All About Dog Bite laws Case in Los Angeles – All You Need to Know

Taking advantage of the great weather year-round in Los Angeles might include strolling in a nearby park with your children or jogging. A dog bite can quickly transform a pleasant outing into a nightmare if you or a loved one are bitten.

In 2021, California had the highest number of dog bite insurance claims. A significant number of these victims were hospitalized as a result of their dog bite injuries. California Civil Code 3342 gives people the right to sue for damages and medical expenses if they are bitten by a dog while lawfully on another’s property or in a public place.

If a dog has attacked you or someone close to you, The Dominguez Firm is here to help. So let your hair down; I’ve prepared a complete guide on dog bite attorney los angeles that bite at the cherry for every man and his dog;

What if I’m Bitten by a Dog?

Yes, in most cases. Being bitten by a dog and suffering a dog bite attack are two of the most traumatic experiences a person can endure. There can be a lot of serious consequences from what appears to be a minor bite. Medical attention should be sought immediately if the skin has been broken, which is quite common. As a result, there is a risk of infection or rabies. Major injuries can result from more severe attacks. The following are among them:

• A damage to the nerves
• Ligament tears
• Facial disfigurement
• Accidents involving the eyes
• Amputated limbs
• A death occurs

Beyond Injuries and Medical Bills: 

The Consequences of a Dog Bite Attack Victims of dog bite attacks often face a myriad of challenges beyond their physical injuries and medical expenses. In addition to their injuries, victims may also be unable to work and may experience psychological trauma. In such cases, victims can seek compensation from the dog’s owner.

Suing the Dog’s Owner: Obtaining Justice

If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite attack, you may have the right to sue the dog’s owner for your medical bills, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you may have endured. This legal option holds the dog’s owner accountable for their actions and ensures justice is served.

Hiring an experienced Los Angeles dog bite lawyer ensures that your case is thoroughly evaluated and that you are justly compensated for your injuries. This helps you cover your medical expenses and takes some of the financial burden off your recovery process.

Also Read: Dog Bite Laws in Maryland – A Complete Dog Bite Attorney Guide 2023

Seeking Compensation for Fatal Dog Attacks

In addition to dog bite attacks that cause injuries, if a loved one has been killed in a dog attack, you also have the right to seek compensation for such an untimely death. While no amount of money can fully compensate for such a loss, holding the dog’s owner accountable can provide a sense of closure during such a difficult time.

Filing a lawsuit allows you to seek justice for your loved one and ensure that those responsible for the accident are held accountable. This legal process can help provide a sense of justice and closure for the surviving family members, allowing them to move forward and find healing.

Victims of dog bite attacks often face significant challenges beyond their physical injuries. In addition to medical bills and lost wages, victims may experience psychological trauma and be unable to work. In such cases, you can sue the dog’s owner for your medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you may have endured.

If a loved one has been killed in a dog attack, you also have the right to seek compensation for such a tragic loss. While no amount of money can compensate for your loss, seeking justice through the legal system can provide a sense of closure and allow you to hold the dog’s owner accountable for their actions.

What Kind of Lawyer Do You Need for Dog Bite? Injuries

Dog bite cases fall under the area of personal injury law. If the owner of the dog unleashed the dog on the victim, or if the dog attack resulted in serious injuries or death, criminal charges are also likely to be filed. When such incidents occur, the victim must consult with a dog bite attorney.

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid when they recover compensation for a client. This arrangement provides several advantages for victims seeking legal representation. By working on a contingency fee basis, victims do not have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses when hiring an experienced dog bite attorney to represent them in a case.

Under a contingency fee arrangement, the attorney agrees to accept a percentage of the total settlement or jury award as payment for their services. Also, if the attorney fails to obtain compensation for the victim, they do not receive any payment. This arrangement incentivises attorneys to work diligently and tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for their clients.

The benefit of a contingency fee arrangement for victims of dog bite cases is significant. It allows them to focus on their recovery and healing without worrying about the financial aspect of seeking justice. Victims can concentrate on the physical and emotional distress caused by the attack while the attorney works to secure the compensation they deserve.

Hiring a dog bite attorney on a contingency fee basis also provides victims access to experienced legal professionals who understand the complexities and unique aspects of dog bite cases. These attorneys are well-versed in the relevant laws and regulations governing dog bite cases and have a proven track record of success in obtaining fair compensation for victims.

As a result, dog bite cases fall under personal injury law, and criminal charges may also be filed when such incidents occur. Victims of dog bite attacks should consult an attorney who operates on a contingency fee basis. In addition to ensuring that victims have no out-of-pocket expenses, this arrangement allows them to consult with experienced lawyers who will fight for their rights and get them the compensation they deserve.

