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San Pedro Dog Bite Lawyers

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IF YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, CALL 911 AND THEN CALL FARAHI LAW FIRM RIGHT AWAY.

We will fight for you to get you the medical treatment you need and the highest compensation possible. 

No worries about paying us. We will not change a single cent unless we win your case. Get in touch with our expert personal injury attorneys for your FREE case review. We answer right away. Available 24/7.

Free Case Evaluation

No Fees Unless we Win!

San Pedro Dog Bite Lawyers

Dogs are loving and caring pets, but if they are not properly trained or not used to socializing with other pets and humans, they could be dangerous. You must not approach a pet you are unfamiliar with. You must be careful and take caution. All dogs can bite when provoked.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. One in five dog bites results in injuries severe enough to require medical attention.

If you or a loved one are suffering physical pain and psychological trauma after a dog attack, you must file a dog bite accident claim and hire a San Pedro dog bite lawyer to protect your rights. 

You must seek legal representation from experienced San Pedro dog bite lawyers who will advocate for you and obtain the compensatory damages you deserve. At Farahi Law Firm, we have years of experience handling personal injury claims involving animal bites. We are here for you 24/7. 

Why Do Dogs Bite? 

We often consider dogs to be man’s best friend. In fact, of the 90.5 million households that own pets, 69 million of these households own a dog. Because dogs are now so domesticated, most people feel very comfortable around dogs and assume that all dogs are tame and docile. When we meet a new dog, we often ask its owner whether or not they bite. And most often, it is safe to assume that they won’t, but under certain circumstances, even the most friendly dog can bite, causing severe injuries. 

A dog will rarely bite unprovoked. Dogs will usually exhibit warning signs that a bite may occur. But there are a variety of reasons why a dog might be provoked to bite someone.

Being Startled 

Dogs that are startled awake or confused and disoriented. They may feel as if they are in danger, and this could cause them to bite. This is common among older dogs who have impaired eyesight or hearing. 

Fear

A common reason for a dog’s aggression may be due to fear. Dogs may be fearful of an object or person that has invaded their space. Once overwhelmed by their fear, dogs will resort to biting as a form of protection. 

Frustration

Just like humans, dogs can feel overwhelmed too. This may make them feel uncomfortable, causing them to bite out of frustration. Some of the most common signs of a dog’s frustration are growling, snapping, raised fur, and rigid body posture. A more surprising sign that a dog may be anxious is a wagging tail. This action could easily be confused for happiness or excitement.

Pain

When a dog is in pain, they are in a state of stress and discomfort. Most often, dogs in pain tend to bite when they are touched or moved. Even the most friendly dogs could have the tendency to bite if in pain. 

Guarding

Most often seen in mother dogs guarding their puppies, dogs will try to bite to keep others away from possessions they don’t want to share. This is also true for dogs with a high level of food aggression. They may even bite their owner’s hand if they think their food is being taken from them. 

Playing

Light biting, more commonly known as mouthing, is a common way in which dogs play and explore. Although a dog may not bite to intentionally cause harm, there are some actions that may cause a dog to become aggressive and bite. Avoid waving your fingers in a dog’s face as this may encourage them to bite your hands. Do not strike a dog for playful mouthing. This may cause them to bite harder. 

Common Injuries After a Dog Bite

Although dogs are loving and harmless at times, canine bites can cause serious bodily injury. Here are some of the most common injuries from a dog bite:

  • Broken bones
  • Laceration
  • Puncture wounds
  • Scarring
  • Nerve damage
  • Injuries to the face
  • Injuries to the head and neck
  • Infection
  • Avulsion
  • Rabies
  • And more

Depending on the severity of these injuries, some victims may require cosmetic surgery. A bite victim may also develop emotional trauma after being bitten. This trauma can last years, and like all the injuries mentioned above, you will need to seek proper treatment from a medical professional.

What To Do After a Dog Bite

After a dog bite, it is essential to:

  1. Wash and thoroughly clean the wound.
  2. Take photographs of the wounds, bruises, or other injuries before treatment.
  3. Seek medical care for your wounds.
  4. Call the police and file a report of the incident.
  5. Write down the dog owner’s info (name, address, phone number, and if possible, their insurance information), as well as any potential witness.
  6. Note down the events and circumstances of the incident.
  7. Keep track of all your expenses related to your injuries.

Contact the best San Pedro dog bite lawyers. Call Farahi Law Firm. We will fight to get you fair compensation!

Who Can Be Held Responsible For Dog-Bite Injuries in San Pedro?

