases where the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog.
What Are Common Causes of Dog Bites in California?
Sometimes it can be hard to tell exactly what causes a dog to bite. Regardless, dog bites are extremely painful and can leave serious injuries and permanent scars. Some of the most common causes of dog bites are:
- Sudden movements
- Loud noises
- Fear
- Aggression
- Pain
- Territorial protection
- Sickness
Children are especially vulnerable to dog bites, and all victims who suffer injuries from a dog bite may be entitled to recover damages.
What Compensation Can I Recover for My Claim?
Economic damages compensate victims for their financial losses, such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages compensate victims for their physical and psychological trauma. Some common examples are:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
- Diminished quality of life
In rare cases, victims may recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant for malicious or reckless conduct and deter similar actions in the future.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Lawsuit in California?
Every state has certain time limits within which a legal claim for injuries must be filed. In California, the law typically allows you to file a lawsuit up to two years from the date of your injury. Missing this deadline can cause you to lose your ability to recover any compensation for your injuries.
We can help you with every aspect of your case, including helping you determine the filing deadline.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Tarzana Dog Bite Lawyers
If you have suffered a dog bite in Tarzana, California, contact the experienced team at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers. Let us help you get the compensation you are owed. We will handle every detail of your claim while you focus on getting better. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Tarzana dog bite attorney.