Also Read: Dog Bite Attorney Animal Attack – Dog Bite Lawyer Complete Guide

What Will a Dog Bite Lawyer Do in Los Angeles?

A personal injury lawyer specializing in dog bite cases can be an invaluable asset to individuals who have been bitten or attacked by dogs. These skilled professionals have the knowledge and expertise to thoroughly evaluate your claim and determine the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries.

In addition to covering medical expenses, dog bite victims are entitled to compensation for any rehabilitation costs and lost wages due to the attack. Additionally, experienced Los Angeles dog bite lawyers understand the importance of including long-term therapy and psychological counseling costs in any damages sought.

Contrary to popular belief, even minor dog bites can have long-lasting effects on the victim. It is not uncommon for victims of dog bites to experience flashbacks, nightmares, and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These psychological effects can have a significant impact on the quality of life for dog bite victims.

Fortunately, The Dominguez Firm’s Los Angeles dog bite lawyers team has extensive knowledge and experience handling dog bite cases. With over 30 years of experience, we understand the unique challenges and complexities of establishing fair and just compensation amounts. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that victims receive the maximum compensation they deserve, taking into account the particulars of each case.

By hiring a personal injury lawyer specializing in dog bite cases, victims can trust that their rights will be protected and that they will receive the compensation they need to cope with the aftermath of the attack. It is crucial to have a strong advocate who understands the intricacies of dog bite cases and will fight on your behalf to hold the dog owner accountable for your injuries.

Can You Sue if a Dog Bites You?

California is no exception as a state with strict liability laws regarding dog bites. Therefore, if a dog bites a person, and the defendant (the dog’s owner) does not know that the dog has ever bitten a person before, the defendant (the dog’s owner) will be found guilty. As a result, unless there are a few exceptions, you will probably be able to sue if a dog bites you. These exceptions can be summed up as follows:

• You could be charged with trespassing if you intentionally or unintentionally entered another’s property.
• There is a possibility that you may have provoked and harassed the dog in some way.
• As a trainer or veterinarian, you may be more at risk of being bitten by a dog if you work in a field that makes you more vulnerable.
• While in the line of duty, the dog performed its obligations in a manner that was appropriate for a police or military dog.

It is common for dogs to get a “free pass” from the law if it is their first time biting someone in some neighboring states. In California, there is no such allowance. Some exceptions apply to the above exceptions, but you may still be able to sue if a dog has injured you.

What is the Average Settlement for Dog Bite Cases?

In the case of a dog bite, several factors will determine the settlement amount. One of the most important of these is:

The extent of the victim’s dog bite injuries

There can be a great deal of trauma associated with a dog bite, both physically and emotionally. However, some of them can result in very serious injuries that may last for a lifetime. These injuries may include nerve damage, amputations, severe scarring on the face, and traumatic brain injuries, among others. 

As a result of these injuries, the victim may find it difficult to return to normal life and may not be able to return to work. It is important to note that the extent of a victim’s injuries plays a major part in determining how much the victim will receive in a final settlement. 

The experience of being bitten by a dog is one of the most horrendous things a person can go through. The fear of being attacked by a dog leads to nightmares and is usually the cause of emotional distress as a result of the incident. A victim can suffer from intense fear of dogs, be frightened to leave their own home, and even suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

The majority of victims who suffer from dog bite injuries that have caused disfigurement will likely require years of counseling to recover. All of these factors will need to be considered when determining a settlement amount.

If the injuries further aggravated a victim’s pre-existing condition

The dog owner may be held responsible for any medical complications resulting from the dog’s bite if the taste aggravated the victim’s pre-existing condition. Having a dog bite an older adult would be a good example of how a dog bite may cause a heart attack due to the person being bitten. The settlement amount may likely be high if the older adult suffers further health problems. In particular, this is true if the attack leads to the victim’s death as a result of the attack.

If the dog’s owner acted in a particularly reckless or negligent manner

In addition to awarding punitive damages to a dog owner if they acted recklessly or negligently, a court may also award damages for moral damages. Letting a dog loose and setting it loose on someone amid a personal dispute would also be considered a criminal act. As another example, the dog could have been allowed to roam free in their neighborhood without being supervised repeatedly, which could have led to the dog biting someone.

The courts can award damages to the dog owner in cases where the behavior of the dog owner was particularly flagrant, in addition to the damages for medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering that the courts might award. As a result, this is done more as a punishment for the dog owner to make them an example of themselves and prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future.

