Dog Bite Injury Attorney & Dog Bite Law Firm CA

DOG INJURIES

Dog Bites and attacks can be severe!

A child with multiple dog bites may require extensive plastic surgery. An elderly person who is attacked can break a hip and be laid up for life. If you suffer from an injury caused by someone not controlling their animal, seek out our experienced personal injury attorney.

Find an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in California

Dog bites can be traumatic. In an instant, a playful encounter with a dog can turn into a horrifying experience, leaving the victim with physical injuries and emotional scars. Navigating the complex legal landscape of dog bite cases in California can be challenging, especially with the state’s unique strict liability laws. That’s why it’s vital to have an experienced Riverside dog bite lawyer with Kennedy and Associates by your side, advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. In this overview, we delve into the importance of hiring a dog bite attorney, California’s strict liability law, types of injuries and damages, steps to take after a dog bite, and how to choose the right lawyer for your case. Let’s get started on your journey to justice.

Key Takeaways

Hire an experienced dog bite lawyer in California to ensure maximum compensation and improve your odds at a successful outcome.
Understand your rights under the state’s strict liability law, which holds owners accountable for any damages caused by their pet.
Consult with a qualified attorney with Kennedy and Associates to receive justice and the maximum financial compensation.

The Importance of Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer

In the event of a dog bite incident, it’s beneficial to engage a seasoned dog bite attorney with Kennedy and Associates who can guide you through the labyrinth of complex claims, interpret California laws, and strive to get you the maximum compensation possible. An attorney with Kennedy and Associates can manage your dog bite claim from the start, help ascertain the dog’s owner, the dog’s background, and the details of the attack.

An attorney with Kennedy and Associates who is proficient in California dog bite law is a necessity when dealing with serious injuries like lacerations, open wounds, organ damage, bone fractures, nerve damage, or permanent disfigurement. With their help, you can receive compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, such as medical expenses, surgery, loss of wages, pain and suffering, psychological trauma, and property damage.

Expertise in California Dog Bite Laws

A dog bite attorney with Kennedy and Associates has expertise in California laws that enables victims to gain insight into their rights and facilitates their journey through the legal process. California adheres to a strict liability policy when it comes to dog bites, meaning that dog owners are held accountable for any damages caused by their dog biting someone, regardless of the severity of the injury or whether the skin was broken. This underscores the need for an attorney with Kennedy and Associates who is well-acquainted with the subtleties of California’s dog bite laws and can guide you through your case’s specifics.

Proven Track Record in Dog Bite Cases

A demonstrated history of success in dog bite cases indicates a lawyer’s proficiency in representing victims and obtaining compensation. Our California dog bite lawyers with Kennedy and Associates have earned millions on behalf of canine attack injury victims, achieving a 99% success rate and $800M in settlements. Success in dog bite cases is generally evaluated based on the compensation awarded to the victim, which includes both economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Gathering compelling evidence, like photographs of the injury, and showing that the attack could have been anticipated enhances the likelihood of a successful outcome. Clients can feel more confident with a lawyer who has a proven success rate, knowing that their chances of achieving a positive outcome are higher.

Negotiating Skills for Maximum Compensation

Proficient negotiation is imperative for procuring the highest possible compensation in dog bite cases, as insurance companies tend to reduce payouts. A skilled attorney can fight for maximum compensation, even in cases that are decided by jury verdicts due to clear negligence present. Moreover, many dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case, providing further incentive for them to fight for the best possible outcome. The trial process can also be beneficial in raising awareness about responsible dog ownership, as local media often covers the case, helping to disseminate information about the importance of taking precautions to prevent foreseeable attacks.

Types of Injuries and Damages in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite injuries can result in physical, emotional, and financial damages, all of which can be addressed in a personal injury claim. Physical injuries from dog bites can range from minor to severe, including puncture wounds, infections, and scarring, often resulting from a dog bite attack.

Emotional trauma from a dog bite can lead to anxiety, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while financial damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to the injury.

In this section, we will delve into the various kinds of injuries and damages in dog bite cases with greater depth.

Physical Injuries

The most common physical injuries caused by dog bites comprise puncture wounds, broken bones, eye injuries, scarring, nerve damage, infections, and psychological trauma. Proper treatment of puncture wounds typically involves generous irrigation of the wound with saline solution, debridement to remove foreign bodies, and the use of prophylactic antibiotics for three to seven days.

Medical interventions for scarring resulting from dog bites may include:

Injected medications
Surgical removal of keloid or hypertrophic scars
Skin grafts
Excision
Dermabrasion
Laser surgery
Steroid injections for raised scars
Topical ointments such as Neosporin for minor scars

Emotional Trauma

Psychological effects stemming from a dog bite may include:

Distress
Anguish
A fear of dogs
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The prevalence of PTSD in dog bite victims is variable, but research indicates that it can occur in a notable proportion of victims, with one study revealing that 5% of animal bite victims developed PTSD within three months of the incident.

Seeking therapy for emotional trauma can help victims process their emotions, cope with the psychological effects of the attack, and develop strategies to manage their anxiety and fear.

Financial Damages

Financial repercussions stemming from dog bite incidents may include medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the injury.

Riverside dog bite attorneys can assist with filing dog bite claims and negotiating with insurance companies to secure compensation to cover any expenses incurred during this difficult period. The average financial compensation for a dog bite injury in California is usually between $30,000 and $60,000, depending on the specifics of the case and the severity of the injuries incurred. Check with an experienced dog bite attorney with Kennedy and Associates to see what your potential case might be worth.

