California workers are fortunate to have some of the country’s best worker’s compensation insurance coverage. The plan is required by the state and paid for by employers. So workers never need to worry about expensive medical bills if injured while on the job. In addition, the program provides protection for the employer from being sued in most cases. So the program is a win for everyone involved.
But when you think about workplace injuries, you might only imagine things like falling from a ladder or getting burned by a damaged piece of equipment. Unfortunately, it is not until you suffer a dog bite while at work that you worry that this injury might not be covered under the California worker’s comp program. Then you think of the possible expenses related to treatment for your injuries and worry that you might be responsible for these huge bills. And sadly, that is enough for many dog bite injury victims to delay or even forego medical treatment for this potentially severe injury.
So if you suffered a dog bite while at work and are unsure if worker’s comp will cover the care of your injuries, please get in touch with Normandie Law Firm immediately. Our experts are available 24/7 to provide a reliable legal resource to help you understand your rights and protect your health. In addition, we offer free consultations with a personal injury lawyer or worker’s comp lawyer to help you understand what is owed to you as a result of your dog bite injury at work. But most importantly, we are here to ensure that you understand the serious nature of any dog bite and get the medical care you need to protect your health.
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What All Dog Bite Victims Need To Know
Of course, you would seek medical care for a severe dog bite that resulted in a nasty laceration, bleeding, and damage to the skin and possibly soft tissue and bone. But unfortunately, you might not be nearly as concerned about a dog bite injury that looks like a tiny puncture wound or that barely broke the skin and appears minor. The truth is that both of these bites could be life-threatening. However, a bite that seems insignificant may take three or more days to become infected, painful, and life-threatening.
The primary concern with a dog bite with minimal visible damage is infection. A dog’s mouth and saliva carry many germs and bacteria that their immune systems can defect. However, when a human faces the same germs and bacteria, the result can be fatal. All it takes is one tooth to break the skin and allow the bacteria to enter your body. From that moment, it could be hours or days before you see the ravaging impact of the germs from the dog bite.
Even a dog that is current on all shots and vaccines can transmit bacteria and germs that will cause:
- Cellulitis
- A staph infection
- A strep infection
- Bone or blood infection
Once the infection has taken hold, it can require days or weeks of antibiotic treatment or surgery to correct the damage to your body. And if left untreated, the result can be immense pain and death.
The other concerns related to what appears to be a minor dog bite are hidden injuries to the soft tissue and bones. Bites to the hands and feet are the most common, which is also where the majority of smaller, more delicate bones are located in the human body. Crushing injuries can fracture or break small bones and damage muscles, tendons, or nerves. Unfortunately, only after the swelling and pain continue for several days do many dog bite injury victims get the medical care their injuries require.
Understanding Your Worker’s Comp Benefits
In most cases, a worker bit by a dog while at work will have access to complete medical care. The only time there could be a question about coverage is when caring for the dog was part of your job, and there is assumed risk on your part. For example, if you work in a pet care facility, you take on the responsibility for a dog bite. If you have any questions about being covered under worker’s comp for your dog bite injury, contact the Normandie Law Firm immediately to consult an expert.
What Worker’s Comp Will Cover
As an employee, your worker’s comp benefits will cover the cost of all your medical care related to your injury in the workplace. For example, in the case of the dog bite, the insurance pays for evaluations, treatment, prescribed medication, and other medical necessities. In addition, if the bite injury is severe enough to prevent you from returning to work while you heal, the coverage will pay part of your lost wages.
Understanding Strict Liability
California is a strict liability state when considering dog bite injuries. That means the dog’s owner is almost always responsible for any damage caused by the dog, including your injuries and losses. But because worker’s comp is paying for your medical care and part of your lost wages, the dog’s owner is only responsible for the remaining expenses.
In this case, you could seek compensation from the dog owner for any lost wages not covered by worker’s comp, the cost of your legal fees to file the lawsuit, and the value of any damaged or destroyed personal property. Sometimes, you could also seek a dollar amount for the pain and suffering you endured due to the dog bite injuries and treatment.
How Long Do The Claims Take To Complete?
First, it is vital to understand that you have only 30 days from the date of the injury to open a claim with worker’s comp. If you wait any longer, the claim is likely to be denied. In addition, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in California for your personal injuries and losses. But you can file both cases as quickly as you and your lawyer see fit.
There is no way to accurately estimate how long it will take for either claim process to be completed. The worker’s comp claim will typically be fairly rapid, and begin paying your medical bills directly to the care provider. The lawsuit generally is much slower and will depend on the court system’s workload and the defendant’s actions to determine when you receive your compensation.
What Is The Value Of A Dog Bite Claim?
Any benefits you receive from worker’s comp will be based on the actual medical expenses and your wages at the time of the injuries. Your medical bills will be paid in full, and you will receive only a part of your salary or hourly wages for the time you were unable to work. When evaluating the value of a dog bite lawsuit, the amount is also based primarily on the expenses you incurred due to the injuries. In addition to the lost wages not covered by worker’s comp, you can claim losses for damaged personal property, your legal fees, and an amount for pain and suffering. Your legal team at Normandie Law Firm will help you understand these amounts and determine what is reasonable for your level of pain and suffering, should it apply to your case.
Why Choose Normandie Law Firm To Handle Your Dog Bite Case?
We hope that as you worked with our staff to answer your questions when you first contacted our office, you discovered what sets Normandie Law Firm apart from the others. Our team is genuinely concerned for the health and well-being of each injury victim we serve. In addition, we understand the challenges that you are facing and want to offer our expertise to help you overcome them.
We focus on providing the guidance and expertise that will ensure the success of your lawsuit and the most robust settlement or verdict possible for your injuries and losses. You can only move past this challenging and painful event to regain your previous happy life with that support.
No Upfront Legal Fees Or Charges
When you hire Normandie Law Firm, our staff is here to help in any way we can. But what we will never do is add to your stress and financial hardships. So our policy is only to get paid for our services after we have secured the settlement or verdict you deserve for your injuries and losses. The process sounds simple, yet it provides a great deal of comfort and clarity for our clients.
They know that we are 100% dedicated to getting them the money they need, or we will not get paid for our work. It might sound like a marketing ploy, but it is the truth. If we fail, you owe us nothing. It is the fair, honest, and transparent way to operate a law firm and the only way we work. So if you have suffered a dog bite injury while at work and have questions about your rights, be sure to get in touch with Normandie Law Firm immediately. We are here 24/7 to ensure that you have a trusted legal resource when you need it the most.
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