THE PIRNIA
LAW GROUP
Fullerton Dog Bite Lawyer
Get Help from a Top Dog Bite Attorney Serving Fullerton, CA
Man’s best friend isn’t so much a friend whenever a dog attacks you or someone you love. While you would never think that this would happen to you, it’s important to know that millions of people throughout the nation are victims to dog attacks each year.
Whenever this happens, it’s important to know how the law treats their cases in California and what your rights are to pursue compensation.
Dog bite law doesn’t have to be complex, and our Fullerton dog attack attorney at Pirnia Law Group is ready to help you safeguard your ability to take legal action where possible.
We have a firm understanding of California’s strict laws, the pain that a dog can cause, and what kind of compensation you can recover. We’re here to help you in any situation where negligence causes you harm.
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California’s Strict Dog Bite Liability Laws
There are some states that require you to show a significant amount of evidence that prove the dog who attacks you has a history of aggression. In California, this is not the case. There are only a few things that need to be shown and having a lawyer with knowledge of California law can help you.
Here are the factors necessary to show liability after a dog bite:
- You must show that you were legally on the property where the bite occurred. For instance, if you are on public property, you have a legal right to be there and suffering a bite means the owner is negligent. If you are on private property, you must show that you are an invitee or licensee. A dog bite to a trespasser with sinful intention can mean the dog owner is not liable for the bite.
- You must show that the dog bit you. In other states, you would have to show there is a history of aggression or dog bites. However, in California, one dog bite is enough to consider negligence. If you show the dog bit you and caused you harm, this helps in proving liability and holding the dog owner accountable.
What Happens if My Dog Bites Someone?
If your dog bites someone, it’s important to have an idea of liability laws to protect yourself as best as possible. This means ensuring you have a defense attorney to help prove your case and show that you are not legally liable for the dog bite.
When you’re the defendant in the case, the other side will be looking at the same factors above to hold you liable. Your defense relies on your ability to show that the dog bite was either the result of protection or trespassing.
If you’re able to show that the person trying to take legal action against you was trespassing on your private property when your dog bit him or her, this can serve as a great argument in getting the claim or lawsuit dropped. It’s vital to work with a lawyer who can help explain your rights.
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Common Injuries After a Dog Bite
Dog bites can result in very serious injuries because of the capabilities of some dogs and the way they attack. These animals have sharp teeth, and oftentimes, they latch on and refuse to let go.
Whenever this happens, they can cause significant damage to whichever part of your body they clamp onto.
Some of the most common injuries that occur as a result of a dog bite include the following:
- Puncture wounds: Of course, any bite can puncture your skin, fat, tissue, and in some cases, even nerves.
- Broken bones: A dog can bite with significant force, crushing bones in the process and leaving you trying to recover.
- Infections: Dogs have a significant amount of bacteria in their mouths. When they bite, they expose your body to significant problems, including potential infection from the bacteria they carry.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite?
Pursuing compensation is necessary after a dog bite, especially when you consider the significant and long-term harm that can ensue as a result from these attacks. Compensation after a dog bite can come in numerous forms, and it’s vital to recognize where you may be able to seek monetary damages.
It’s also important to understand what this compensation can cover after a dog bite:
- Economic damages: This type of compensation covers monetary losses stemming from the dog bite such as medical bills, lost wages, medication, and more.
- Non-economic damages: This type of compensation covers pain and suffering, as well as any trauma that you may experience as a result of the dog bite (loss of enjoyment in life).
- Punitive damages: This type of compensation only in situations where you can prove your injuries were the result of malice or intent. For instance, the dog owner knew of the dog’s history of danger, but told the dog to attack you anyway.
Pursuing compensation is just one benefit of filing a lawsuit after a dog bite. You can also benefit from the ability to hold the dog owner responsible knowing that justice has been served. Taking legal action helps to set a standard regarding negligence. You show that dog owners cannot allow their dogs to attack people and there are civil consequences should they do.
FAQ:
What are Common Causes of Dog Attacks?
There’s no telling what goes on in the minds of animals, but there are potential issues that may cause them to attack.
In some situations, it could be fear or provocation, or the dog is trying to protect her pups. In any case, proving cause doesn’t always become necessary when filing a dog bite case.
You must show that you were on public property or legally on private property and the dog bit you. There doesn’t have to be a history of aggression or signs of an attack. The owner is still liable.
What Breed has the Most Attacks?
While most attacks are the result of nipping chihuahuas, the most fatal dog-related attacks involve both pit bulls and rottweilers. These two breeds account for over 75% of all fatal dog attacks from 2005 through 2017.
These two types of animals are, unfortunately, notorious for their aggression, and it’s the way they bite that can cause significant harm.
A pit bull may strike and latch on, so any movements can result in skin tearing, punctures within the tissue and muscle, and more problems.
Should I File a Police Report for a Dog Bite?
You don’t have to file a police report after a dog bite, but you should report the incident to the local county health officer who can come out and take a report of the incident. The law in California requires you to make this report so they health officer can investigate the dog further to determine the following:
- Whether or not the dog has dangerous and has a known history of attacks which can lead to you seeking punitive damages
- Whether or not the dog had rabies and what treatment you may require after an attack
What Happens Legally When Your Dog Bites Someone?
Because California is a strict liability state, you are subject to a potential claim or lawsuit once your dog bites someone who is either on public property or has legally been invited on your property.
It doesn’t matter to the courts if your dog has never bitten anyone before, if the plaintiff can show that he or she suffered injuries because of your dog, you can be held liable for compensation.
Typically, this goes through your homeowners insurance or renter’s insurance. You should be sure to have a dog bite defense attorney helping you protect your rights.
CONTACT A FULLERTON Personal Injury Lawyer
At Pirnia Law Group, our Fullerton personal injury lawyer works hard to help you understand your rights. We’ll take a look into the case to determine where negligence arose and who is liable for your harm. We’re committed to providing you with the highest level of care after such a difficult situation.
We can help handle your case on a contingency fee basis, only taking payment if and when we win on your behalf.We focus on staying trial ready, even if your case is set to end in settlement. We’ll do whatever we can to help you feel confident throughout the process and pursue the maximum compensation possible.
Let us be your guide through the most complex matters.