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Dog bites can lead to painful injuries, emotional trauma, and costly medical bills. Millions of people are bitten by dogs yearly, and many of these incidents require medical attention.

In some cases, dog bites cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, or even life-altering injuries. If you’ve been injured by a dog bite in Salinas, California, you may be entitled to compensation under the state’s strict liability laws.

At Silva Injury Law, we understand how devastating a dog bite injury can be. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact a Salinas dog bite lawyer today to discuss your case.

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From the moment I called Michael for guidance after our accident I felt like we were family.

Lori F.

The whole team makes you feel informed and confident.

Debbie M.

My attorney was exceptionally knowledgeable, so kind with my children and explained the process so well. 

Tiffany M.

They were the best advocates for me and the process felt smooth the whole way through.

Tanisha M.

They made sure all of my doctor’s appointments were taken care of and that I had the best care.

Azsah R.

Most sincere thanks to the Silva Injury Law team for guiding me through this very difficult process.

Brandi P.

California Dog Bite Laws: Strict Liability

California is a strict liability state for dog bites. This law means that dog owners are typically responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression.

Unlike states with one-bite laws, California does not require victims to prove the dog’s owner knew the animal was dangerous. However, there are specific exceptions to strict liability that you need to be aware of.

  • Trespassing. If the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property, strict liability does not apply.
  • Provocation. Owners may not be liable if the victim provoked or harassed the dog.
  • Veterinary and kennel workers. Individuals working with animals professionally assume some risk. Such individuals cannot sue for strict liability but may file a negligence claim.
  • Caretakers. Non-owners caring for a dog can also be held liable for negligence. However, they would not be held to the strict liability standard.
  • Law enforcement dogs. Military or police dogs are exempt if they were performing their duties when the bite occurred.

Understanding these nuances can be complex. The Salinas dog bite attorneys at Silva Injury Law can help you determine how these laws apply to your situation.

What Happens After a Dog Bite in Salinas?

If a dog bite occurs, California law requires the dog to be quarantined for up to 10 days to monitor for rabies or other diseases. The dog can often remain with its owner during the quarantine. However, more severe incidents may require the dog to be held at an animal control facility.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which require long-term medical care. Common injuries include:

  • Puncture wounds,
  • Lacerations,
  • Fractured bones,
  • Torn ligaments,
  • Nerve damage,
  • Disfiguring scars,
  • Infections, and
  • Traumatic amputations.

In addition to these injuries, victims may suffer psychological trauma, including fear and anxiety related to future dog encounters. If you or a loved one have sustained any of these injuries, contact a dog bite lawyer in Salinas today.

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We’ll handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on healing from the damage that’s been done.

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Non-Bite Injuries Caused by Dogs

Dogs can cause serious injuries even without biting. For example, a dog might knock someone over, causing broken bones or a concussion, or run into the road, triggering a car or bicycle accident. In these cases, victims cannot sue under strict liability, but they can sue under the negligence theory.

To prevail, they would have to prove that the dog owner’s negligence—such as failing to leash or control their pet—directly caused their injuries.

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What Compensation Is Available for Dog Bite Victims?

Victims of dog bites may be entitled to both economic and noneconomic damages. These damages help cover the financial and emotional costs of a dog bite injury.

Economic damages are those losses that are tangible and quantifiable because there is an associated financial loss. Examples of economic damages include:

  • Medical expenses, including things like hospital stays, surgeries, medications, etc.;
  • Lost wages due to missed work;
  • Rehabilitation costs; and
  • Future medical expenses or long-term care.

Noneconomic damages include compensation for intangible losses, such as:

  • Pain and suffering,
  • Emotional distress,
  • Psychological trauma from disfigurement, and
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.

At Silva Injury Law, our Salinas dog bite lawyers work diligently to calculate and pursue the maximum compensation for your losses.

How to Document a Dog Bite Incident

Proper documentation is critical to building a strong case. Here’s what you should do if a dog has bitten you:

  1. Gather information—collect the dog owner’s name, address, and phone number;
  2. Take photos—document your injuries, the dog, and the location of the incident;
  3. Report the incidentfile a report with local animal control and law enforcement;
  4. Seek medical attention—visit a doctor immediately and keep all medical records; and
  5. Research Salinas dog bite law firms—a skilled dog bite lawyer can guide you through the claims process.

Even though California is a strict liability state, it’s crucial to build a strong case to maximize your potential compensation.

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Promoting Healing Through Compassionate Advocacy

We believe that our duty goes beyond achieving large monetary awards for our clients. We strive first to be decent human beings who seek not to stir up fights, but to solve problems.

As a peacemaker, the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be enough business.
-- Abraham Lincoln

Why Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Salinas?

Not all personal injury attorneys are experienced in handling dog bite cases. Dog bite claims involve unique legal and procedural complexities that require first-hand knowledge.

By hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer in Salinas, you’ll have someone who understands California’s strict liability laws.

Contact a Salinas Dog Bite Lawyer at Silva Injury Law Today

At Silva Injury Law, we pride ourselves on compassionate advocacy for our clients and fierce opposition to those who try to deny them justice.

If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our team of dedicated Salinas dog bite lawyers is ready to help you navigate your claim and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.

We have decades of combined experience assisting injured victims throughout California. Contact Silva Injury Law today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help.

 

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At Silva Injury Law, we believe that knowledge is power. Our blog and resource center are designed to equip you with the information you need to navigate your personal injury case with confidence.
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