According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), there were a total of 17,989 dog bite claims in 2021. California was the leading state in dog bite injury claims, with a total of 2,026 claims. So who can be held responsible for a dog bite?

California Civil Code Section 3342 states that the owner of any dog “is liable for the damages any person suffered who is bitten in a public or private place, including the property of the owner of the dog regardless of the former viciousness of the animal or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”

Government agencies using military dogs or police dogs are exceptions to this law if the following factors occurred during the time of the bite attack:

  • The dog was defending itself from an annoying, harassing, or provoking act.
  • The dog was apprehending a suspect. 
  • The dog was investigating a crime or possible crime.
  • The dog was involved in the execution of a warrant.
  • The dog was defending a peace officer or another person.

What Kind of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Dog Bite Lawsuit in San Pedro?

If you suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or injury after a dog bite, you can recover financial compensation for your physical and emotional pain. Hiring an experienced attorney will be an asset. At Farahi Law Firm, we are here to help you obtain the justice you deserve.

You may be eligible for the following compensatory damages:

  • Past, present, and future medical expenses,
  • Psychological counselling
  • Income losses
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Physical therapy
  • Vocational therapy
  • Property damage
  • Loss of consortium
  • Punitive damages
  • And more

How Will The Dog Owner Pay All These Damages?

An animal owner often carries insurance plans that will cover the measure of damages in the event of a dog bite, such as: 

  • Dog owner insurance
  • Auto liability insurance
  • Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance
  • Personal umbrella liability policies

Triple-I states that homeowners’ and renters’ policies cover dog bite liability legal expenses up to $300,000. If your claim exceeds that limit, the pet owner is responsible for all damages above that amount.

In 2021, the average cost per claim in California was $59,561. 

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in San Pedro?

In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. The same is true for dog bite claims. This time period is known as the statute of limitations. In the case that your personal injury lawsuit is filed after this time, the court may rule it without a trial.

Why Do I Need a San Pedro Dog Bite Lawyer?

As the accident victim, it is vital that you have a personal injury attorney experienced in dog bite injury claims on your side. Pet owners could argue that the victim provoked their dog or trespassed on private property when the incident happened. An insurance company could also take advantage of this difficult time and try to lower the value of your claim or coerce you into accepting an unfair settlement offer.

Skilled dog bite lawyers will help you obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Our expert team of lawyers, doctors, and case managers will handle all the complexities of your case so you can focus solely on making a full recovery. 

At Farahi Law Firm, we are here for you to help you sort out these complicated scenarios. Our experienced dog bite accident attorney will work hard to obtain the justice you deserve.

Experienced San Pedro Dog Bite Lawyers

Have you been bitten by a dog in San Pedro? Contact an expert dog bite attorney immediately. At Farahi Law Firm, our dedicated team has extensive experience handling dog bite injury claims. We will work hard to obtain the monetary compensation you need and deserve. We will handle your case with the utmost care.

Call us today at (310) 744-8015 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7. We work on a contingency basis of “No fees unless we win.”

San Pedro Dog Bite Lawyers: FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about filing for dog bite claims in San Pedro CA.

Does liability depend on the dog owner’s actions?

No. Regardless of the situation, or if the dog owner acted reasonably, the owner will be held responsible based on the “strict liability” imposed in section 3342 of California’s Civil Code.

Can I file a personal injury claim if a dog bit me while I was petting it?

Yes, you can. If you were innocently petting the dog without provoking it, you are eligible for compensation if the dog injured you.

Can I file a personal injury claim if a stray dog bit me?

Only if the dog is being kept at the local pound, escapes, and bites you. Then, you could claim negligence against the pound.

How long will it take to resolve my dog bite claim?

It depends on the severity of your injuries and their healing process. We want to be aware of any potential damages before any settlement negotiation.

What is my dog bite case worth?

It depends on the severity of your injuries, as well as your medical bills. We cannot tell without a thorough evaluation of your medical records and viewing of any scarring.

If I have to file a claim against the insurance company, how do I pay for my legal services?

At Farahi Law Firm, we have a strict contingency policy. Our clients don’t have to pay a fee until we win.

IF YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, CALL 911 AND THEN CALL FARAHI LAW FIRM RIGHT AWAY.

We will fight for you to get you the medical treatment you need and the highest compensation possible. 

No worries about paying us. We will not change a single cent unless we win your case. Get in touch with our expert personal injury attorneys for your FREE case review. We answer right away. Available 24/7.

Free Case Evaluation

No Fees Unless we Win!