San Diego Dog Bite Lawyers CA

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Several factors may lead a dog to bite or exhibit dangerous behavior. Oftentimes, we aren’t even aware of certain actions that may cause an otherwise “friendly” dog to bite. To help avoid future dog bites or animal attacks, it is important to be aware of the main reasons why dogs might attack.

Guarding

Dogs may bite to protect themselves or their belongings. Some dogs may exhibit aggressive behavior and will attack if they feel that someone is threatening their territory or a loved one.

Play

Mouthing is a term used to describe when a dog uses their mouth to explore their surroundings. This can sometimes result in the dog biting, which is usually just part of the play.

Feeling Frustrated

When a dog feels scared or threatened, it may bite. Dogs may also resort to biting when they are frustrated and unable to get something they want. These bites are called redirected bites.

Pain

Pain can cause a dog to become overwhelmed and stressed, causing them to show aggression toward people and bite. It is important to be careful when handling or touching a sick or injured dog.

Being Startled

Dogs may bite when they are startled or surprised. This may happen if the dog is woken up suddenly and is disoriented. It is important to be careful and gentle when waking a dog and to teach others to do the same.

Fear

Dogs that bite may do so because they are scared or feel threatened. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious when approaching a dog. Even if the dog seems friendly, you may be entering its personal space and making the dog feel uncomfortable.

Who is the Most At Risk For a Dog Bite Attack?

On account of their small size and playful nature, children are most likely to be dog bite attack victims. In fact, half of dog bite victims are children, 26% of which will require emergency room visits.

Dog bite injuries most commonly occur with dogs that the victim knows. According to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, dog bites are more common than playground-related or bike-related physical injuries.

Young boys are the most common victims of dog bite attacks due to their fondness for play. With more people owning dogs in recent years, responsible dog owners and parents need to take precautions when their children are around new dogs or people.

If you or your child have been injured in an accident that resulted in a dog bite, you must hold the responsible parties liable for their careless actions. At Farahi Law Firm, our San Diego dog bite lawyers are here to help guide you through the bite claims process. Our legal team will fight aggressively to recover the financial compensation you need and deserve from the at-fault party. Contact us today!

Most Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause substantial injuries that may require long-term medical care. These injuries can have a significant impact on the injury victim’s quality of life. Some of the most common injuries that can occur from a dog bite include:

• Face injuries – Dog bites to the face are very common and can be very severe, often requiring reconstructive surgery.
• Lacerations – If you are cut or wounded by a sharp object, it is called a laceration. If you have been bitten by a dog, you should see a doctor immediately to lower the risk of infection.
• Broken bones – When a dog bites someone, the force of the bite can create bone fractures in their hands, fingers, or arms.
• Puncture wounds – Dog bites can cause puncture wounds that are deep and dangerous, causing nerve damage. The subsequent bite wound may easily become infected if left untreated. This infection could become deadly. Bite injury victims must clean their wounds immediately and be vigilant for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or warmth. Seek medical treatment from a doctor as soon as possible.
• Infection – Infection is a primary concern after a dog bite has occurred. About 10%-15% of dog bites will result in infection.
• Avulsion – Dog bites can be very dangerous and cause severe injuries. An avulsion is when a body part is torn or ripped away, and this can happen as a result of a dog bite. If you are attacked by a dog, it is important to get medical help right away.

Who Can Be Held Liable For a Dog Bite Injury?

California Civil Code 3342 states that dog owners are liable for any losses their dog causes, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. If you were attacked by a dog while on public property, you can file a personal injury claim.

There is an exemption for cases involving military or police dogs. You will not be able to file a dog bite claim if the dog was defending itself from annoying actions, harassing, or provoking, or if the dog was assisting an employee of the agency in any of the following ways:

• In the apprehension or holding of a suspect where the employee has a reasonable suspicion of the suspect’s involvement in criminal activity.
• In the investigation of a crime or possible crime.
• In the execution of a warrant.
• In the defense of a peace officer or another person.

The amount of compensation that a victim of a dog bite attack receives will depend on the severity of the attack and who is held liable. The owner of the dog may have insurance that could cover the damages.

The following may be held liable:

• Dog owner insurance
• Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
• Personal umbrella liability policies
• Auto liability insurance

Compensatory Damages in a Dog Bite Accident Claim

As the accident injury victim, you may be entitled to fair compensation, therefore you must take legal action. The amount of compensation you could get from a legal settlement if you were attacked and bitten by a dog varies depending on several factors of your case. These factors could include the severity of your injuries and how much financial burden the bite incident has caused you.

You may be compensated for the following economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Reparative surgery
• Loss of income
• Physical therapy
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Psychological trauma
• Loss of consortium
• Other out-of-pocket expenses
• And more

If the accident has caused the death of your loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.

Although no amount of compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one, it may be used to aid the family in any financial hardship that resulted due to the accident.

Contact Experienced San Diego Dog Bite Lawyers

If you have been injured in a dog bite accident, it is important to seek legal representation from an experienced San Diego dog bite lawyer. The skilled dog bite attorneys at Farahi Law Firm are dedicated to winning the maximum compensation possible for our clients.

It is important to have a personal injury attorney with experience in dog bite claims by your side to ensure that your rights are protected from insurance companies that may seek to lowball you in order to avoid offering you a fair settlement.

We have recovered millions of dollars for hundreds of accident victims. We offer a No Fee Guarantee, which means you won’t have to pay us a single cent until we win your case.

Do not hesitate to contact us today! Call us at (619) 776-3851 for a free initial consultation.