Long Beach Dog Bite Attorney

Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Long Beach 

What This Page Covers

• Common Injuries: Dog bites can cause severe lacerations, puncture wounds, infections, nerve damage, and psychological distress like PTSD, often requiring immediate medical attention.
• Liability: Dog owners are typically liable for bite injuries, with California’s strict liability laws holding them responsible regardless of the dog’s previous behavior.
• Aftermath: Seek prompt medical attention, report the incident, document details, and consider legal action to strengthen your case and secure compensation.
• Setareh Law: Setareh Law specializes in dog bite cases, offering expert legal representation to help victims in Long Beach seek justice and fair compensation for their injuries.

If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of a dog bite incident in Long Beach, California, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to find help. Dealing with the aftermath of a dog attack can be an overwhelming experience. 

Setareh Law is an experienced law firm that specializes in representing victims of dog bite incidents in Long Beach, California. With a team of skilled attorneys who are well-versed in dog bite laws and personal injury cases, we’re dedicated to helping clients seek justice and fair compensation for their injuries.

What Are Common Dog Bite Injuries?

Common dog bite injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe lacerations and puncture wounds. In some cases, victims may also experience infections, nerve damage, and even broken bones. These injuries often require immediate medical attention to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

Dog bites can result in emotional trauma and psychological distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or an intense fear of dogs. These non-physical injuries can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s quality of life and may require therapy or counseling to address.

Long-Term Impacts of Dog Bite Injuries

The long-term impacts of dog bite injuries can also be significant, both physically and emotionally. Scarring and disfigurement from severe bites can have lasting effects on a victim’s self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, nerve damage or mobility issues resulting from a dog attack may require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Who is Liable for Dog Bites?

In cases of dog bites, liability typically falls on the dog owner. Whether the dog owner was aware of their pet’s aggressive tendencies or not, they are usually held responsible for any injuries caused by their dog. In some instances, landlords or property owners may also be deemed liable if the dog attack occurred on their premises.

It’s important to note that California follows strict liability laws when it comes to dog bites, meaning that the owner is held responsible regardless of the dog’s past behavior, as long as the injured person was lawfully on the property. This legal framework aims to protect victims and ensure they receive compensation for their injuries.

What To Do After a Dog Bite Injury

After experiencing a dog bite, seek medical attention promptly, even if the wound seems minor. Cleaning and properly dressing the wound can help prevent potential infections and complications. Also, report the incident to the local animal control authorities or police to ensure the dog is properly quarantined and monitored for signs of rabies, especially if it is a wild dog.

Documenting the details of the dog bite incident, including the location, the dog owner’s information (if known), and any witness statements, can strengthen your potential legal case. Taking photos of the injuries and keeping a record of medical expenses will also be beneficial when seeking compensation.

Reaching out to a Long Beach dog bite lawyer who specializes in handling such cases can provide you with legal assistance in pursuing a claim for damages. They can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights under California’s dog bite laws.

Potential Recoverable Legal Damages in Dog Bite Cases

When pursuing a dog bite case, there are three main types of damages you may seek: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Economic damages cover financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive damages, on the other hand, are intended to punish the negligent party and deter similar behavior in the future. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the dog owner’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious. Your Long Beach dog bite lawyer will assess the circumstances of your case to determine the types of damages you may be entitled to.

Will the Dog Owner’s Homeowners’ Insurance Pay?

In California, many standard homeowners’ insurance will pay for injuries caused by the policyholder’s dog. Homeowner policies cover the policyholder’s property, which, by legal definition, includes dogs. This means that the property owner’s insurance should cover the damages of a dog bite, whether the incident occurred at the person’s property or not. Renters’ insurance may also cover a dog bite injury.

However, without either the homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, the dog owner may have to pay the damages out of pocket. Depending on the circumstances, the victim or the court may work with the dog owner to create a payment plan if they are unable to pay the compensation as a lump sum.

What Is a Bystander Claim?

Common victims of dog bites are often children and the elderly. If the victim’s family members witness the attack, they can suffer emotional distress and lasting trauma. The law allows that family member to file a bystander claim. To be eligible for a bystander claim, you must meet the following criteria:

• You are closely related to the dog bite victim, by blood or marriage
• When the attack happened, you were closeby and aware
• You suffered significant emotional distress as a result of witnessing the attack

Talk to an experienced Long Beach dog bite lawyer about pursuing a bystander claim. Our injury attorneys will advise you on the steps to take and guide you through the process.

Can I Claim Compensation for a Dog Bite?

In many situations, dog bites require surgery, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and other treatments which health insurance may not be sufficient to cover. The compensation for dog bite injuries does not differ from other personal injury claims. Dog bite victims can recover damages for the following losses:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Loss of companionship in case of wrongful death
• Pain and suffering

The amount you recover will depend on the nature of your injuries, medical issues that arise from the injuries, time away from work during recovery, and emotional distress. The statute of limitations allows dog bite victims two years from the date of the dog bite. Failure to file a claim within this period can cause the judge to dismiss your case without hearing it.

Contact a Long Beach Dog Bite Lawyer at Setareh Law Today

At Setareh Law, we understand the complex nature of dog bite cases and the challenges that victims face in seeking justice. Our team of dedicated attorneys will investigate the circumstances of the incident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. We will ensure that you are fully informed of your legal options and rights.

If you have been the victim of a dog bite incident in Long Beach, California, don’t hesitate to reach out to Setareh Law for the experienced and skilled legal representation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you seek justice and fair compensation for your injuries by calling (310) 659-1826 or filling out our contact form.