If you were hurt by a dog bite in Los Angeles, you are not alone. Many people throughout the city are injured in dog attacks every year. Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries following an animal attack.
You can improve your chances of securing maximum damages for your losses by working with a legal professional. Contact Simmrin Law Group to connect with a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer. Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles can start working on your claim right away.
Get the Facts About Dog Bites in Los Angeles
There are around 5 million dog bites reported in the United States every year, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The majority of dog bite victims are children. However, many adults are bitten by dogs annually as well.
Dog bites cause puncture wounds and other serious injuries. Additionally, a dog bite can expose you to bacteria and other dangerous pathogens that live in a dog’s mouth. If a dog bite goes untreated, it can impact you long into the future.
At Simmrin Law Group, we understand the severity of a dog bite injury. We are ready to help you secure compensation after a canine attack. To learn more, please reach out to us, and we can put you in touch with a Los Angeles dog bite attorney from our team.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (310) 896-2723
Steps to Take After a Los Angeles Dog Bite
After you get bitten by a dog in Los Angeles, you need to respond accordingly. It is a good idea to seek out legal help right away. Also, you should:
- Contact animal control. Provide Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control with as much information as you can about your dog bite attack.
- Get the contact information of anyone involved. Request the name, phone number, address, and other contact information of the owner of the dog responsible for your attack and anyone that witnessed the attack.
- Go to a doctor for a medical evaluation and treatment. Call 911 or go to an emergency room so you can receive immediate medical care for your dog bite.
Do not forgo medical care for a dog bite in Los Angeles. You may need to receive a tetanus shot and rabies medication. Rabies treatment tends to be most effective if you receive it immediately after a dog bites you.
If possible, find the owner of the dog responsible for your attack. Sometimes, dogs run off after they bite someone. If you find the dog’s owner, you may be able to get compensation for any injuries you suffer without having to go to court.
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California’s Laws on Dog Bites in Los Angeles
If you are bitten by a dog in California, the law will likely be on your side. California uses strict liability regulations for dog bite cases. These regulations mean that the dog’s owner will be liable for any physical injuries you suffered if you were bitten on public property or while lawfully on private property.
A dog’s owner will be liable in California, even if the dog never previously bit anyone. Because of this, you may be able to get compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. You can request compensation from the dog’s owner, regardless of whether their pet is considered “dangerous.”
With help from a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles, you can get additional insights into California’s laws and how they apply to your case. The lawyer can answer any questions you have regarding California’s laws and other legal topics. Plus, the attorney can provide you with information about exceptions to various California dog bite laws.
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Exceptions to Strict Liability for Dog Bites
There are several exceptions to California’s liability regulations for dog attacks. Most notably, veterinarians and other professionals that choose to work with dogs assume a level of risk with their profession. They cannot necessarily sue the owner of a dog that bites them while they are working.
If you get bitten by a dog while working as a vet, dog groomer, or another dog-care professional, the dog’s owner may not be held responsible for your injuries. However, if the owner knew their dog was aggressive and did not warn you, you could still be entitled to compensation for your losses. In this instance, it is beneficial to partner with a dog bite lawyer.
A dog bite attorney in Los Angeles treats every case as its own entity. The lawyer considers if there are any exceptions that may prevent a dog bite victim from seeking damages. If not, the attorney helps their client request the most damages possible.
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Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Los Angeles
A dog bite injury can leave you with serious injuries. With help from a dog bite attorney, you can secure full compensation for your losses. You may be entitled to damages for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages at work
- Lost earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
An LA dog bite lawyer can negotiate with insurance agents on your behalf. In many cases, your attorney can help you secure a fair settlement that will cover all of your losses. Your lawyer is also prepared to stand up for you in court if an insurance company refuses to treat you fairly after a canine attack.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in LA
In California, those who have suffered any form of personal injury generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. Typically, if you do not file your dog bite lawsuit within this period, you lose the right to do so at a later time. Yet, there may be special circumstances that reduce the amount of time you have to file.
Failing to submit your dog bite accident lawsuit to the court on time will likely mean that you have no path to recovering compensation for your injuries. By hiring an LA dog bite attorney as soon as possible after your attack, you can ensure that all deadlines will be met. Most importantly, your attorney will help you get damages as quickly as possible.
Hiring a Los Angeles dog attack lawyer early puts you in the best position to win your case. Your attorney will have plenty of time to gather witness testimony. On top of that, your lawyer can gather any physical evidence before it gets lost or damaged.
What to Expect After You Report a Dog Bite in Los Angeles
Many people that get injured by a dog bite are reluctant to report it and seek compensation. This trepidation is usually due to a concern for the fate of the dog. If the dog is punished, it may be euthanized.
Euthanasia for dogs is rare, and a dog that bites a person once is unlikely to be put down. If a dog bites someone in California, it must be put into quarantine for 10 days. This is due primarily to the concern that the dog may spread rabies.
A dog in California usually will not be euthanized after an attack unless it has rabies or a history of biting people or was trained to bite or attack people. In the future, the dog may be required to wear a muzzle. It may need to do so when it is out in public as an additional safety measure.
How a Los Angeles Dog Bite Accident Case Can Get Settled Outside the Courtroom
Initially, your LA dog bite lawyer will encourage you to review any settlement offers that come your way. The defendant in your case may propose a settlement at any point before your trial. It is in your best interest to examine a settlement offer and determine if it meets your expectations.
With a settlement, you should not accept anything unless it provides you with adequate compensation. The recovery time from a dog bite injury can last months or years. During this time, you need a sufficient amount of money to cover your medical bills and related expenses.
If you find a settlement proposal is less than you want, do not accept it. At this point, your attorney can notify the defendant about your decision to reject their proposal. You and your lawyer can keep working together to make sure you get the maximum amount of damages.
Work with a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Simmrin Law Group can help you with your Los Angeles dog bite case. 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
