Buena Park Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

A dog bite can be a physically, emotionally, and psychologically scarring experience. Not to mention, severe bite wounds warrant medical intervention to prevent permanent disfigurement, infection, and other lasting effects. After a dog attack, you may be able to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional scarring. Our Buena Park 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. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.

Understanding California Dog Bite Law

California is one of the few states that has clearly outlined dog bite laws. 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 that the dog owner was at fault in any way: You simply need to show that the dog attacked and injured you, and the law will consider the dog owner immediately liable for your injuries. 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 factors in proving your claim. As such, dog owners generally face an uphill battle when attempting to defend a dog bite claim. Nonetheless, you need to secure quality legal representation to ensure you are covering all your bases when building your claim.

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” in order 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 do the following:

• Take photos: Capture your injuries right after the attack as well as throughout your treatment and recovery process.
• Seek treatment: As in any injury case, the most important step is to pursue any and all treatment you need to heal and move forward. 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. Not only will this create a valuable record you could reference in a lawsuit, but it will hopefully prevent the dog from attacking other victims.
• Contact a Buena Park dog bite lawyer: Before speaking with other parties, whether an insurance company or the dog owner, engage a personal injury lawyer. Although they may seem straightforward, dog bite cases involve nuances and as such, a lawyer will help you prepare the strongest possible claim for recovery. Never accept a settlement offer without first consulting a personal injury attorney who will ensure you receive an adequate measure of damages, from your medical bills to your lost income, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.

Discuss Your Claim with a Buena Park Dog Bite Lawyer

With our history of success in dog bite cases, our Buena Park 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.