One of the most terrifying types of accidents a person can be involved in is a dog attack or bite. When a vicious animal comes bounding after you, you may be paralyzed with fear. The debilitating injuries you are left with could be costly. You must make sure the dog’s owner is held accountable for their negligence.
Get help pursuing your insurance and civil claims when you reach out to a compassionate and dedicated Pasadena dog bite lawyer at The Simmrin Law Group. Schedule your 100% free consultation today with our personal injury team to learn more about how California’s dog bite laws work, what to expect when you file your claim with the insurance company, and how much compensation your case could be worth.
Common Injuries Sustained in Dog Bites and Attacks
One of the most common reasons dog bite and premises liability claims are not filed is that victims worry they do not have grounds to pursue their cases. However, there are a multitude of injuries and accidents that may be possible in a dog attack or bite. Some of the most common types of injuries a dog bite lawyer in Pasadena sees are:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations that turn septic
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Slipped discs
- Soft tissue injuries
- Concussion
- Broken and fractured bones
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Full thickness burns
- Internal bleeding
- Puncture wounds
These are only a few examples of injuries that may be common in dog attacks or bites. If you have been diagnosed with another type of injury that was not described in the list below, do not worry.
You may still have the right to compensation for your damages. If you are not sure whether your injuries are severe enough to warrant legal action, do not hesitate to contact a dog bite attorney in Pasadena, CA, at The Simmrin Law Group for answers.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Pasadena, call (310) 896-2723
Dog Owners Are Strictly Liable Under California Dog Bite Laws
California law requires dog owners to be held strictly liable for their negligence. Any time a dog attacks or bites, the dog owner will be held accountable. This is true whether the dog has previously shown a propensity towards aggression or violence, or has never attacked before.
In some states, under the “one bite rule,” dog owners can avoid culpability if their animal has not previously attacked or otherwise shown signs of aggression or violence. However, California is a strict liability state, which requires dog owners to maintain control of their pets at all times. Failure to do so is considered negligence whether the dog has previously bit or attacked anyone in the past or has otherwise always been considered a sweet dog.
Pasadena Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Dog Owner Fault Exclusions in Pasadena
Despite the fact that California is a strict liability state for dog bites and attacks, there are several instances in which dog owners may be able to avoid culpability. This most often happens when injury victims are trespassing on the dog owner’s property.
If you were trespassing at the time of the accident, it may be difficult to get the dog’s owner to compensate you for your damages in full. Dog owners can also avoid liability when victims provoke the dog. Dog provocation can include any type of behavior that is meant to elicit an aggressive or negative response from the animal. This might include:
- Hitting
- Kicking
- Punching
- Scratching
- Throwing things at the dog
- Yelling at the dog
- Pinching the dog
- Growling at the dog
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How Sharing Liability Could Impact Your Case
If you are accused of being partially responsible for the dog’s aggressive behavior or are otherwise partially at fault for your injuries, you should still be able to recover the compensation you are owed when you file a civil lawsuit. This is because California operates under a pure comparative negligence system.
Here, you will not be barred from pursuing your case. Instead, your settlement will reflect a shared fault reduction to ensure you are held appropriately accountable for your portion of the accident. For example, if the defendant accuses you of causing the dog to attack after you stepped on his tail, the judge might agree and find you 10% at fault for your injuries.
If that happens, your settlement will be reduced by 10% to account for your portion of the blame. If you hope to avoid unfair liability assessments, make sure you have a knowledgeable and experienced Pasadena dog bite attorney on your side every step of the way.
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How Much Your Dog Bite Lawsuit Could Be Worth
Calculating the value of your dog by damages will be one of our top priorities. You are entitled to total reimbursement when a dog’s owner fails to maintain control of their pets. Examples of potentially recoverable economic and non-economic damages could include:
- Disfigurement and skin scarring
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Embarrassment and shame
- Loss of income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Ambulance bills and co-pays
- Prescription medications
- Mental health counseling
- Permanent disability
Statute of Limitations for Pasadena Dog Bite Claims
It is crucial that your claim be filed before the statute of limitations deadline passes. According to the law, you will have only two years from the date of your dog bite to file your claim.
However, if you have a minor child who suffered injuries, the statute of limitations may be temporarily tolled until your child reaches the age of 18. At that point, they will have only two years to file their claim before the deadline passes. Unfortunately, if claims are not filed before the statute of limitations expires, you will lose your right to pursue your civil claim in court.
Connect with a Dog Bite Lawyer in Pasadena, CA Today
The ramifications of your dog bite injuries may be felt in multiple ways. When the emotional trauma, psychological distress, physical injuries, and financial losses are overwhelming, you have legal options. The dog’s owner or other liable parties should be held accountable in order to repay you for your suffering.
Take back control of your life when you speak with an experienced Pasadena dog bite lawyer at The Simmrin Law Group. Our firm proudly offers free, no-obligation consultation to dog bite and injury victims across Pasadena and surrounding areas. Take advantage of this opportunity when you call our office or fill out our online contact form to get started as soon as today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form