While most people consider dogs friendly and great companions, no one wants to get bitten by one. Attacks from dogs or other animals can leave you with permanent scars, emotional trauma, and medical bills you should not have to pay because someone did not control their animal.
If you or a loved one has been hurt this way, the Simmrin Law Group can connect you with a skilled Costa Mesa dog bite lawyer who can assess your situation, tell you if you have a valid claim, and help you pursue compensation from the owner. You do not have to live with the consequences of someone else’s careless actions.
How We Can Help Your Dog Bite Claim
When you work with a dog bite lawyer in Costa Mesa, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we complete all the paperwork necessary to file insurance claims or submit a lawsuit. We will listen to your story and then research the facts of your case. Our team will identify any liable parties and work to obtain the maximum compensation available to you.
Insurance adjusters do not want to pay you what your claim is worth. They will delay responding to you, blame you for your injuries, and try to minimize your settlement. Our attorneys push back aggressively until they meet our demands, and if they do not, we take them to court to get the financial relief you need.
Our team is familiar with dog bite laws in California and will help you understand your options for bringing the dog owner to justice. Even if the dog’s restraint or fence broke, you should not suffer from an accident that could have been prevented. Hiring a skilled Costa Mesa dog bite attorney will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to follow through with your claim.
California Dog Bite Laws and Owner Liability
Even the best-behaved pet can turn vicious in the right circumstances. Dogs that do not want you near their property, dogs that are chasing prey, or dogs that simply do not like children could all attack. You or your family member could suffer minor or severe injuries, all of which deserve compensation.
California dog bite laws do not allow a “one bite” rule, which is common in other states. The owner can be held liable even if their pet has never bitten someone or the dog does not break the skin. To secure reimbursement for your medical bills and emotional distress, you will start by filing a claim against the person’s homeowner’s insurance policy, even if the bite did not occur on their property.
Why You Should Call a Costa Mesa Dog Bite Attorney Whenever You Are Hurt by a Dog
Not all animal attacks end with a bite. In some cases, an overly friendly dog could knock you down and cause personal injuries. Dog owners are expected to maintain control over their pets at all times, whether on or off the leash.
If you are invited onto someone’s property or home and are hurt by their dog, you can seek legal recourse for your injuries. You could attempt to work things out directly with the owner for your medical bills, but they may refuse to pay if your condition gets worse. Likewise, they may be unwilling to reimburse you for your pain and suffering.
Your best option is to schedule a consultation with a dog bite lawyer in Costa Mesa to understand how to prepare an estimate of your damages and file a claim. This protects you legally and gives you a stronger foundation for seeking compensation.
Insurance Carriers Will Want to Blame You for Your Injuries
When you speak with a dog bite attorney in Costa Mesa, they will ask you questions to determine if you contributed to the attack by teasing or provoking the dog. These conversations may be awkward, but they are important for your claim. Your attorney must not only find out how to prove negligence on the part of the owner, but they must also be fully prepared for the arguments the insurance company will make against you.
Potential Value of Your Costa Mesa Dog Bite Claim
A bite from any animal can be painful, but the bigger the dog, the greater the extent of your injuries. If the pet also causes you to fall and sustain other damage, such as a head injury, your bills and recovery time can be much higher. You deserve compensation for every penny of your damages, both economic and non-economic.
You can seek reimbursement for items with a fixed price tag (economic) and for your pain and suffering (non-economic). Some examples of these include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income while you cannot work
- Rehabilitation costs
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Mental anguish
- PTSD, anxiety, or new phobias about animals
- Physical pain
- Embarrassment, shock, and isolation
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Your attorney will help you create an estimate of your past, present, and future expenses related to your attack and send a demand letter to the dog owner’s insurance company. They will negotiate the best settlement for your needs, pushing back against lowball offers and denials. If your lawyer cannot force them to meet your demands, it is time for a lawsuit to get the justice you deserve.
The Statute of Limitations in California
In California, dog bites are considered a personal injury. The statute of limitations only allows you two years to file a lawsuit against the owner. If you do not meet this deadline, you could lose your chance to seek compensation.
A skilled Costa Mesa dog bite attorney will ensure you do not miss your opportunity to file.
Connect with a Costa Mesa Dog Bite Lawyer Today
When you have been hurt by a dog bite, you should not suffer pain and expense when someone else is liable for your injuries. Contact us at the Simmrin Law Group to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Costa Mesa dog bite lawyer who will work hard to obtain the compensation you deserve.