Understanding California's Strict Liability Law

In California, dog owners are liable for the actions of their pets, including dog attacks, regardless of any prior indications of aggression or violence, due to the state’s strict liability law. This means that dog owners are held accountable for their pets’ actions, making them liable for any injuries caused by dog bites, with few exceptions.

Grasping this law and its application to your case is pivotal in safeguarding your rights and crafting a robust claim. Here, a seasoned dog bite attorney can offer crucial guidance.

Holding Dog Owners Accountable

Dog owners in California are held accountable for their pets’ actions, thus making them liable for any injuries caused by dog bites. In the absence of insurance, the pet owner is personally liable for any damages caused by their dog.

However, California law does not require dog owners to maintain a property that is safe for trespassers, so if a dog bites a trespasser while they are entering the owner’s property without consent, the dog owner is exempt from strict liability.

Exceptions to Strict Liability

Exceptions to California’s strict liability law may include when the dog attack was provoked by cruelty toward the animal or when an individual commits a criminal offense and unlawfully trespasses on private property without authorization. In these cases, the dog owner may not be held liable for the injuries caused by the dog.

Nevertheless, a consultation with a seasoned dog bite attorney with Kennedy and Associates is advised to comprehend your case’s specifics and how these exceptions might pertain.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident

Acting correctly after a dog bite incident is vital to safeguard your rights and construct a compelling case. Promptly seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, and consulting with a dog bite attorney can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

In this section, we will delineate the necessary steps to follow after a dog bite incident and discuss why each step is significant in the process.

Seeking Medical Attention

Seeking medical attention immediately after a dog bite is essential for preventing infections and documenting the injury. The initial first aid steps to take following a dog bite are:

Clean the wound with soap and warm water
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding
Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment
Cover the bite with a clean bandage.

Medical tests that may be necessary following a dog bite include examination of the wound, blood tests, X-rays, and rabies testing if there is a concern of rabies exposure.

Gathering Evidence

Gathering evidence following a dog bite incident may involve:

Obtaining witness statements
Recording the incident in writing
Taking photographs of the injuries and the incident location
Obtaining medical care
Identifying the owner of the dog
Consulting a dog bite injury lawyer.

It is advisable to take photographs of your wounds promptly to serve as proof for your personal injury claim. The more evidence you can gather, the stronger your case will be when it comes time to negotiate with insurance companies or pursue legal action.

Consulting with a Dog Bite Attorney

Consulting with a dog bite attorney at Kennedy and Associates as soon as possible after a dog bite incident can help you understand your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. An attorney can provide:

An initial assessment of your case
Legal counsel
A case evaluation
Help in collecting evidence
Negotiations for a settlement
Potential litigation if required

Engaging an experienced dog bite lawyer can provide a range of benefits, such as aiding in the comprehension of legal complexities and obtaining the highest possible compensation for injuries.

How to Choose the Right Dog Bite Lawyer

The selection of the right dog bite lawyer entails evaluating their experience, communicative abilities, and their fee plan. An experienced lawyer with a proven track record in dog bite cases will be better equipped to handle the complexities of your case and protect your rights.

Additionally, effective communication and availability are essential qualities to look for in a lawyer, as they will help ensure that you are kept informed and involved throughout the legal process.

Lastly, comprehending the lawyer’s fee plan and confirming its transparency and contingency-based nature can help you steer clear of unexpected surprises in the future. Check with Kennedy and Associates to get a better understanding of your potential dog bite injury case.

Experience and Success Rate

A lawyer’s prior experience in managing dog bite cases can significantly affect their capability to deal with such cases. A lawyer with a strong track record in dog bite cases can effectively represent their clients and obtain compensation, as they possess the knowledge and experience to maneuver the intricacies of these cases and attain desirable results for their clients. It is important to choose a lawyer with a success rate of 90% or higher, as this demonstrates their proficiency and capacity to manage these types of cases competently.

Communication and Availability

When selecting a dog bite lawyer, it is important to consider their communication skills. Ensure that the lawyer is accessible to answer your queries and provide timely updates on the progress of your case. Additionally, they should be able to explain the legal process clearly and concisely. Establishing effective communication is essential to ensure that the client is kept informed and involved in the legal process.

Fee Structure and Transparency

It is imperative to be cognizant of the fee structure when selecting a dog bite lawyer to avoid any unforeseen issues or miscommunications down the road. By having a conversation about the fee structure beforehand, you can guarantee that you are content with the payment plan and have a clear idea of the associated costs. In the case of our dog bite injury team at Kennedy and Associates, you don't pay unless we win. This openness enables you to make an educated decision and find a lawyer whose fee structure is compatible with your financial plan and desires. A contingency fee arrangement is particularly advantageous, as it means you only pay if your lawyer wins your case.

Contact the Dog Bite Attorneys at Kennedy & Associates

If you or a loved one has been a dog bite victim, don’t hesitate to contact the dog bite attorneys at Kennedy & Associates. Our experienced and dedicated team is ready to fight for your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve.

With a proven track record of success in dog bite cases, including handling complex dog bite cases, and an in-depth understanding of California dog bite laws, you can trust our California dog bite attorney to handle your case with the utmost professionalism and care.

Call us today at (951)-784-8920 for a free consultation and let us help you on your journey to justice.

Summary

In conclusion, understanding the complexities of California dog bite laws and the importance of hiring an experienced dog bite attorney are essential for protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. From navigating strict liability laws to providing guidance on choosing the right lawyer, this blog post has covered the key aspects of dog bite cases in California. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, don’t hesitate to contact Kennedy & Associates for a free consultation and let us help you on your journey to justice.