Downey Dog Bite Injury Attorney

Dog Bite Injury Attorney in Downey, CA 

Being attacked by a dog can be a traumatic experience that leaves you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional distress. California’s strict liability laws protect victims by holding dog owners responsible for their pets’ actions, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of the animal’s aggressive tendencies.

At Setareh Law, we understand the physical and emotional toll that dog attacks can have on victims and their families. Our experienced Downey dog bite lawyers have successfully represented numerous dog bite victims throughout Downey and the surrounding areas, helping them secure the compensation they deserve for their injuries and suffering.

Who Is Liable When a Dog Bites Someone in Downey?

California Civil Code Section 3342 establishes strict liability for dog bite incidents, making dog owners automatically responsible for damages when their pet bites someone. This applies regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of aggressive tendencies. The law protects victims bitten in public places or while lawfully on private property, including sidewalks, parks, or when visiting someone’s home as a guest.

Limited exceptions exist where dog owners might avoid liability, such as when the victim was trespassing or provoking the animal. However, these defenses are narrowly applied and require careful legal analysis. Even when strict liability doesn’t apply, dog owners may still face responsibility under premises liability or negligence theories, making it essential to have an experienced Downey dog bite attorney evaluate all potential legal avenues for your case.

What Types of Injuries Can Dog Bites Cause?

Dog attacks can result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and leave lasting physical and emotional scars. The force of a dog’s bite can cause significant damage to skin, muscle, bone, and nerves. Forbes reported that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, with children being the most frequent victims.

Common injuries from dog attacks include:

• Deep puncture wounds that can damage internal structures
• Lacerations requiring stitches or surgical repair
• Infections that can lead to serious complications
• Nerve damage affecting sensation and motor function
• Broken bones from the force of the attack
• Scarring and disfigurement that may require reconstructive surgery

The severity of injuries often depends on factors such as the size of the dog, the location of the bite, and the victim’s age and size. Children are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries due to their more diminutive stature and inability to defend themselves effectively.

How Much Compensation Can You Recover?

Dog bite victims may be entitled to significant compensation for their injuries and related losses. The amount of compensation depends on various factors, including the severity of the injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the extent of available insurance coverage. California law allows victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages represent the measurable financial losses resulting from your injuries. These typically include medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgery, medications, and ongoing care. You may also recover lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working, as well as future medical costs for continued treatment or rehabilitation.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses that don’t have a specific dollar value. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement or scarring. In cases involving severe injuries or attacks on children, these damages can be substantial.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?

Taking prompt action after a dog bite is crucial for both your health and your legal case. Your priority should be seeking medical attention, even if the injuries appear minor. Dog bites can introduce bacteria deep into tissues, leading to serious infections that may not be immediately apparent.

After addressing your medical needs, document the incident thoroughly. Take photographs of the following:

• Your injuries
• The location where the attack occurred
• The dog if it’s safe to do so

Obtain contact information from the dog’s owner and any witnesses who saw the attack. Report the incident to local animal control authorities and the police if necessary.

Preserving evidence is essential for building a strong case. Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation related to your treatment. If you miss work due to your injuries, maintain records of lost wages and any impact on your earning capacity. This documentation will be valuable when pursuing compensation for your damages.

How Can a Downey Dog Bite Lawyer Help?

Dog bite cases can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize your claim or deny liability altogether. An experienced dog bite lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your attack, gather evidence to support your case, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They understand the tactics insurers use to reduce payouts and can effectively counter these strategies.

Legal representation is significant when dealing with serious injuries that require ongoing medical care. A dog bite attorney can work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your future quality of life, ensuring you receive fair compensation for both current and future losses.

Consult an Experienced Downey Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Dog bite incidents can have lasting physical and emotional consequences that extend far beyond the initial attack. California’s strict liability laws provide strong protection for victims, but navigating the legal process requires experienced guidance to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

At Setareh Law, our Downey personal injury lawyers have successfully represented numerous dog bite victims throughout Downey and surrounding communities. Our dog bite lawyers understand the unique challenges these cases present and are committed to fighting for your rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (310) 659-1826 or visit our contact form.

Setareh Law, APLC