Modesto Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
Modesto Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
While many dogs we encounter are friendly and docile, any breed of dog has the potential to bite and cause harm, even if it is not known to be vicious. If you, your child, or another loved one have been harmed by a dog, our Modesto attorneys are available to discuss your options for pursuing compensation. We understand the nuances of the dog bite law in our State and have a track record of receiving large settlements and court rulings on behalf of our clients in dog bite cases.
California’s Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability
Generally, pet owners in California are “strictly liable” for injuries that their animals cause. This means that you need not prove that the dog owner acted negligently in order to sue him for damages. Strict liability applies whether you are attacked in a public place or on private property. In other words, you can sue a dog owner for damages even if you are bitten while you are a guest in someone’s home. Generally, the specific breed of the dog, the dog’s history of violence, and the owner’s awareness of the dog’s dangerous proclivities will be irrelevant.
What to Do After an Attack
After a dog bite injury, 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 dog who bit you.
- Locate the dog’s 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 in Modesto
Before you speak with an insurance adjuster, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your claim. Additionally, never sign any paperwork or agree to any settlement or agreement with the owner before first speaking with one of our attorneys. Our team collectively has years of experience representing victims of dog bites in insurance claims, and as such, are positioned to help you walk away with the compensation you deserve. Our Modesto attorneys are experienced in representing clients who were the victims of dog bite attacks through both insurance claims and in personal injury lawsuits. 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 Modesto Dog Bite Lawyer
At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, 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 because:
- We collectively share years of experience in personal injury law, including in dog bite cases;
- We have extensive experience litigating in California state courts; and
- We take an honest, transparent approach when advising you on the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
We are here to answer your questions and begin pursuing a claim on your behalf for your dog bite injury. 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 history of success in dog bite cases and in-depth knowledge of 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.