Animal attacks are scary, not to mention, potentially dangerous: Even superficial bite wounds can lead to serious infections that require medical treatment. Fortunately, these incidents are almost always preventable – and even when they do happen, you can often pursue a claim for damages against the animal’s owner. Our Laguna Beach dog bite lawyers can assess your case for free and help you decide how to proceed. Offering collective decades of experience representing dog bite victims throughout California, 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 today. If you cannot make it to our Laguna Beach office, we will come to you.

California Dog Owners Are Strictly Liable for Damages

Generally, pet owners in California are deemed “strictly liable” for injuries that their animals cause. This means that you do not need to prove that the dog owner did anything wrong in order to sue him for damages. This is true whether you are attacked in a public place or on private property. To successfully bring a claim for damages, you only need to prove:

1. That the at-fault party owned the animal that harmed you;
2. That the attack occurred when you were on public property or lawfully on private property; and
3. That the animal injured you.

I’ve Been Attacked by A Domesticated Animal in California. What’s Next?

After a dog bite or animal attack, there are certain steps you can take in order to ensure that your claim is successful and that you recover fair compensation:

• Take photos of your injuries as soon as possible after the attack and in the hours and days after the attack to track any changes.
• Take pictures of the animal that attacked you.
• Locate the owner and obtain his or her contact information.
• Report the attack to your local police station or animal control agency.
• Visit a doctor to properly treat your injuries.

Compensation for Dog Bites and Animal Attacks in Laguna Beach

Before you speak with an insurance adjuster, it is vital to contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your claim. Additionally, never sign paperwork or agree to a settlement with the owner before first speaking with your attorney. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we routinely represent victims of dog bites in insurance claims, and as such, are positioned to help you walk away with the compensation you deserve. If you’ve suffered from dog bite injuries, it is possible to receive compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses;
• Lost wages;
• Reduced earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Disfigurement;
• Disability; and
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

Discuss Your Claim with a Laguna Beach Dog Bite Lawyer

Throughout the years, we have recovered more than $300 million for our clients, a large portion of which has been in dog bite cases. We are poised to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and are here to answer your questions. During our free consultation, we will evaluate your case and provide you with an overview of the next steps to take in pursuing the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. With our in-depth knowledge of the relevant law, our team can guide you throughout each stage of your case. Schedule a low-risk consultation today by calling 1-800-GO-Harris or by sending us a message online.