Were you or a loved one injured by being attacked by a dog? Whether you are suffering from a relatively minor dog bite wounds, or you are recovering from significant and disfiguring injuries, we recommend calling an Oceanside dog bite lawyer to discuss California’s dog bite law and your options. When someone else’s pet causes you harm, you may be able to hold the owner responsible for your injuries. However, this is not always an easy or fast process. It takes gathering evidence and building a case against the owner to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries. It helps to work with a highly experienced and skilled dog attack lawyer who has handled similar cases in the past. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle dog bite and other animal attack cases on a regular basis. We understand the nuances of these cases and are prepared to fight for your rights against a defensive dog owner. Over the years, we have built a strong reputation and a track record of success. We have helped more than 5,000 clients receive more than $300 million in settlements and court rulings. Let us fight for you as we did them.

California Dog Bite Law

California’s dog bite law is found in the California Civil Code Section 3342. The law states that a dog’s owner is liable for the damages anyone suffers by being bitten by the dog in a public place, or when the victim is lawfully in a private place, regardless of the dog’s former viciousness or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. Under this law, California dog owners are strictly liable for the injuries their dogs cause. You do not have to prove that the dog attacked or bit someone before. You do not need to prove the dog is aggressive, dangerous, or vicious.

Who May Be Liable For Dog Bite Injuries?

It is important to note that the dog owner may not be the only party liable for your injuries. Dog owners are most often liable for their dog’s actions. That is because the owner is usually responsible for confining, restraining, and controlling the dog. This includes ensuring the dog has an appropriate outdoor kennel, physical fence or chain, or working invisible fencing. It also includes making sure the dog is on a leash while in public or behaves appropriately in off-leash areas, like dog parks. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be able to hold another party responsible for your injuries, including the dog’s caretakers, which may include a dog walker or an employee of a veterinary office or boarding business. Or, the property owners or landlords may be liable, if the owner or landlord was responsible for the animal’s confinement, such as maintaining a fence. If you are unsure of who was responsible for the dog at the time of the attack, contact our Oceanside dog bite attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. We will thoroughly investigate the facts of the attack, including identifying the dog, identifying the dog’s owner, and identifying any other relevant parties.

Proving Your Dog Bite Claim

To obtain compensation for your dog bite injuries, there are several elements you and your Oceanside dog bite lawyer must establish. If you are seeking compensation from the dog’s owner under California’s strict liability law, then you move to prove:

• The defendant owned the dog at the time of the attack;
• At the time of the attack, you were on public property or were lawfully on private property; and
• The dog bit you and caused you an injury.

If you believe another person was responsible for the attack, then talk with us about proving the dog’s handler or a property owner was negligent. When someone other than the owner was responsible for the dog, then that person had a responsibility to control the dog and keep others reasonably safe. For example, if a dog walker took the dog in public, they are responsible for keeping the dog on a leash and ensuring it does not get away from them. If they failed to do that, and their failure led to the dog’s attack and your injuries, you may be able to prove the dog walker was negligent and liable for compensating you.

Dog Bite Compensation in Oceanside, CA

When you are suffering from dog bite injuries, talk with us at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers about pursuing compensation for your:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Other Related Expenses
• Physical Pain and Suffering
• Emotional Distress
• Permanent Disfigurement
• Disability
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life
• Reduced Earning Capacity

Call Harris Personal Injury Lawyer For Help Today

Our Oceanside dog bite lawyers will fight hard for you to receive the maximum amount of compensation possible for your injuries. If the dog’s owner or handler has insurance, then we may pursue an insurance settlement. However, if there is no relevant insurance policy or the insurer refuses to agree to a fair settlement, then we are prepared to take your case to court. To learn more about how we can help, call us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to schedule your free initial consultation.