Dog attacks are traumatic and often devastating incidents. Unfortunately, injuries sustained in dog attacks can affect a person for months, years, or even permanently. That said, if you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, our skilled Irvine dog bite lawyers are here to help. Contact California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC today so we can get started working on your personal injury claim.
Under California Civil Code §3342, dog owners are held strictly liable for damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This means California does not follow the traditional “one bite rule,” making the owner financially responsible regardless of the dog’s prior history or the owner’s knowledge of previous aggression. To secure compensation, a victim must work with a dog bite attorney in California to prove the bite occurred while they were in a public setting or legally on private property.
Dog attack victims not only have to overcome significant physical injuries, but also the emotional trauma that dog attacks so often cause. Because of the multi-faceted impact serious injuries can have on a person, California law allows victims to seek compensation for both the economic and non-economic damages they have incurred. These can include medical bills and lost wages, as well as emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Do not hesitate to turn to our seasoned Orange County personal injury lawyers–we are here to help you get the compensation you need to move on with your life.
Dog attacks can result in a wide range of very serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries we see are as follows:
On top of physical injuries, victims of dog attacks often have to cope with a host of mental health issues after an attack, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Our job is to get these people the compensation they need so they can get the help they need.
Economic damages account for your direct financial losses following an attack. This covers ambulance costs, current medical bills, future medical treatment such as scar revision, lost income from missed work, and specialized physical therapy required to heal from catastrophic injuries.
Non-economic damages cover intangible, personal losses that lack a specific bill. Victims filing premises liability claims for an animal attack frequently pursue these funds for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), long-term disfigurement, and a decreased enjoyment of life.
Dog bite cases can be complicated as there are numerous factors that can impact your ability to recover. These complicating factors include whether the dog’s owner has insurance that covers dog bites (and the policy does not specifically exclude that dog’s breed), specific facts about how the bite occurred, and many more. That being said, having an experienced team of attorneys on your side can help maximize your compensation.
In most cases, injury victims are required to file a lawsuit within two years of the date their injury occurred, according to California’s statute of limitations. That said, this should not stop you from filing your claim sooner, rather than later. The longer you wait, the more challenging it can become to satisfy the burden of proof in your personal injury claim. Our firm is prepared to assist you today.
Yes, under Civil Code §3342, owners are liable regardless of the dog’s prior history or whether they had any reason to believe the animal was dangerous.
California’s strict liability rule eliminates the “one bite” defense entirely. A victim does not have to prove prior aggression or owner negligence to establish liability for a bite.
You have two years from the date of the bite under California’s personal injury statute of limitations to file a formal lawsuit against the owner.
You can still recover financial compensation if you were lawfully on the property — such as an invited social guest, a delivery worker, or a postal carrier completing their duties.
California law also covers injuries caused by a dog’s behavior beyond biting. While the strict liability statute may not apply, a traditional negligence theory can be used to hold the owner accountable.
Do not give a recorded statement, accept a fast cash offer, or sign away your medical rights. Contact a dedicated personal injury attorney to manage all communication on your behalf.
The bottom line is that if you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, our firm is here to fight for the full compensation to which you are entitled. Learn more about our attorneys or contact California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC today to schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable personal injury law firm.
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