The Carlsbad dog bite attorneys at the Jurewitz are experts on the statutes regarding dog attacks‚ and can help you protect your right to full and fair compensation for your damages‚ including medical bills and lost wages during recovery. If you need information regarding your dog bite claim‚ please read the FAQ below and contact our office today for further assistance.
Recent estimates indicate that nearly 4.7 million dog bite incidents occur in the U.S. each year‚ and nearly 800‚000 of these cases involve medical intervention. Close to two-thirds occur on or near the victim’s property‚ and the dog is familiar to the victim in most cases. Children are the victims in 79 percent of fatal dog attack cases. Furthermore‚ the total cost of dog bite incidents is more than substantial: insurance companies pay more than a billion dollars every year to cover dog bite claims.
If you have been bitten by a dog‚ the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Afterwards‚ collect and retain vital evidence of the dog bite including medical records‚ witness statements‚ and photos of the resulting injuries. Also‚ keep a journal and write down detailed accounts of your life after the incident. Last but not least‚ consult with a trustworthy Carlsbad personal injury attorney to have your case evaluated.
A wide variety of injuries‚ ranging from minor to severe‚ can result from a dog bite. Puncture wounds‚ abrasions‚ and lacerations to the face‚ eyes‚ and nose are common. In some cases‚ injuries are severe enough to cause disfigurement and impairment‚ such as blindness. Broken bones are not uncommon in cases involving bigger dogs. Infection and rabies pose a serious threat.
The state of California applies the legal theory of strict liability to dog bite cases. In other words‚ liability is based on ownership alone‚ regardless of the dog’s behavior in the past. The victim only needs to establish the following elements for a successful claim:
- The dog was owned by the defendant;
- The bite incident occurred on public property or while the victim was lawfully on private property; and
- The victim was bitten by the dog‚ resulting in injuries.
Exceptions are often made for cases in which the dog was on duty for the military or the police‚ or the victim provoked the attack.
In public and private property apart from their homes‚ dog owners must restrain their dogs by a hand-held leash no longer than six feet in length. Any loose or stray dogs and dog attacks must be reported to the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services at (760) 438-2312.
This is a tough question with many possible answers. If the liable dog owner has homeowner’s insurance coverage‚ then the insurance company will usually cover the injuries caused by the dog. There is no universal rule‚ which is why it is highly advised that victims contact a reliable and resourceful southern California dog bite lawyer for legal assistance.
Since 2000‚ the accomplished San Diego personal injury lawyers have helped clients hold dog owners liable for their negligence. To learn more about what our firm can do for you‚ call (760) 585-4640 for a no-cost consultation. If necessary‚ we are willing to come to your house to speak with you face-to-face.
