Should I get a lawyer for a dog bite?

Dogs are loyal, affectionate companions that can provide a seemingly endless amount of love and friendship. Unfortunately, every dog can bite under certain circumstances. If you or one of your family members was bitten by someone else’s dog, serious injuries and scarring could result. An attorney can help you obtain the compensation you deserve so that you can recover from your injuries. You could be able to get paid for medical bills, pain and suffering, therapy and counseling, and lost wages. Here are some of the reasons why a lawyer can help you after a dog bite.

Knowledge of Local Laws

In California, the owner of a creature that bites someone is liable for their injuries, even if the animal has never exhibited aggressive tendencies or bitten anyone before. However, owners may not be responsible if the person who was bitten provoked the dog, trespassed, or committed another crime.

If you were attacked by a canine but not bitten, you’ll usually need to show that the owner was negligent. For example, a dog could chase after one of your pants legs and cause you to trip and fall. If the owner was letting the dog roam without a leash, you could have a case.

A lawyer can help you file a police report and make sure that an animal control officer determines whether or not the dog is dangerous. You should also get medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. Doctors in California are required to report dog bites that they treat to the county health officer, so you’ll have a record of your injuries.

In California, any dog that’s declared dangerous or vicious must stay indoors, on a secure leash, or in a fenced yard that kids or intruders can’t enter easily. Dogs could be considered dangerous or vicious if they bite someone without warning, force someone to defend themselves at least twice in the last three years, or kill or injure an animal twice in the past three years.

If a dog injures someone while the animal is roaming or at large and the owner knows it’s sometimes aggressive, they could face criminal charges. Other charges that could apply after a dog bite include creating a public nuisance, animal cruelty or abuse, dog fighting, failure to control a dangerous animal, leaving an animal in an unattended vehicle, or unlawful tethering. The local district attorney (DA) will decide whether charges are merited, and your lawyer can make sure that prosecutors get all relevant information about the case.

Any animal that bites a person must stay in quarantine for 10 days to make sure that it doesn’t carry the rabies virus, but owners can often keep their animals at home during this time. Dogs aren’t euthanized unless they’ve bitten someone for the third time or they’ve caused serious injuries after being trained to fight or attack.

Help With Negotiating and Advocating for Compensation

A lawyer can help you speak with the dog’s owner and make sure you get payment for your injuries. Many homeowners and renters insurance policies will cover dog bites, but you need to persuade the dog’s owner to contact their insurance company.

Getting an attorney to mail a letter to the owner and request an evaluation from an insurance adjuster can be much more effective than requesting payment by yourself. It will make the owner more likely to take your injury seriously and compensate you before you have to file a lawsuit. Insurance companies make profits by denying as many claims as possible and paying low amounts. A lawyer can persuade them that your claim is serious and that making a satisfactory payment now will allow them to avoid legal fees and increased expenses in the future.

After a serious dog bite, medical bills alone could reach the limit on the owner’s insurance. A lawyer can let you know about arbitration and other options, and they can help you file a lawsuit if needed. If you decide to sue, you only have two years from the date of the dog bite.

A lawyer will help you make sure that you initiate your lawsuit soon enough to comply with the statute of limitations and help you speak to the owner and their insurance company. A legal professional can also help you organize medical and other records and present them to the owner and their insurer before you have to go to court. They will negotiate the amount of your compensation and make sure that factors like emotional distress and scarring are considered.

Access to the Resources You Need

Experienced lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies, dog owners, and other entities to help you get the payment you want. They’re familiar with insurance company procedures, and they can make sure you get results as quickly as possible. At Lem Garcia Law, multiple lawyers and paralegals can work together as a team when you need a dog bite lawyer. If you have questions, you can get them answered as soon as possible and avoid unnecessary worry or stress.

A lawyer can help you get medical treatment if you don’t have insurance, get a second opinion from a medical expert, and speak with an animal behavior expert, a veterinarian, or another expert. They can research and investigate the case to maximize compensation and determine whether or not the dog owner was negligent.

If the dog owner is unable to pay for all your expenses and compensate you for your suffering, a lawyer can seek damages from the landlord or property owner. You can also sue people or organizations responsible for caring for the dog, like a dog walker, a pet daycare, or an animal shelter.

To settle your case as quickly as possible and make sure you get what you deserve, contact us at Lem Garcia Law. We offer free case evaluations, and our office grows every year. Our lawyers and the rest of our staff members provide quality service, and we always do whatever is best for our clients.