San Clemente Dog Bite Attorneys

When a vicious dog causes serious harm, Harris Personal Injury Lawyers is here to enforce the rights of those who have been injured. If you or your child was bitten, it may be possible to hold the dog's owner or another party liable for the resulting medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our dog bite attorneys in San Clemente know what it takes to win these cases. We will use our extensive resources and vast knowledge of California tort law to help you fight for the highest settlement or verdict possible. Whether you were bitten on a business property, private residence, or public premises, our lawyers can help you determine the most strategic way to proceed with your claim. The consultation is free, and we accept cases on a contingency fee basis. Contact us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to speak with a member of our team.

Does My Dog Bite Claim Have Merit?

Unlike most other types of personal injury cases, it may not be necessary to prove negligence or intent in order to win a dog bite claim. That’s because dog owners can often be held strictly liable for the injuries their dog's cause. If you were bitten by a dog through no fault of your own, there’s a good chance that you have grounds for a personal injury claim. Whether or not strict liability applies to your case depends on the circumstances. For example, if the dog was in the control of a dog walker or grooming service at the time of the attack, you might have to prove negligence in order to prevail. Whether you intend to bring your claim on the basis of negligence or strict liability, Harris Personal Injury Lawyers can help. One of our San Clemente dog bite attorneys will perform an immediate investigation to compile all evidence of wrongdoing so your case is as strong as possible and so we are prepared for all eventualities. At the end of the day, though, proving liability is just one component of winning a personal injury claim. You will also have to prove causation and damages. Causation is usually straightforward in dog bite claims, but a dispute may arise if you had a pre-existing condition. If you claim that the bite has aggravated an existing injury, the defense might assert that you would have incurred the damages even if the attack had not happened. To counter this defense, our San Clemente dog bite lawyers might use your medical records from before and after the attack as well as the deposition of your treating physician and various medical experts. Once liability and causation are established, you will have to prove damages. Dog bite victims in California may be able to recover compensation for past and future economic damages such as medical bills and lost income, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost enjoyment in life. Depending on the nature of their injury, the spouse of the victim might be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium. And if the dog owner had ordered the animal to attack you or if his or her misconduct constituted malice, it may be possible to obtain a punitive award. Ultimately, the outcome of your case will depend on the strength of the evidence. The tactics your attorney uses during settlement negotiations and potential litigation could also impact how your case unfolds. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we always conduct meticulous investigations into dog bite cases, and we know the most effective strategies to employ at each stage of the proceedings in order to pursue the best possible result for our clients.

Can I Share My Story with Friends and Family on Social Media?

Being attacked by a dog can be both physically and psychologically traumatic. It is a shocking experience that can cause mental distress for many months or even years afterward. Getting support from friends and family may help you cope with the various ways the injury has impacted your life; however, if you share your story on social media or post about your recovery, it is possible that your digital content will be used by the opposing party to challenge your claim. There are many ways for a defendant or insurance company to dispute a dog bite case. They might say that you instigated the attack, that your damages resulted from a pre-existing condition, or that you have ignored your doctor’s treatment instructions. Your social media posts—or even those of your close friends and family—may be misrepresented to support such defenses. To protect your case, it’s a good idea to stay off social media entirely while the proceedings are pending.

Contact a San Clemente Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you need legal advice after being attacked by a dog, turn to Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message to set up a free, no-obligation case review.