Downey Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog Bite Injury Attorney in Downey, CA 

Dog bite incidents can be traumatic, leaving victims with physical injuries and emotional scars. If you’ve experienced a dog attack, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and significant pain. California law holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their pets, even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. Understanding your legal rights is the first step in seeking the compensation you may be entitled to for your losses.

At Setareh Law, we help dog bite victims throughout California navigate the legal complexities of their claims. With our dedication and experience, we strive to ensure our clients receive fair compensation for their injuries and related damages. If you’ve been injured by a dog, you don’t have to face this journey alone. Let us guide you toward a resolution that brings justice and peace of mind.

The Impact of a Dog Bite on Your Life

Dog bite injuries can range from minor scratches to severe, life-altering damage. Common injuries include deep lacerations, nerve damage, and infections such as rabies or tetanus. In extreme cases, victims may require reconstructive surgery or endure permanent scarring. Beyond physical injuries, emotional trauma is common, as victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or develop a fear of dogs.

Financial consequences often follow a dog bite incident. Victims may face hefty medical bills, ongoing therapy costs, and lost wages due to time off work. Additionally, those left with disfigurements or long-term disabilities might need to account for future expenses related to their care and livelihood.

Pursuing compensation not only helps alleviate these financial burdens but also holds negligent dog owners accountable. By seeking legal recourse, victims can address both the immediate and long-term impacts of their injuries, enabling a better path forward.

What Should You Do If a Dog Attacks or Bites?

Unfortunately, both dog attacks and bites are common. Each year, around 850,000 individuals require medical care because of dog bites. Even if the dog is otherwise friendly, there is still the potential that it can turn aggressive if they’re scared, startled, or hurt. It’s essential that you take certain steps to protect your rights in the aftermath of a dog bite. Setareh Law’s dog bite attorneys recommend doing the following after a dog bite accident:

  • Contact law enforcement immediately
  • Take note of which way the dog went following the attack
  • Get contact information of any witnesses you notice at the scene
  • Get a description of both the dog and its owner
  • Get medical attention right after the attack

In the days that follow, we encourage you to contact our law firm and speak to one of our experienced lawyers who can help assist you with your next steps. While you are healing from your injuries, we’ll be focusing on doing our absolute best to get you the compensation you deserve.

What California Law Says About Dog Bite Liability

California has a strict liability statute for dog bite cases, which means dog owners are held accountable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property. This legal standard simplifies proving fault, as victims do not need to show that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner was negligent.

Strict liability laws apply specifically to bites. If the injury involves other forms of harm, such as being knocked over by a dog, proving negligence may still be necessary. Establishing negligence requires demonstrating the owner failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling their dog or preventing the incident.

Although the strict liability statute is favorable to victims, it’s important to note exceptions. For instance, a dog owner may not be liable if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog. Understanding the nuances of these laws is essential to building a strong case and ensuring the best possible outcome.

How Compensation is Determined in Dog Bite Cases

The amount of compensation you may recover depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the impact on your daily life. In dog bite claims, damages are typically categorized as economic or non-economic. Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.

In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to penalize particularly egregious behavior by a dog owner. For instance, if the owner knowingly allowed a dangerous dog to roam freely, punitive damages may apply. These are less common but serve as a deterrent against reckless behavior.

Proving damages requires thorough documentation, including medical records, expert testimony, and evidence of your financial losses. Working with a Downey dog bite attorney can help ensure every aspect of your claim is accurately assessed and supported by credible evidence.

Why Should You Retain a Dog Bite Lawyer For Your Case?

It’s important that you seriously consider hiring a dog bite lawyer, as the defendant may attempt to claim defenses like:

  • You provoked the dog
  • You were trespassing
  • The dog was carrying out police or military orders
  • The dog was protecting its owner

If these types of defenses should arise, having a qualified dog bite lawyer on your side to help you build a strong case is important. Even if you weren’t actually bitten by the dog, but still injured, you’ll want to consult with an attorney to pursue a personal injury case. Strict liability law only applies to dog bites, therefore if you’re injured in another way, you’ll need to prove negligence. Negligence can be proved in three steps:

For you to have the best chance of successfully winning either a dog bite case or a personal injury case, you need an experienced attorney by your side.

Why Choose Setareh Law for Your Dog Bite Case?

At Setareh Law, we understand the challenges you face after a dog bite incident and are committed to making the legal process as smooth as possible. Our team has extensive experience handling personal injury cases across California and knows what it takes to build a compelling claim. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or advocating in court, we focus on securing the maximum compensation for our clients.

We also pride ourselves on personalized attention. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and tailor our approach to meet your needs. If you or someone you know has suffered from a dog bite, reach out to us today. Call (310) 659-1826 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward justice and recovery.

 
Setareh Law, APLC

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