Being attacked or bitten by a dog can cause painful injuries and psychological trauma, not to mention the costly medical expenses. Our compassionate and experienced dog bite injury Los Angeles attorneys at LA Injury Group will have time to hear your story. We’ll seek justice for you and ensure that you’ll get a fair settlement. Call us at (818) 240-1800 for a FREE evaluation of your case.
Los Angeles follows a strict liability dog bite law, where a pet owner can be held responsible even without proving the owner’s negligence. According to the statute, the dog’s owner is accountable for the damages or losses sustained by the victim while legally in a public or private place. This is whether the former savageness of the animal or if the owner knew of such ferociousness.
If your or your loved one’s injuries were caused by a dog bite, and you were lawfully on the property when the incident occurred, either the owner or the handler of the canine is accountable for your injuries. However, exceptions apply when the dog is doing police or military work.
The dog owner can’t argue that he didn’t know that his dog is dangerous. Additionally, he can’t disagree that he or she took measures to prevent their pets from injuring other people. The rule also carries out even if the animal never bit anyone in the past, or has no record of aggressiveness towards people.
In Los Angeles, the term “dog owner” means anyone who is accommodating or keeping a dog. Usually, it’s the dog owner who is responsible for injuries, property damage, or death caused by the animal. In case someone else takes care of or handles the dog during the attack or bite, that person is liable.
If the dog’s owner is a minor or is below 18 years old, that person’s parents will become liable to pay for the injured medical expenses. Another thing is, a landlord can become responsible if he knew that his tenant was sheltering a dangerous animal but didn’t do anything to avoid probable attacks. When you’re confused about liability regarding dog bite injuries, you can speak with our expert dog bite injury Los Angeles lawyers at LA Injury Group.
A dog attacks or bites for several reasons. Even a pet that hasn’t shown any viciousness may unexpectedly act wildly under the wrong situation. Generally, a dog will attack or bite when it’s terrified or threatened. Moreover, it will bite to protect its puppies, toys, owner, or territory. A few of the main reasons why dogs attack or bite include:
Dog attacks or bites can cause terrible injuries that will affect your quality of life. A dog won’t let go easily after biting its victim. Its teeth and claws can cause fatal injuries including:
Aside from external injuries, you’ll also suffer from emotional injuries including affliction, distress, cynophobia (fear of dogs), and post-traumatic stress disorder.
After a dog attacks or bit you, there are a few steps that you need to follow. These are:
Taking the right steps following a dog attack or bite can help you prevent infections and hold the pet owner or dog handler responsible for your losses. Don’t hesitate to speak with our expert dog bite injury Los Angeles attorney regarding your legal rights before accepting any settlement the insurance company will offer.
After suffering injuries, especially if it’s serious, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the following:
You can start filing your claim within two years from the date of your injury. Don’t think that two years is a very long time because before you know it, the time given to you has already expired. Filing earlier is better than filing it beyond the given time frame or you’ll lose your right to compensation.
The pieces of evidence you might have could be gone. You may no longer be able to contact your possible witnesses to testify for you. Call the LA Injury Group to help you file a claim as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one has been attacked or bitten by a dog, contact a professional dog bite injury Los Angeles attorney at the LA Injury Group. We provide the most comprehensive help in terms of personal injury cases. If you suffer injuries because of other people’s negligence, you deserve to receive compensation.
Call us today at (818) 240-1800 and schedule a FREE consultation of your case. We work on a contingency fee basis.