Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer
Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney
When a dog bites someone, it can cause serious physical and mental harm, leaving the victim with long-term injuries, medical bills, and emotional pain. If a dog in Los Angeles has hurt you or someone you care about, you should know your legal rights and how to get compensated for your injuries. A Los Angeles dog bite lawyer from Shaffer Law can evaluate your case and work with you to determine your next steps.
Why Choose Shaffer Law for Dog Bite Counsel?
When it comes to dog bite cases, you need guidance from someone who has an in-depth understanding of the state’s laws. Shaffer Law has assisted countless dog bite victims in the Los Angeles area through complex cases, fighting for the compensation they deserve. We understand California’s strict liability rules and are prepared to advocate for our clients and their interests.
Our skilled team at Shaffer Law knows that dog bite cases are about more than just the law. They’re also about the people whose lives have been changed by the attack. Our caring staff gives each client individual attention, so you can be sure you’ll get the care and support you need during this tough time. We take care of the details so you can focus on getting better. We fight for more than just money– we fight for your peace of mind.
California’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites
When it comes to dog bites, dog owners in California are held to a “strict liability” standard. This means that dog owners are instantly responsible for any damage their dog causes in a bite incident, even if the dog has never been mean or bitten before. Dog owners are responsible if someone gets bit by their dog, and the person who was bit was either in a public place or freely on private property at the time of the attack.
This strict responsibility rule protects victims by not requiring them to show that the dog owner was careless or knew their pet was dangerous. It doesn’t matter where the victim was; as long as they can prove they were legally there and were hurt, the owner has to pay for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, even when the law is clear, dog bite cases can still be hard to understand. Some defenses that owners can use include trespassing and provocation, which can change the result of a claim if they are found to be true. Because every dog bite case is different, it’s crucial that you have an experienced lawyer on your side fighting for you.
Possible Defenses in California Dog Bite Cases
California’s strict liability rule makes it easier to hold dog owners responsible, but it doesn’t mean that victims always win. Dog owners can still use a number of defenses to lower or get rid of their responsibility. For example:
- The Victim Was Breaking the Law. People often use the claim that the victim was breaking the law when they were bitten as a defense. If the victim was on private land without permission, the dog owner could say that the victim didn’t have the right to be there, which would mean that the case would be thrown out.
- Provocation is another argument that is often used. If the dog’s owner can show that the victim provoked the dog, whether on purpose or by accident, the amount of pay could be lowered, or the case could even be thrown out. California courts have previously stated that dog owners shouldn’t be held responsible if the dog was provoked, abused, or tormented.
- Assumption of Risk. People who work closely with animals, like vets or kennel workers, may also be able to use the “assumption of risk” argument. Courts have said that these workers know they are taking some risks when they work with animals that could be dangerous.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in California?
It’s important to act quickly if you’ve been hurt by a dog bite. In California, you only have two years to file a claim for personal harm, which includes dog bites. In other words, you have two years from the date of the event to file a case. If you don’t file within this time frame, your case could be thrown out, leaving you with no legal options.
In the event of a dog bite, you should move quickly to protect your legal rights and keep important evidence, including photos, medical records, and statements from witnesses, whole.
What to Expect When You File a Dog Bite Claim in Los Angeles
It can be stressful to file a dog bite claim, but if you have the right lawyers on your side, the process can go more smoothly. A lawyer can start by carefully looking into what happened, gathering proof, and thinking of any defenses the dog owner might use. They can also help you keep track of your injuries and make doctor reports that show how bad your injuries are.
Insurance companies may try to get out of dog bite cases, but lawyers are used to dealing with these tactics. If you get hurt, a lawyer can talk to the insurance company on your behalf and make sure you get a fair payment that covers the full cost of your injuries, both physically and emotionally. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can fight for you in court to resolve the issue.
Common Damages Awarded in Los Angeles Dog Bite Cases
People in California who have been bitten by a dog may be able to receive a number of different damages if their claim is successful, such as:
- Medical Expenses. This includes payments for trips to the doctor, surgeries, medications, physical rehab, and any mandated treatment.
- Lost Wages. These are funds that make up for the work time you missed because of your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering. Pain and suffering damages allow a victim to receive compensation for the mental and physical trauma they endured due to their attack.
- Disfigurement and Scarring. Many people who are bitten by dogs end up with permanent scars. Compensation can help pay for cosmetic procedures or the mental toll of living with scars.
- Punitive Damages: Animal attack victims may get punitive damages if the dog owner’s actions were particularly careless or reckless. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter them from allowing the same incidents to happen again.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Dog Bite in California?
A: The average payout for a dog bite in California varies according to the degree of damage, medical expenditures, mental trauma, and more. While each case is unique, dog bite victims can generally expect compensation equal to the harm they have sustained, with major injuries typically resulting in larger settlements. To learn more about what potential compensation you may be owed, you should discuss your case with an experienced lawyer.
Q: Can You File a Claim for a Dog Bite in California?
A: Yes, you can file a claim for dog bites in California. The state has strict liability legislation, which means that a dog owner can be held accountable for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog has never attacked anybody before. Victims may bring an action to get compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the attack.
Q: What Is the Law for Dog Bites in Los Angeles?
A: California has a strict liability rule for dog bites, which is followed by Los Angeles, just like the rest of the state. This law says that dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, whether the victim was on private or public land legally. There are some exceptions, like when the person scared the dog or was trespassing. Local laws may also add more rules to keep dogs from attacking, like leash laws and license requirements.
Q: How Much Money Can I Get From a Dog Bite Claim in Los Angeles?
A: The amount of compensation you can obtain in a dog bite claim is determined by criteria such as the severity of the injury, medical bills, lost pay, and emotional trauma. Settlements or awards for more serious injuries or long-term damage are typically higher. However, every case is different, and the settlement awarded will vary immensely. In addition to medical expenses, plaintiffs may seek compensation for pain and suffering or mental trauma.
Contact Shaffer Law Today
If you have suffered a dog bite in Los Angeles, it’s crucial that you take legal action and fight for the compensation you deserve. Shaffer Law can help you hold the responsible party accountable and advocate for you throughout your case. We understand that filing claims like these may not be easy, which is why we’re prepared to guide you through every step. Contact us today to learn more about how we can aid you in a Los Angeles dog bite case.
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