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 the Simmrin Law Group’s dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles to begin working on a claim right away. Get the legal assistance you deserve by calling us today.
Get the Facts About Dog Bites in Los Angeles
As we mentioned, dog bites are not a rare occurrence. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), there are around five million dog bites in the U.S. every year. The majority of dog bite victims are children, which makes this issue more concerning.
Dog bites cause serious injuries for several reasons. These bites can cause deep injuries and puncture wounds. Additionally, a dog bite can expose you to bacteria and other dangerous pathogens that live in a dog’s mouth.
Here at the Simmrin Law Group, we understand the severity of a dog bite injury. We’re ready to help you legally secure the compensation you need to move forward after a canine attack. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles now to get started.
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
It’s crucial that you get legal assistance if bitten by a dog in Los Angeles. You should also take many other steps as quickly as possible after the attack. The experts recommend that you:
- Contact animal control
- Take contact information from any witnesses
- Seek immediate medical treatment
Medical care should be acquired right away after a dog bite. You may need to receive tetanus shots and rabies medication. Rabies treatment is more effective if you begin immediately, so do not wait to seek care for your injuries.
You should also try to determine the dog’s owner, if at all possible. Sometimes, dogs run off after they bite someone. It can be difficult to catch the dog if you do not know who owns it. Review all the steps you should take after a dog bite by calling our law firm.
Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
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 even if a dog is not considered “dangerous.”
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Exceptions to Strict Liability for Dog Bites
You should be aware that there are a few exceptions to California’s liability regulations for dog attacks. Most notably, veterinarians and other professionals who choose to work with dogs assume a level of risk with their profession.
If you get bitten by a dog while working as a vet, dog groomer, or other 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.
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Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Los Angeles
A dog bite injury can leave you with serious injuries. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can help you 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
Our dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles can negotiate with insurance agents on your behalf. In many cases, we can help you secure a fair settlement that will cover all of your losses. We are also prepared to stand up for you in court if the insurance company refuses to treat you fairly after a canine attack.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite
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. However, there may be special circumstances that reduce the amount of time you have to file.
Failing to submit your lawsuit to the court on time will likely mean that you have no path to recovering compensation for your injuries. By hiring a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after your attack, you can ensure that all deadlines will be met.
Hiring a lawyer early will also put them in a better position to win your case. They will be able to gather witness testimony while the memories are still fresh, as well as gather any physical evidence before it becomes lost or corrupted.
What Happens to the Dog If You Report the Incident?
Many people who get injured by a dog bite are reluctant to report it and seek compensation. This trepidation is usually to do with a concern for the fate of the dog. Unlike with humans, there aren’t many minor punishments for a dog who has attacked someone. If they are to be punished, it will likely come in the form of euthanasia.
However, this only occurs under certain circumstances. A dog who is generally well behaved but who struck out and bit someone one time is unlikely to be put down. After a dog bites someone in California, the animal will be put in quarantine for ten days. This measure is used chiefly due to a concern about a potential rabies infection.
The dog will typically not be euthanized unless one of the following is true:
- The dog has rabies.
- The dog has a prior history of biting people.
- The dog was trained as an attack dog.
- The dog was trained for dogfighting.
If the dog is not euthanized, it may be required to wear a muzzle when in public to prevent a future bite.
Work With a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Take proactive steps to secure compensation after a dog attack in Los Angeles by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group for help. Our team of dog bite attorneys in Los Angeles can help you gather evidence and build a strong claim. Find out more about how we can help right now with a free initial case evaluation.
You can easily reach us. Just complete our online contact form or call our law office today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
