Few things are as frightening as being attacked by a large dog or watching a dog bite your child. Dogs are considered man’s best friend, but there is no denying that they can be dangerous, aggressive animals. When a dog feels protective or territorial, it can unexpectedly lash out and you or a loved one could suffer the consequences. Dog bites can be minor. However, our Santa Ana dog bite lawyers have also handled dog bite claims involving serious injuries. Dog bites can lead to permanent scaring, physical limitations, and infections. In some cases, a serious dog attack can be fatal. If you or a loved one were recently attacked by a dog, please do not hesitate to call us at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. Dog bite claims can be complicated, and by working with a skilled and experienced lawyer, you have the best chance at pursuing a successful claim and obtaining compensation. You can reach us through our online form or call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to schedule a free consultation. We will meet whenever is most convenient for you, and if you cannot come to out office, one of our dog bite lawyers for Santa Ana will come to you.

What You Should Do After Being Attacked by a Dog in Santa Ana

Our Santa Ana dog bite attorneys always recommend putting your health and safety first after a dog bite. See a physician as soon as possible for a thorough medical evaluation. You may think the bite is minor, however, there is always a risk of infection. See a physician to make sure your wounds are thoroughly cleaned. Your doctor may recommend other treatments or preventative measures. In addition to seeking medical care, gather information regarding the dog and its owner. If you are able to do so, take pictures of the dog that attacked you. Try to find the owner of the dog or the name of the person handling the dog at the time of the attack. We recommend you report the attack to your local police and/or local animal control agency. Local authorities may have records of that dog previously attacked or biting someone else. Your information may ensure the dog is treated as a dangerous animal under the law. Finally, we suggest calling an experienced Santa Ana dog bite attorney to discuss your circumstances and legal options, including whether you can hold the dog owner or handler responsible for your injuries.

Who is Liable for a Dog Bite in Santa Ana?

• Dog Owners: If you or your child were attacked and injured by a dog, in most cases, the dog owner will be liable. Under California law, dog owners can be held financially responsible for their animal’s actions whether or not that animal has a history of aggression or violence. This is known as strict liability. To recover from the dog owner, you must prove they are the animal’s owner, you were either on public property or lawfully on private property at the time of the attack, and the dog bite caused you harm. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we are highly experienced in fighting for compensation from dog owners under strict liability claims.
• Dog Caretakers: Parties other than the dog owner could be responsible for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, the dog’s caretaker or handler at the time of the attack may be liable. For example, at the time of the attack, someone may be dog-sitting the animal, or the dog may be boarded at a kennel or vet’s office. You may have the right to pursue compensation from the caretaker if they were negligent in controlling the dog or if they knew of the dog’s aggressive or violent behavior.
• Property Owners & Landlords: Another option is the owner of the property where the attack took place. The property owner may be responsible if they were negligent in confining the dog. For instance, they may have let the dog outside without a leash or a fence. The property owner may have left the fence gate open or failed to repair a hole in the fence. Or, another common issue is a property owner letting a dog outside without the collar necessary to make invisible fencing effective.

Additionally, landlords for the property where the attack occur may be liable. If a residential or commercial landlord was aware the tenant had a dangerous animal on the property and did not take steps to remove the dog from the premises, they may be liable for a resulting attack.

Dog Bite Compensation

If you or your child were bitten and injured by a dog, you may have the right to recover compensation for the physical, psychological, and financial injuries. Talk with out Santa Ana dog bite lawyers about compensation for:

• Healthcare expenses
• Lost wages
• Other financial expenses and losses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Reduced earning potential
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Let the Dog Bite Lawyers at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers in Santa Ana Help You

If you have questions about your rights and legal options after a dog bite, contact us at Harris Personal Injury Lawyer and set up a time to talk with a Santa Ana dog bite attorney. You can reach out through our online contact form or call 1-800-GO-HARRIS.