Altadena Dog Bite Attorneys

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they can also be your worst enemy. When a dog attacks, the outcome is often grisly. A dog bite can lead to infections, permanent scarring, and sometimes even death. If you or someone close to you was the victim of an animal attack, turn to our Altadena dog bite attorneys to discuss your options.  We can assess your claim and answer your questions during a free case review. If you are unable to come to our offices, we can send our legal team to you. For more information, dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to connect with a member of our team.

What Damages Might Be Available in My Case?

A dog attack can lead to a wide range of losses, from direct expenses such as your medical bills to the intangible impacts of your injuries such as pain and suffering. Based on the nature of your case, you may have to consider many different types of damages to ensure that the eventual financial award covers the full spectrum of your losses.  Our attorneys can help investigate your claim and compile the necessary evidence to determine what your case might be worth. We may also consult with expert witnesses if necessary. For instance, if your injuries have affected your income earning capacity, we might turn to an economist to help estimate the financial impact of lost wages. Here are a few types of compensatory damages that might be available to you and your family:

• Lost Income: The earnings lost after suffering a dog bite can have just as much of a financial impact as your medical bills and other expenses combined. As such, if your injuries forced you to take time off work, you may be able to seek compensation for lost wages.

• Diminished Earning Capacity: Disabilities and other permanent injuries can leave victims unable to return to the same job they were doing before the attack. In some cases, the victim may never be able to work again. At HPIL, we can consult with vocational experts and economists to determine whether your condition will affect your earning capacity and approximate fair compensation for your lost earning potential.

• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: After an animal attack, you may be unable to engage in activities that previously brought your joy. For example, your injuries might prevent you from engaging in your favorite pastimes, performing physical activity, or playing with your children. In such situations, you might be able to pursue damages for loss of enjoyment.

• Emotional Distress: If you suffered intense anxiety, fright, humiliation, shock, shame, worry, or anguish during the attack and/or because of your injuries, your attorney might be able to help you seek compensation for emotional distress.

• Medical Treatment: An estimated settlement can account for not only the medical expenses you’ve incurred thus far, but costs you are likely to accrue in the future due to your injuries. To prove such damages your attorney may rely on your medical records, X-rays, prescription drug records, your personal injury journal, medical expert witness deposition or testimony, and photos of your injuries.

Who Might Be Liable for My Damages after a Dog Attack in Altadena?

While the dog may have committed the attack, you can’t drag an animal into court. In most cases, the defendant in a dog bite case is the animal’s owner. However, based on the nature of your case, a few exceptions may apply. Other parties that could be held liable for your damages may include:

• The Dog’s Caretaker: If someone else was looking after the dog at the time of the attack, this party may be held liable for your losses. However, a caretaker can only be held liable if they knew that the animal posed a threat.

• The Landlord: As the owner of the property, the landlord often has the legal right to order the removal of a dangerous animal from their premises. As such, if the landlord was aware that the dog was dangerous—even if it belongs to a tenant—he or she could be liable for your damages.

• The Landlord of a Commercial Property: Owners of commercial properties in the state have a responsibility to inspect their premises for dangerous conditions, including the presence of violent dogs. If a tenant of a commercial property keeps an animal on the premises and it attacks a customer, the landlord could be held liable—even if the landlord was not aware that the dog was on their property.

• Property Owners: If a dangerous dog escapes due to a defect on their property—such as a break in a fence—the owner could be held liable if the dog bites someone off-site. 

Discuss Your Claim with an Altadena Dog Bite Attorney

If you or someone close to you was severely injured in a dog attack, our attorneys may be able to assist with your claim. Through the years, we’ve helped our clients recover more than $300 million in settlements and verdicts. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or complete our contact form HERE to pencil in your free case review.