A dog bite victim who was partially responsible for the dog’s attack

The state of California has a comparative negligence law. You could lose some of your compensation if the court finds you partly responsible for the dog biting you.

In this scenario, you would attempt to pet a dog at someone’s home. When a dog’s owner warns you that it may be aggressive, but you pet it anyway, it bites you, and a court may find you partially liable for the dog’s bite and reduce your settlement amount accordingly.

Can you sue after a dog bite?

Typically, dog bite victims can file a lawsuit two years after the bite. Please note that after two years, no matter how serious the victim’s injuries are, the victim has no legal recourse.

Personal injuries should be reported immediately, just as other damages. The longer you wait, the weaker your case will be; you could pay more. Furthermore, as time passes, the details of the dog attack may become less clear, decreasing the value of your claim.

How Can Liability be Proven in a Dog Bite Case?

According to California dog bite laws, most cases favor victims over owners. The victim must be under five, especially if they were a child. The provocation exception doesn’t apply if the victim was five years old or younger in California.

Unless one of the other exceptions noted previously applies to a dog bite victim over the age of 5, the victim does not need to prove anything else except:

• It was a public place or;
• You were legally permitted to enter a private place

The owner of the dog that bit you must be determined. The owners of some dogs may play a shell game to confuse or discourage victims of dog attacks from filing a lawsuit. It is possible to counteract this tactic effectively and quickly if you have an experienced lawyer.

Dog Bite Fatalities

The death of a victim as a result of a dog attack is rare. As a result of the attack and bite(s), the victim may die instantly as a result of the attack. It is possible that a bite can cause a victim to become infected or contract rabies, which in some cases will result in death a short time afterwards. People who suffer from certain pre-existing conditions, such as a weakened immune system, are at higher risk of contracting the disease.

There are very few things more horrific and senseless than the idea of losing a loved one in this manner. A dog attack can cause death to anyone at any age, regardless of the person’s age, but it is most common among children and the elderly. Despite this, anyone should be aware of the dangers of dog attacks.

If you have lost someone close to you due to the negligence or recklessness of a dog owner, you should be aware that you have rights beyond any criminal charges you may wish to file against him or her. In civil court, you can also seek justice for your loss.

How Likely Are You to Be Bitten?

Based on a strictly statistical analysis of this question, your chances of getting bitten by an animal are approximately 1 out of every 69 times you are exposed to them. The number of people who need medical care after being bitten is one in five. We have used statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to arrive at this conclusion.

While it is true that most dog bites occur in the home by a dog that the victim already knows, contrary to the popular image of a wild dog, over half of dog bites occur in a home.

In addition to the above factors, according to the CDC, there are several other risks associated with being bitten by a dog, which include:

• A dog bite is more likely to occur in children than in adults. As a result, they often sustain serious injuries.
• A person’s likelihood of being bitten in households with two or more dogs is five times higher than in homes without dogs.
• There is a higher likelihood of men suffering a dog bite than women.

What are the Most Dangerous Dog Breeds?

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, between 2005 and 2020, the following breeds were responsible for the most attacks on humans in the U.S.:

1. Pit Bull – 380
2. Rottweiler – 51
3. Mixed breed – 29
4. German Shepherd – 24
5. Mastiff/Bull Mastiff – 20

There is evidence that Pit Bulls were responsible for 67% of all fatal attacks on humans during this period, according to these statistics. Over six million dogs in the United States are owned by owners, but they make up only 6.5% of owners.

Moreover, the insurance companies will charge homeowners of these dangerous breeds a higher premium for their policies. In most cases, landlords will not rent to people with one of the breeds listed above because they are too dangerous. It should also be noted that Akitas, Chows, and Dobermans are breeds that raise concerns with insurance companies and landlords.

The Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorneys 

A Los Angeles lawyer at The Dominguez Firm can assist you with bringing a claim against the dog owners if you or someone close to you has been bitten by a dog and suffered injuries as a consequence.

Having to deal with medical bills, lost income and, most importantly, the emotional and physical suffering that can result from a dog bite is something that you should not have to handle on your own. The owners of dogs who are negligent and/or reckless should be held responsible for their actions.

An attack by a dog can be one of the most traumatizing experiences that a person can endure. In some cases, victims are required to undergo extensive reconstructive plastic surgery, while in others, they suffer from paralyzing mental anguish and, as a result, experience a profound fear of dogs in the future. There is a possibility that you will have to spend years recovering from this type of personal injury.

The most important thing you should know is that you will never have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses if you decide to hire an attorney. You can rest assured that there will be no fee if there is no recovery, so please call us today.