Carpinteria Dog Bite Attorneys
Dog bites in Carpinteria have the potential to be devastating. When they happen due to the dog owner's negligence, Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. helps you hold them accountable. We get the compensation you need to recover in a dog bite claim.
Our Carpinteria dog bite attorneys have decades of experience representing injured victims and their families. Top case results show our success in obtaining millions in settlements and jury awards. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS and request a free consultation today.
Our Carpinteria Dog Bite Attorneys Protect The Rights Of Injured Victims
Under City of Carpinteria Animal Care and Control guidelines, dogs are generally permitted at local parks, dog-friendly stores, restaurants, or other public places. Having a dog designated as a comfort or service animal further protects the rights of dog owners.
However, they are still required to use a leash and take other precautions to prevent personal injuries. When they fail to do so, Harris Personal Injury Lawyers protects the rights of injured victims. Our Carpinteria dog bite attorneys help you get compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. Common types of dog bite injuries suffered by clients in cases we handle:
- Broken bones, due to the weight of the dog and the force of an attack;
- Deep scratches, capable of causing scarring and potentially life-threatening infections;
- Puncture wounds, penetrating soft tissues and causing permanent damage to muscles, tendons, and internal organs;
- Ripping or tearing injuries, causing loss of limbs or permanent damage to other body parts.
In addition to physical injuries, dog bites in Carpinteria can also result in post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). It can impact your sleep, eating habits, mood, daily functioning, and overall health for months or even years after.
What Should I Do If A Dog Bite In Carpinteria Happens?
Contrary to instinct, do not scream or run away if you encounter an aggressive or seemingly dangerous dog. Doing so can further trigger an attack. Instead, the safest course of action is to keep an eye on the animal while slowly backing away, putting as much distance between you as possible. If the dog does lunge, roll into a ball, protect your extremities, and use your jacket, handbag, or other items to shield yourself and protect your face.
If you or someone you love is injured due to a dog bite in Carpinteria, take these steps in the aftermath:
- Pay attention to details: If possible, note the dog's direction after the attack and get a description of both them and the owner.
- Notify the police immediately: They can file an incident report, gathering details such as the date, time, and location of the attack, as well as contact information for any witnesses at the scene.
- Seek medical attention: Do this as soon as possible, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
- Notify Santa Barbara County Animal Services: Under California State law, residents must report any animal attack that breaks the skin to local authorities.
Taking these steps helps to protect your health and public safety. It also provides evidence and can protect your rights in filing a Carpinteria dog bite claim.
How Can I Get Compensation In A Carpinteria Dog Bite Claim?
Under Section 3342 of the California Civil Code, dog owners can be held liable for personal injuries others suffer due to their pets, regardless of whether the animal showed any aggressive tendencies in the past. This applies in cases where the owner let the dog wander off-leash or failed to take other reasonable precautions, such as installing fencing on their property and posting 'Beware of Dog' signs warning visitors.
Depending on the circumstances, property insurance the dog owner has in place may help offset some of your expenses. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, Harris Personal Injury Lawyers can negotiate with insurance representatives on your behalf to get the maximum amount in a settlement. In the event insurance is unavailable or fails to cover your costs, our Carpinteria dog bite attorneys will not hesitate to take those at fault to court. Compensation available includes:
- Coverage of all current and future medical expenses;
- Reimbursement for current lost wages and additional amounts for future lost earnings due to long-term disabilities;
- Pain and suffering, which includes compensation for mental anguish, any scarring or disfigurement, and lost enjoyment in life due to your injuries.
In helping injured victims in dog bite claims in Carpinteria, our legal team generally works on a contingency basis. This means no upfront costs or out-of-pocket attorney fees.
Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS And Request A Free Consultation Today
At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc., we help injured victims and their families get compensation in a claim. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, reach out and call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or contact our Carpinteria dog bite attorneys online and request a free consultation today.