If a dog bites you in Irvine, California, you cannot hold the animal responsible. However, it is a dog owner’s responsibility to take care of their pet. By partnering with a personal injury lawyer, you can sue a negligent pet owner for compensation.
At Simmrin Law Group, we provide legal help to those involved in pet bite accident cases. To learn more, please get in touch with us. Our Irvine dog bite lawyer can explain what you need to do to file a personal injury lawsuit.
What to Do if a Dog Bites You in Irvine
Research indicates more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States every year. After a dog bites you, treat your injury. To do so, call 911, so you can report the incident to authorities.
Once you call 911, medical personnel and police officers will arrive on the scene. They will make sure you are OK and bring you to an emergency room as needed. In addition, police officers will collect information from you, the pet owner, and anyone else who saw the incident.
It can be beneficial to collect photos and videos at the accident scene. For instance, you can take photos of your injury. The photos and videos you have can be used as evidence if you sue the negligent pet owner.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Irvine, call (310) 896-2723
When to File a Dog Bite Accident Lawsuit
There is a two-year period in which you can file a personal injury claim, according to California’s statute of limitations. This period begins the day your injury occurs. If you do not request compensation within two years of when your injury takes place, you are solely responsible for any costs associated with it.
An Irvine dog bite attorney will encourage you not to wait to file your personal injury claim. As soon as you can after your accident, consult with a lawyer. Then, the attorney can go over your legal options with you, and you can decide if you want to move forward with a lawsuit.
At Simmrin Law Group, we take the guesswork out of dog bite accident claims. If you want to partner with an experienced dog bite lawyer in Irvine, we are here for you. To get started, please reach out to us.
Irvine Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How Much Money You Can Get in a Dog Bite Accident Lawsuit
In California, a groomer who gets bit by a dog or anyone else involved in a pet bite accident can request any amount of compensation. They can seek economic and non-economic damages. A dog bite attorney in Irvine will help their client decide how much to ask for in compensation.
Your lawyer will consider the pain, suffering, and non-economic losses you have incurred based on your accident and injury. Also, they will account for your medical bills, lost wages, and other economic losses. At this point, your attorney can calculate the amount of your damages.
It is in your best interests to ask a negligent dog owner for the maximum amount of damages. The owner was reckless, to the point where their dog injured you. As such, you should hold this individual responsible for their negligence when you file your personal injury claim.
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What to Do if You Get a Settlement Offer After Your Dog Bite Accident
You do not have to report if a dog bites you in California unless you live in one of the state’s designated “rabies areas.” Regardless, the owner of the dog that bit you may propose a settlement just days after you suffer your injury. The owner may also try to pressure you to accept the settlement in the hopes of avoiding a lawsuit.
Do not approve a settlement proposal in the immediate aftermath of your pet bite accident. Instead, meet up with a personal injury attorney to discuss your accident and the settlement offer. The lawyer can share their legal insights and help you decide the best course of action.
Generally, a settlement offer that arrives only days after a bite accident will favor the negligent pet owner — not you. Fortunately, your attorney can make it easy to decline this proposal. They can work with the defendant in your case to reach a settlement before you have to go to trial.
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How Settlement Negotiations Work in a Dog Bite Accident Case
After you file your lawsuit, negotiations can begin between you and the defendant in your case. There is no guarantee that you and the defendant can reach an agreement. Yet, the defendant can propose a settlement at any point before your trial date, and you have the option to accept, decline, or counter any offer.
If you get a settlement offer, you can review it with your lawyer. You can share your thoughts on the proposal, and your attorney can do the same. If you and your attorney agree that a settlement proposal is not what you want, you can decline the offer without any penalties.
Your attorney will notify you if the defendant offers a settlement. If no agreement is reached, you will go to trial. You and your lawyer then explain to a judge or jury why you believe you should be awarded damages.
How a Judge or Jury Settles a Dog Bite Accident Case
A trial can be an overwhelming experience. Your attorney prepares you in advance. They make sure you understand what can happen once your case goes before a judge or jury.
During a trial, you and the defendant in your case present your respective arguments. Your lawyer advocates on your behalf. They dispute any claims that the defendant’s lawyer makes against you.
A judge or jury reviews all of the information provided by both parties in a pet bite accident case. If they agree with your point of view, they will award damages. After you get the compensation awarded to you, your case is closed.
Hire an Irvine Pet Bite Accident Lawyer
Simmrin Law Group offers convenient access to a best-in-class Irvine pet bite accident attorney. For more information or to request a free case evaluation, please contact us today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form