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Dog Bite Lawsuits in California

Dog Bite Lawsuits In California

Have you been bit by a dog in California?

If you have been bit by someone else’s dog and have suffered serious injuries as a result, you are probably concerned about the cost of your medical bills, or time you will lose away from work, or even future surgeries or rehabilitation you might need as a result.

You undoubtedly have many questions and concerns, one of which is “how am I going to pay these bills?” Another question might be “am I the one who is financially responsible for these costs?”

The answer is, you should not be responsible for paying the costs of your treatment and for other financial losses you have suffered as a result. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you get compensation from the dog owner’s insurance policy to help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Let me give you some helpful information about how this process works in California.

Dog Bite Claims – An Overview

Dog bites or attacks by a dog constitute approximately one third of all homeowners’ insurance related claims each year in the United States. And though these occurrences are common, laws and legal recourse varies from state to state.

In California, owners may be held wholly liable for any injuries his/her dog may inflict. It does not matter whether or not the offending dog has ever shown an aggressive side or previously acted out by biting—the victim of the incident only need prove a few key factors:

  • The attacking dog is owned by the defendant (the person who the claim is made against)
  • The dog bite occurred on either public property or on lawfully occupied private property
  • The victim of the dog attack was actually bitten and/or injured by the dog in question

This means that if you have suffered from a dog bite or dog attack which required medical treatment or a trip to the emergency room you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the owner of the dog. This will allow you to recover any related damages, such as: associated medical bills, compensation from any work you were unable to perform or complete as a result of your dog bite injury. It can also include emotional trauma and pain and suffering.

A dog bite lawyer in California, such as Kubota & Craig, can help you file a claim to ensure you receive maximum compensation from the insurance company.

Establishing Liability in Dog Bite Cases

Establishing the dog’s owner is an important aspect of establishing who is liable, i.e., who you would pursue a personal injury lawsuit against. There are circumstances, however, in which a dog owner is not liable for a dog bite or dog related injury, including:

  • If the individual bitten was trespassing
  • If the dog bites its treating veterinarian
  • If the dog bites after being provoked; for instance, if the dog’s owner has warned the bite victim to not approach or interact with the dog, and the bite victim persists and provokes the animal
  • If the dog bites someone while assisting the police or in a military operation

Otherwise, the owner of the dog has liability for the harm caused to you.
Personal liability coverage, such as homeowners’ insurance or renters’ insurance often covers damages related to a dog bite. However, in some instances the damages exceed insurance coverage, in which case you will be required to file a lawsuit to be fully compensated for your injuries and damages.

What Will Happen To The Dog?

As for the fate of the animal involved in a dog bite claim, the outcome varies depending on the case. Oftentimes, Animal Control exercises influence in how the dog is dealt with following an attack. Sometimes this means the animal must be put down. In other instances, the dog’s owner is simply held liable for damages and related costs.

Conclusion

To pursue a dog bite personal injury claim in California, it’s essential to consult with a personal injury lawyer versed in handling cases of this nature. That’s because there are qualifiers involved when it comes to establishing liability. Likewise, California differs from other states when it comes to dog bites and the law. So it’s important that your personal injury attorney understands the specifics of your case, so that you are awarded the proper compensation for your suffering.

If you need any assistance or would like to learn more, feel free to visit California dog bite attorneys – Kubota & Craig – at https://www.kubotacraig.com/dog-bite-lawyer/, or call us at 949-218-5676 for a free consultation.

Kubota & Craig’s personal injury attorneys are respected, experienced, and peer-referred, due to their unmatched advocacy and litigation skills, as well as their investment in raising the bar of excellence in Southern California’s legal community. Because of the superior verdicts and settlements they have obtained in the past two decades, they are among the most highly regarded personal injury attorneys in Southern California.

  • Disclaimer: The legal information presented in this article should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship.
Irvine's Leading Accident Lawyers
Kubota & Craig
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Josie FlemingJosie Fleming
03:58 31 May 23
I had the misfortune of being in a car accident near the Irvine Spectrum Center last year, but the amazing team at Kubota & Craig turned my luck around. They were friendly and helpful from day one, and thanks to their diligence, I received a great settlement. My family and I are truly happy with the results. Highly recommended.
Jayne PetersonJayne Peterson
12:52 21 May 23
Having been involved in my first car accident, I was feeling very stressed about it. But after searching for car accident lawyers in Irvine and speaking with Yoshi Kubota, I was definitely feeling better about what lie ahead of me. I had full confidence in their ability to get me the maximum amount possible in my situation. Even though they are a very busy firm, they always took the time to answer my questions and address my concerns. I'm so glad I went with this law firm. If you're in need of a car accident lawyer in Irvine, I highly recommend them for their expertise and exceptional service.
Elaine WrightElaine Wright
15:13 20 May 23
If you're in need of the best car accident lawyers in Orange County, California, look no further than Kubota & Craig. They provided top-notch service, and although I wouldn't wish an accident on anyone, I highly recommend them to represent you. Their team was great, and I was always so impressed with Yoshi who handled my case. He got me a fantastic result and was a class-act every step of the way.
Carmen SimpsonCarmen Simpson
05:40 19 May 23
As a satisfied client of Kubota & Craig, I highly recommend their services for anyone in need of an Orange County car accident lawyer. Yoshi and Cynthia's team were exceptional in handling my complex case with the utmost professionalism and efficiency. Throughout the process, they were always available to answer any questions or concerns I had, providing me with much-needed peace of mind. Dealing with insurance adjusters can be a daunting task, but Kubota & Craig made it stress-free. From start to finish, their dedicated team worked tirelessly to ensure that my case was resolved in my favor. I'm grateful for their assistance and thankful to have had such a great group of people by my side during this difficult time. For anyone seeking a reliable car accident lawyer in Orange County, I highly recommend Kubota & Craig.
Vickie StanleyVickie Stanley
09:56 18 May 23
Kubota & Craig provided excellent service as my car crash lawyer. They handled both my case professionally, efficiently, and honestly, helping me get the medical attention I needed and resolving issues with car insurance. The team kept us informed throughout the process and addressed any concerns. I highly recommend their firm.
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