Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and they have been a part of our lives for at least 12,000 years, according to estimates by archaeologists. Some dogs are pampered “fur babies,” while others protect livestock and serve other valuable functions.
You may not own a dog, but you probably see them on a daily basis and realize the potential for injuries. We normally associate bites and other attacks with dogs that are unruly, or clearly aggressive at the sight of anyone other than their owner. But we usually feel secure when a dog is paying attention to their owner and walking calmly on the leash.
The truth is, dogs are unpredictable, just like any other animal. And even the most well-trained dog can sometimes get spooked or perceive danger and strike at someone that means no harm. This is why owners must be vigilant when they are out with their dogs, instead of taking it for granted that the dog would never hurt someone. Injuries, by the way, involve more than bites; sometimes, dogs knock people over or cause them to trip, often as a result of the owner not paying attention.
If you were injured from a dog attack, you may be entitled to monetary damages from the owner. Unfortunately, many victims are unaware of the laws in California pertaining to dog bites and lose out on the compensation they deserve by law. For more information on your rights and legal options, make sure to contact us and talk to a dog bite lawyer in Modesto, CA.
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California’s Policy on Dog Bite Incidents
To determine your eligibility for a dog bite claim, you must understand who is liable for these incidents under California law, which is based on the principle of strict liability. So, that means the owner is solely responsible when someone is harmed by their pet. There are very few exceptions that would place the blame on another entity, so in most cases, you would demand compensation from the owner.
One of the most obvious exceptions has to do with trespassers or those with criminal intent. For example, if a burglar broke into your home, it is reasonable that your dog would try to protect its home and family. So, it’s unlikely that you would be liable for the injuries inflicted on the trespasser.
If you would like more information on California’s dog bite and animal attack laws, don’t hesitate to contact our office and schedule a free consultation.
What Kind of Injuries are Caused by Dog Bites?
Even if you are bitten by a small dog, the injuries you are left with can lead to all sorts of complications that you may have to live with for the rest of your life. Dog bite victims can also struggle with mental health issues that are associated with trauma from the attack. As a dog bite injury victim, you may have one or more of the following:
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Deep lacerations and puncture marks
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Potentially fatal infections, like tetanus, staph, and strep
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Disfigurement, like permanent scars to your face, arms, and other parts of the body
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Permanent damage to nerves and other underlying tissue
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Broken bones
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Severed fingers and toes
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Fatality
We mentioned that dog bite victims can have mental health disorders stemming from the attack, and this is due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing a highly traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD, like anxiety, phobias, depression, and sleep disorders, are very common among those who are attacked by dogs and other animals. While these injurie are not physical, they are critical when it comes to the amount you can recover in a dog bite lawsuit.
Regardless of the injuries you have, immediate medical attention is necessary to protect your health and establish an irrefutable record of the harm you suffered.
Compensation Available to Injury Victims
Upon figuring out that that you are entitled to compensation, you are likely to have questions about the compensation that is available to you. That depends on numerous factors, like the severity of your injuries, how they impact your life, and the act of negligence or misconduct by the dog owner. Possible damages that can be recovered from a dog bite lawsuit include:
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Current and future medical expenses
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Lost wages from needing time off at work or losing the ability to work
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Property damage
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Punitive damages
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Legal expenses
A city of Modesto dog bite attorney is here 24/7 if you would like to learn more about the damages you can obtain. Compensation is available not only to the victim, but family members of those who were killed by a dog attack. From a wrongful death lawsuit against the dog owner, you can receive payments such as funeral expenses, loss of expected income, and loss of consortium.
Laying the Foundation for a Dog Bite Claim
A solid foundation for a lawsuit will help you succeed in a compensation claim against the dog owner. First and foremost, take note of the dog’s breed, coloring, sex, ID number, and other distinguishing features.
Next, make sure to keep a record of where you were bitten / attacked, including the name of the property, the address, and specific locations within the building or structure. Ask the owner for their insurance information, as many homeowner or renter’s insurance policies cover pet-related injuries. If the owner can’t be found, the authorities may be able to locate them if the dog has a microchip.
If there are witnesses in the area, they may be willing to give statements, so make sure to get their contact information. You should also get medical care right away, which will create a record of your injuries. However, it’s a good idea to take photos of the injuries as well, along with any belongings that were damaged in the incident.
Finally, make sure to file an incident report with animal control, as documentation is essential to proving a case for compensation. This is a basic explanation of the legal process for a dog bite claim, and there are many steps that you should not undertake without guidance from an experienced attorney. Contact our law firm and talk to a dog bite lawyer in Modesto.
Deadline to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Another important consideration when you are bitten by a dog is how much time you have for a lawsuit. If you are interested in taking legal action against the owner of the dog, you must do so within 2 years of when the incident occurred. If you are a loved one of a dog bite victim that passed away, California law requires that you file a wrongful death claim no later than 2 years from the date of death. It’s possible that the statute of limitations can change from one case to another, but the 2-year rule applies in most cases of injury resulting from negligence or reckless conduct.
Please be aware that if you miss the statute of limitations, it will be very difficult to obtain an extension. So, if you are past 2 years from when you were injured, it’s more than likely that your right to sue will be invalidated. With that in mind, don’t delay in giving us a call and initiating a dog bite injury claim.
Contact Normandie Law Firm
Our legal team is proud to serve the community of Modesto, CA and bring justice to people who were injured by dogs and other pets. There’s no denying that dog attacks can cause serious, long-term injuries, and the costs of recovering from an incident should be covered by the animal owner.
By contacting us today, you will be assisted by a lawyer that specializes in dog bite injuries. Your consultation is free, and you will not be asked to pay us upfront if you wish to go ahead with a dog bite claim. All the costs of representing you are paid by the party at fault at the same time as your settlement. Furthermore, we have a Zero Fee Guarantee, so you pay $0 in legal fees if we fail to win your case.
We look forward to meeting you and fighting for your rights as an injury victim. Simply reach out to us at your earliest opportunity for more information on suing for dog bites in the city of Modesto.
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