Dog bites in Salinas are a serious public health threat. Personal injuries suffered by victims can result in major medical bills while impacting their physical and mental health for years after. When dog bite injuries happen due to negligence on the part of dog owners, Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. helps you hold them accountable.  

With decades of combined practice, our Salinas dog bite attorneys provide the caring support and professional legal representation you need in filing a claim. Our top case results show a proven ability to obtain insurance settlements and jury awards worth millions of dollars. To get our legal team on your side, call 1-800-GO-HARRIS today to request a free consultation.  

Our Salinas Dog Bite Attorneys Help You Get Compensation For Your Injuries 

Furry, four-legged friends provide a great source of companionship, but still need to be properly restrained to prevent them from becoming a nuisance to others. Under the Salinas Municipal Code, dogs are required to be licensed, contained on private property, and kept on a leash in public places. When dog owners fail to follow these rules, they can be held responsible for personal injuries that occur as a result.   

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyer, we guide victims and their families through the often complex process of filing a claim. Common types of injuries suffered by clients in cases our Salinas dog bite attorneys handle include:  

• Penetrating puncture wounds caused by the dog’s teeth, which can cause significant damage to underlying muscles, tendons, and nerves; 
• Deep cuts and scratches due to the dog’s claws, resulting in infections and scarring; 
• Vicious bites, capable of doing permanent damage to body limbs and causing life-changing disfigurement; 
• Emotional trauma, impacting victims for years after an attack.  

What Should I Do If A Dog Bite In Salinas Happens?  

If you or someone you love encounters a potentially dangerous dog, it is important to try and remain calm. Avoid running away or screaming, which is only likely to further provoke an attack, and slowly back away, keeping an eye on the dog at all times. If the dog does lunge, curl into a ball, protect your face and other sensitive body parts, and use your jacket, handbag, backpack, or other items to protect yourself.  

In the immediate aftermath of a dog bite in Salinas, take the following steps:  

• Note the direction the dog runs off in and whether the dog owner is nearby; 
• Call the police and make sure they get contact information for any witnesses at the scene; 
• Seek medical care as soon as possible, regardless of the severity of your injuries; 
• Contact Harris Personal Injury Lawyers for help in filing a claim.  

Monterey County requires all medical providers to report dog bites to local and state health departments. Our Salinas dog bite attorneys can obtain copies of this report, those filed by law enforcement officers, and statements from witnesses, all of which provide important evidence in your case.  

How Can I Get Compensation For Dog Bite Injuries In Salinas?  

In some states, a ‘one free bite’ law is in effect. This protects dog owners against liability for dog bites if the animal never showed any aggressive tendencies in the past. Fortunately, this is not the case here. Under Section 3342 of the California Civil Code, dog owners can be held liable for personal injuries suffered by others, regardless of whether or not there were any prior warnings or incidents.  

You have two options in seeking compensation for dog bite injuries in Salinas. The first is to file an insurance claim against the dog owner. Property owner and rental insurance policies can usually help in offsetting a portion of medical costs. Our legal team can negotiate with insurance representatives to help you get the maximum amount in a settlement.  

If the dog owner is uninsured or policy limits fail to cover your costs, our Salinas dog bite attorneys will not hesitate to take your case to court. Compensation you may be entitled to in a dog bite lawsuit in Monterey County includes:  

• Current and future medical expenses; 
• Lost wages; 
• Future lost income due to long-term disabilities; 
• Pain and suffering;
• Additional amounts compensating you for any scarring or disfigurement.  

To Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Salinas Dog Bite Attorneys, Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS Today 

Dog bites can have lasting impacts on your physical and mental health. When they happen due to negligence on the part of a dog owner, you have the right to hold them accountable.  

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC., provide the caring support and professional legal representation you need in filing a claim. As we typically work on a contingency basis, there are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket attorney fees. To discuss your options, give us a call or contact our Salinas dog bite attorneys online to schedule a free consultation today.