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An animal attack can be a traumatizing experience, but it’s not just the memories of this violent incident that could haunt you in the months ahead. From excruciating agony and severe scarring to the combined financial burden of your medical costs and other expenses, a dog bite could leave you dangling on a thread both emotionally and financially. 

Thankfully, many of these costs might be recoverable by filing a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. In California, pet owners are held strictly liable for any damage their animal causes; so if you can show that you did not provoke the dog—and that you weren’t trespassing—you could receive compensation for most or all losses resulting from the attack. 

However, first you will need to gather strong evidence to prove liability and damages. Let’s take a look at some of the types of proof you might need

Photographs of Your Injuries

After the attack, you should take a minute to take photographs of your injuries, or ask someone else to do so on your behalf if you are unable to yourself. These images can help you connect your wounds to the incident and may also help demonstrate the severity of your injuries when you file your claim. Additionally, if you can take pictures or videos of the dog that bit you and the area where the attack happened, such evidence could help prove liability and damages. 

Surveillance Camera Footage

If you were attacked on a public street or in front of a business, surveillance cameras may have captured footage of the moment you were bitten. These videos could help your attorney identify the animal, prove that you did not incite the attack, and show that you weren’t trespassing when you suffered your injuries.

Medical Records

After suffering a dog bite injury, you should visit the doctor as soon as possible. Not only will this ensure you receive immediate treatment, but taking this step could also make it easier for your attorney to connect your wounds to the incident and prove damages such as medical bills and intangible losses like pain and suffering.  

Additionally, seeking treatment without delay could also help you avoid disputes over failure to mitigate damages. If opposing parties discover that you put off a diagnosis, they could argue that your negligence caused your condition to worsen, leaving you on the hook for a portion of your losses. If you have not yet obtained copies of your medical records, your attorney can help procure these documents on your behalf. 

Invoices, Receipts, and Estimates

Whether it’s bills for your medical treatments, invoices for cosmetic surgery to treat scarring and disfigurement, or estimates for replacement services, you should gather these documents and keep them in a safe place. Without sufficient evidence to demonstrate your losses, you will not receive compensation for the full range of your damages. You should share these documents with your dog bite lawyer during the initial consultation. 

Discuss Your Situation with a Dog Bite Lawyer in California Today 

Bitten by a dog? You may be entitled to compensation. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our dog bite attorneys can review your claim as part of a free consultation. We have decades of collective experience overseeing personal injury cases in California, arming us with the knowledge, experience, and resources to prevail in even the most complex cases. To lock in a free case assessment, dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or click through to our online contact form HERE.