Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyers

Having a dog is a serious responsibility, but not everybody is up to the task. Many pet owners walk their dogs without their leash, exposing other pedestrians to a possible bite attack. Suffering from a dog bite or attack can lead to a lifelong fear of dogs.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog bite attack, you might require the services of an experienced dog bite lawyer. A dog bite injury attorney will help guide you through your bite injury claim and handle all the details of your case during this difficult time.

Statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States every year. And approximately 799,700 persons required medical care.

Individuals at Risk of Dog Bite Attacks

According to the CDC, an estimated 368,245 persons have been treated for dog bite-related injuries in ERs. The injury rate was the highest among children aged 5 to 9 years:

• 0 – 4 years 13.3%
• 5 – 9 years 15.2%
• 10 – 4 years 13.4%
• 15 – 19 years 7.6%
• 20 – 24 years 7.1%
• 25 – 34 years 12.3%
• 35 – 44 years 2.7%
• 45 – 54 years 8.9%
• 55 – 64 years 4.4%
• >65 years 5.2%

Causes of a Dog Attack or a Dog Bite

Many factors can increase the chances of you or your children being dog bite injury victims. Caregivers of all types, especially parents of young children, must keep in mind all of the factors that can lead to aggressive and harmful behavior in dogs. Such as:

• Male dogs are more likely to exhibit aggressive tendencies. They account for a higher percentage of bites and attacks on children and adults.
• Dominant, poorly trained, poorly socialized, and fearful female dogs will, and often do, bite children and their caregivers. 
• Non-neutered or un-spayed dogs typically demonstrate higher levels of aggressive behavior. 
• Leaving two or more dogs in a yard without supervision increases the chance of vicious behavior.
• High numbers of dogs are associated with pack behavior, which equals much higher risk for attacks, bites, or maulings. 
• The number of dog bites goes up during the summer months due to the higher volume of people outside and the presence of a more significant number of dogs.
• The single, most common cause of fatal dog attacks and seriously harmful canine bites is lack of training, supervision, or care for the animal.

Common Dog-Bite Injuries

Every dog attack is unique. Some of the possible injuries are:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Laceration
• Contusion
• Abrasion
• Hematoma
• Infection
• Amputation
• Avulsion (ear and part of a cheek)
• Crushing
• Loss of vision
• Fractures and broken bones
• Dislocation
• Nerve damage and lasting paralysis
• Permanent scarring
• Rabies, MRSA, hepatitis, and pasteurella
• Lingering emotional trauma and psychological issues

At least 1 in 5 dog bite victims will require professional medical care, and approximately 27,000 of those will need reconstructive surgery to recover fully. 

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) affirms that the average cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay is $18,200, about 50% higher than the average injury-related hospital stay. Therefore if you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, you must seek the legal services of an experienced dog bite lawyer to protect your rights and help you recover the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

Farahi Law Firm, APC, has years of experience in handling claims involving animal attacks and bites. Our expert Los Angeles dog bite lawyers aid victims around the state to file personal injury claims in cases of dog bites and dog attacks.

Who is Responsible for Dog-Bite Injuries?

The negligent dog owner is liable for any injuries caused by a dog bite, even if the dog has never bitten anybody before. As long as the dog bite happened in a public place or on private property legitimately, you don’t have to prove negligence on the dog owner’s part to claim compensation for your damages.

California’s dog bite law, section 3342 of the Civil Code, specifies that the owner of any dog is liable for damages if:

• the harm was caused by a dog bite
• the person bitten was either in a public location or lawfully in a private area.

The law provides an exemption for persons suffering an injury from dog bites while a dog is performing police and military service. To apply the dog bite law in California the damage must have been caused by a dog bite, not by any other action on a dog’s part.

The dog owners often carry insurance plans that will cover your damages in the event of a dog bite. Based on the circumstances of your case, the following parties may pay for the damages:

• Dog owner insurance
• Homeowners insurance
• Renters insurance policies
• Personal umbrella liability policies
• Auto liability insurance

Los Angeles dog bite lawyers can be vital in dealing with the defendant’s insurance company and reaching a fair settlement. Often, an insurance adjuster will use every trick in the book to lower the value of your case and offer you a lowball settlement. You will need the assistance of a dog bite lawyer to guard your rights and obtain the financial compensation you rightfully deserve. 

Damages You Can Recover in Dog Bite Injury Claims

A dog bite victim has the right to seek financial compensation for their attack injuries. Compensatory damages in such cases may include:

• Past, present, and future medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Rehabilitation costs
• Physical or vocational therapy,
• Psychological counseling,
• Lost earning capacity
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• And many more

Also, families of victims of fatal attacks are entitled to claim damages by filing wrongful death claims.

It is important to remember to refrain from speaking to an insurance company before speaking to a personal injury lawyer. Our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers will guide you through the entire process of your personal injury claim.

Steps to Protect your Rights After a Dog Bite Injury

Knowing what to do after a dog bite will ensure you receive the right care and monetary compensation you deserve. Following a dog attack or dog bite injury, here are some steps for you to take:

• Call 911 or the police and make a prompt report of the incident.
• Seek medical attention right away.
• Note down the name, address, and phone number, and, if possible, obtain insurance information from the dog owner.
• Note down the name, address, and telephone number of any potential witnesses.
• Take photographs of your wound, bruises, etc. before they are treated, to record more precisely the harm caused.
• Write down the events and circumstances of the dog bite with as much detail as you can remember.
• Keep track of your expenses, such as hospital bills, missed earnings, and travel costs.
• Report the incident to the Los Angeles Animal Control Unit. It will help deter potential dog attacks or bite incidents, and their investigation of the event can support your case.
• Contact an experienced lawyer immediately after the accident

Call Expert Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyers

Many people think that filing a case for a dog bite is trivial, and you might not get anything out of it. However, people often endure severe pain, psychological trauma, and medical treatment for a dog bite, and fighting for your rights is justified. 

If you or a loved one were injured because of a dog bite or dog attack in Los Angeles, you must speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers will fight to win you the monetary compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t collect any fees unless we win! Contact us or call us today at (310) 601-4925 and schedule a free consultation. We speak English and Spanish.