Riverside Dog Bite Attorneys

Many dog bites are entirely unprovoked and result in extensive lacerations and serious infection. Often it is possible to hold the dog's owner or another party liable for the resulting medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our dog bite attorneys in Riverside have an in-depth understanding of the laws and procedures related to these cases, and we can help you fight for the settlement or verdict you deserve. We have won more than $300,000,000 for clients throughout California. No matter the potential value of your claim, we will aggressively represent your interests and devote the time and resources needed to pursue the best possible outcome. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Should I Visit a Doctor If My Bite Injury Isn’t Very Serious?

Absolutely. If you think you might bring a personal injury claim, it is essential that you undergo a medical assessment as soon as possible after the attack. Your injuries might turn out to be more severe than you assume, in which case prompt medical care may greatly improve your prognosis. Also, the insurance company might use the fact that you put off the medical evaluation to challenge your claim. For example, the insurer might say that your injuries could not be as serious as you are claiming since you did not need immediate medical attention. Alternatively, they might contend that your negligent decision to put off treatment has caused your condition to worsen or prolonged your recovery and you, therefore, should not be compensated for 100 percent of your damages. Finally, your Riverside dog bite lawyer is going to need official documentation of the injuries you have suffered in order to prove damages. You won’t be able to recover damages unless it can be shown that you suffered an actual injury or loss due to the bite. Simply put, the sooner you get a diagnosis, the less likely the insurance company may be to dispute your claim.

What Damages Might Be Recoverable After a Dog Attack?

Dog bite victims in California may be able to obtain compensation for economic and non-economic damages, which together form “compensatory damages.” In some cases, defendants are also ordered to pay punitive damages. This may happen, for instance, if the owner of the dog ordered the animal to attack you. Below is a list of the compensatory damages that might be recoverable after a dog attack:

• Medical Bills: Past and future healthcare costs arising from the bite might be recoverable.

• Lost Wages: If you were put out of work while healing, any wages you lost as a result can be included in the settlement negotiations.

• Loss of Future Earnings: Will your injuries affect your future earning capacity? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of anticipated earnings.

• Other Economic Damages: Domestic help, childcare, transportation, and other economic damages stemming from the attack might be recoverable.

• Loss of Consortium: This refers to the loss of love, comfort, moral support, intimacy, care, and companionship suffered by the spouse of the injured person.

• Emotional Distress: If you witnessed a loved one suffer a catastrophic injury or die, or if you were diagnosed with a physical disorder due to the attack, you might be entitled to emotional distress damages.

• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If you are no longer able to enjoy the same hobbies and other pleasurable activities you loved before the attack, you may be able to collect compensation for loss of life enjoyment. It may also be possible to obtain such damages if the injury has caused feelings of humiliation or inadequacy.

• Pain and Suffering: A severe dog bite might cause tremendous pain and suffering. Our Riverside dog bite lawyers can apply their in-depth knowledge of the relevant case law and statutes to determine a fair figure for pain and suffering damages.

How Will My Dog Bite Attorney Prove Damages?

The evidence your attorney will need to prove damages will depend on the kinds of damages you have suffered. Generally speaking, though, valuable evidence may include financial records, medical records, your personal injury journal, the deposition of caregivers and close friends and family, and photos of injuries. If a dispute arises regarding the value of your damages or if you intend to seek compensation for future damages, it may be necessary to bring in various expert witnesses to provide deposition, such as medical, vocational, and/or financial experts.

Schedule a Free Case Review with a Riverside Dog Bite Lawyer

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to help dog bite victims fight for the highest possible settlement or verdict. We have extensive experience and a track record of success in these cases. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message on our Contact Page.