Berkeley Dog Bite Attorneys

After a dog attack, you may be able to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional scarring. Our Berkeley dog bite lawyers have years of experience representing dog bite victims in California and we will work to ensure that you understand every step of the claims process.   When you contact us about your dog bite injury, we will immediately get to work investigating your case. We will work with you to identify the dog that attacked you, locate any liable parties, and uncover the dog’s history of harming other individuals. These factors can help us determine the best case strategy.

Understanding California Dog Bite Law

Dog owners in California are “strictly liable” for injuries that their animals cause. This means that as a dog bite victim, you do not need to prove fault by the dog owner. Rather, you simply need to show that the dog attacked you, you were injured, and the person you were suing had control of the dog at the time of the incident.   Strict liability applies whether you were attacked in a public place or on private property. The dog’s breed or lineage, its violent (or non-violent) nature, and its history of past attacks are irrelevant.

What About Police Dogs?

The law protects police dogs in some situations, preventing victims from holding the dog liable for bites or injuries sustained in an attack. However, the dog must be “on duty” for those special protections to apply. In other words, if a police dog attacks you while it is off duty, California’s strict liability law applies. Before moving forward with a claim, you need to understand the nuances of your situation that may affect the law that applies. As such, seek the highest-quality legal representation before you attempt to negotiate with a liable party or insurance company.

What to Do If You Are Attacked

Even though strict liability generally applies to dog bite cases, there are still several critical steps you should take to preserve your claim and heighten your chances of recovery. A skilled personal injury lawyer will likely advise you to take the following cautionary steps, among many others: 

• Take photos: Capture your injuries right after the attack as well as throughout your treatment and recovery process. 
• Seek treatment: Consult a doctor for wound treatment, follow his or her orders, and keep a detailed, accessible file of your records.  
• Report the attack: Contact your county sheriff’s office or the closest animal control agency so that they are on notice that the dog that bit you is potentially dangerous.

Discuss Your Claim with A Berkeley Dog Bite Lawyer Today!

With our history of success in dog bite cases, our Berkeley dog bite lawyers can ensure you are well-represented throughout each stage of your case. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-GO-Harris or by sending us a message online.