Dogs have been part of our households for anywhere from 12,000 to 40,000 years. From being a loyal companion to guarding our property, these animals serve an invaluable purpose in many of our lives.
Even if we don’t have a dog, we come across them practically on a daily basis, and clearly, some are better behaved than others. For example, you see that one dog is walking in pace with their owner and listening to commands like “sit” and “stay.” Then, across the street is another dog that’s tugging at the leash and leaping in the air with boundless energy.
Out of these two, you may assume the well-trained dog is less likely to bite. That’s probably true, but in reality, any dog can lash out and hurt someone. It may be an act of aggression, but quite often, the dog is simply scared or trying to protect its owner from a perceived threat. The point is, dog owners should supervise their pets at all times and not take it for granted that the animal won’t bite someone. Or, they may get excited and knock someone over or cause an injury in some other way.
If you got hurt from a dog bite, you have the right to seek monetary damages from the animal owner. Many people are unaware of California’s strict liability law for dog bites, and as result, they go without the compensation they deserve. A dog bite attorney in Stockton can talk to you about your legal options and ensure that you are compensated for your medical bills and other financial burdens.
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The Dog Bite Laws in California
Before you can decide on your eligibility for a dog bite lawsuit, you must have an understanding of California’s dog bite laws. As we mentioned, California operates under the principle of strict liability for bodily harm caused by a pet. With very few exceptions, owners are automatically responsible for any injuries to another party that was inflicted by their dog.
One notable exception to the rule applies to trespassers on private property. So, if someone broke into your home and is bitten by your dog, it’s unlikely that the trespasser has a case against you. Or, if you were being threatened or assaulted by someone and your dog attacks the perpetrator, the laws recognize that the animal reasonably acted in your defense.
To learn more about California’s dog bite injury laws, please take some time to speak with one of our attorneys.
Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
If you are bitten by a dog, you could end up with a variety of injuries that range in severity and long-term complications. You may also have significant psychological trauma depending on the nature of the incident. Victims of dog attacks may have:
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Deep gashes and puncture wounds that penetrate the skin
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Infections resulting from germs getting into the wound
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Permanent scars, even with immediate treatment
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Missing fingers and toes
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Permanent damage to the muscles and nerves
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Bone fractures
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Death
Please note that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among those who were attacked by dogs and other animals. Thus, you may find yourself experiencing panic attacks, phobias, insomnia, and other mental health disorders. These are not physical injuries, but they play an important role in the compensation you can receive from a dog bite lawsuit.
No matter what type of injury you have, make sure to seek medical attention right away and keep all your medical bills and other records as evidence for a claim against the dog owner.
Restitution for Dog Bite Victims
Once you determine that you are eligible for a dog bite claim, the next step is to figure out the payments you can obtain. The types of compensation depend on your injuries, long-term physical and emotional damage, negligence by the owner, and other variables. Monetary damages for those who are attacked by a dog may include:
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Cost of medical treatments
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Pain and suffering
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Lost income if your medical needs result in missed time at work
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Emotional distress
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Damage to your personal belongings
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Punitive damages
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Legal fees
Please get in touch with us if you would like more information on the compensation that’s available to you. If you are not the injury victim, but a family member or spouse of someone that was killed by a dog, you can explore the option of filing a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of claim is for loved ones in need of compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, loss of consortium, and other damages that are associated with the victim’s death.
How to Prepare for a Dog Bite Claim
Preparation is the key to a successful lawsuit, no matter how you were injured. With a dog bite case, make sure to note distinguishing features of the animal, like its breed, gender, color, name, ID number, and unusual markings.
Then, keep notes of where the incident happened, like the address of the residence, building, park, etc. If the owner is with the dog, ask for their insurance information, since it’s likely that the dog bites are covered by the person’s homeowner’s / renter’s insurance. If you are bitten by a dog and the owner cannot be found, it may be possible to trace the dog through an ID tag or a microchip.
Witnesses in the area can be helpful as well, so ask for their contact information and see if they would be willing to give a written statement. Though you should go to a hospital, which will establish a record of your injuries, it’s a good idea to take photos of the harm you suffered. This will demonstrate the severity of your injuries, along with any damage to your possessions.
In addition, please file a dog bite incident report with your local authority, like the county animal control office. Doing so creates an official record of the attack, which is another valuable piece of evidence if you plan on seeking compensation from the owner. A city of Stockton dog bite lawyer is here to assist you with the legal process from start to finish, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Claim
How many months or years do you have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California? If you suffered injuries from someone else’s dog and want to take legal action, you must do so within 2 years of the incident. Alternatively, you have 2 years from a loved one’s death to file a lawsuit for wrongful death. The statute of limitations can change somewhat based on your personal circumstances, but overall, the deadline is 2 years for any claims involving bodily harm caused by a dog.
There are very few exceptions that can be used to ask for more time if you are past the statute of limitations. Essentially, you will lose the right to sue just by waiting too long and not filing a claim within 2 years of when you were injured. Please don’t delay in reaching out to us and letting our team members help you with a dog bite liability claim.
Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer for $0
The lawyers of Normandie are proud to represent the residents of Stockton, CA and help them receive justice if they are injured by someone else’s pet. Dog bites can result in severe, debilitating injuries of a physical and emotional nature. Those who are seriously harmed must seek legal advice from a lawyer that specializes in dog bite injuries.
Here at Normandie, we have a policy known as the Zero Fee Guarantee. From the moment you contact us, we are ready to provide you with free legal services, meaning you will not be asked to pay hourly fees or a retainer. Our payment is a percentage of your settlement, so we make absolutely nothing until you receive payment. Even more important, you lose $0 if we do not win your case.
We hope you will contact us right away to schedule a free case evaluation. Our law firm is here for you 24/7, and we are more than ready to fight for your rights and negotiate maximum compensation for you and your family.
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