Although dogs are commonly called “man’s best friend,” they are still animals. This means they are unpredictable. It is more common than you might think for even the friendliest pup to turn vicious, but this is not necessarily the animal’s fault but the dog owner’s responsibility.
If you suffered critical injuries due to a dog attack or bite, you have the right to financial compensation for your damages. An experienced Burbank dog bite lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group can help you hold the dog’s owner and other liable parties accountable for their negligence. Contact our team for a free consultation today and learn more about how the dog bites claim process works and the value of your claim.
Prevalent Injuries After Dog Bites
One of the top concerns dog bite victims have is whether they have the right to sue after being attacked by a dog. Many people have concerns that their cases will not be taken seriously or that their injuries are not severe enough to warrant compensation.
However, it is crucial to remember that your right to compensation for your losses is not tied to the type of injury you or your child sustained. What matters is the extent to which your life has been affected by the injuries.
With that in mind, there are some types of injuries our personal injury attorneys more often and dog bite cases. Some examples of these injuries include:
- Facial trauma
- Dental injuries
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain damage
- Road rash
- Cuts and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back trauma
- Shoulder injuries
- Hip injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These are just a few of the types of dog bite injuries our firm has seen. When you are interested in finding out whether you have grounds for a claim, do not hesitate to contact a dog bite lawyer in Burbank, CA, at the Simmrin Law Group for help.
Legal Options for Dog Bite Victims in Burbank
Many injury victims have concerns that the only way to recover compensation after a dog bite is to file a civil lawsuit against the dog owner or another liable party. However, this is not the case. There are several opportunities for financial relief, depending on the specific details of your case.
For example, you might be surprised to learn that the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover certain types and amounts of your damages. However, if the dog owner or other at-fault party does not have insurance coverage or lacks the coverage needed to meet your needs, you might need to prepare to go to trial.
Although many negative connotations are associated with going to court, this is often one of the best ways to recover your damages in full. Since there are no limitations to the amount of compensation you can recover through a personal injury claim, with help from a dog bite attorney in Burbank, CA, you can recover every loss by pursuing both insurance and civil claims, where applicable.
Liability for Dog Bite Injuries and Damages
You might think it is obvious that the dog’s owner is responsible for causing your injuries and should compensate you for your damages. However, this may not always be the case. Although the state of California does follow strict liability laws which hold dog owners accountable for the actions of their pets, there are instances in which other parties could share liability.
For example, if the dog’s owner took steps to install fencing to keep the dog contained within their yard, but that fencing was defective or malfunctioning, you might have grounds for a lawsuit against the fencing manufacturer or installer. For this reason, you will need an experienced Burbank dog bite attorney to conduct a thorough investigation and uncover all liable parties.
Exclusions to Dog Owner Liability
There are some exceptions to California’s strict liability laws for dog bites. If a dog is provoked and acting aggressively, you will likely find it more challenging to hold the dog’s owner accountable. However, since California also follows a comparative negligence system, if you are partially responsible for causing the dog to bite, you may still have the right to compensation for your damages but at a reduced rate.
Dog owners can also avoid liability if the victim was trespassing or committing a crime on their property. If you are unsure whether these exclusions apply in your case, discuss your concerns with your dog bite lawyer in further detail.
The Value of Your Dog Bite Claim
Calculating the value of your damages is a top priority. The only way we know how much compensation to seek in your insurance and civil claims is by going over every way your life has been affected by not only your dog bite injuries but the attack itself.
General Damages
General damages describe losses that do not have a fixed financial value. They are also commonly referred to as non-economic damages. Some examples include:
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of companionship and love
- Disfiguring injuries
- Skin scarring
- Emotional distress and trauma from the incident
- Damage to your personal or professional reputation
- Feelings of indignity, embarrassment, or shame
- Feelings of anticipation, shock, or apprehension
- Physical pain and suffering
Special Damages
Special damages describe losses that have a monetary value. They are easier to quantify and commonly referred to as economic damages. Some examples include:
- Loss of income
- Reduced earning potential
- Loss of employee benefits
- Healthcare expenses
- Future medical bills
- Personal property damages
- Costs of mental health counseling
Exemplary Damages
Exemplary damages are also commonly known as punitive damages. Here, the court system will award punitive damages if they find the defendant’s actions are intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent. For example, if the dog’s owner has previously been brought to court for a dog bite or knows the dog has a history of violence or aggression, punitive damages could be awarded in your case.
Get Help from a Dog Bite Lawyer in Burbank Today
Not all dogs are dangerous, but when provoked or threatened, they can become deadly. If you or someone you love has suffered traumatic injuries in a dog attack, you can hold the dog’s owner accountable for their negligence.
Get help recovering maximum compensation for your damages when you contact a respected Burbank dog bite lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group. Our firm proudly offers no-cost, risk-free consultations to dog bite victims across Burbank and surrounding areas. Please take advantage of this opportunity by filling out our quick contact form or calling our office today.