Turlock Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog Bite Claims in CA

California is a strict liability state. This means that California law allows victims of dog bites or attacks to recover damages from the dog’s owner for any injuries caused by the dog. This is the case even if the dog has never shown aggressive tendencies prior to the attack. In some states, a dog owner is liable only if the dog has been bitten before. However, that is not the case in California.

There are two other requirements for a dog bite claim in California.

First, the victim must have been on public property or lawfully invited onto private property. This requirement prevents a trespasser from recovering against a dog owner.

Second, the victim must not have provoked the dog into attacking him or her. The dog owner is not liable if the victim was harassing the dog when the attack occurred. Additionally, a dog defending its owner or another person is a valid defense of a dog bite claim.

Finally, a dog bite claim must be filed within two years of when the dog bite occurred. This is called the statute of limitations. The two-year limit applies even if you do not know the identity of the dog owner. The sooner you contact a Turlock dog bite lawyer at Silva Injury Law, the sooner we can get to work on your case and get you the damages you deserve.

What To Do After A Dog Bite

The moments after being attacked by a dog are the most important. It is usually an unexpected occurrence that catches everyone off guard. Nonetheless, some important pieces of evidence will be available only during these fleeting moments.

Identify the Owner

First, you must identify the dog and its owner. This can be a simple task for a dog with a collar, but in some cases, it can be difficult.

Get Medical Help and Document Your Injuries

Next, seek medical attention. Dog bites, no matter the size, can be critical if left untreated. Depending on the severity of the bite, you may have to rush to the emergency room immediately. Minor bites can be washed with soap and water to remove any harmful bacteria. Take photographs of the injuries caused by the dog as soon as possible following the attack to document the wounds.

Report the Accident

After treating the dog bite, it is time to report the attack. Report the dog bite to your local health department, animal control, and police department.

The health department will determine if you need additional treatment for your injuries from the dog attack. Under California law, animals who have bitten someone must be quarantined. The police department will complete a report and retrieve information from the dog’s owner.

Types Of California Dog Bite Injuries

The injuries from a dog attack can be quite serious, requiring a significant amount of treatment and rehabilitation. In many cases, people will incur thousands of dollars in medical bills and be off of work, unable to earn a living. A Turlock dog bite attorney can help you pursue compensation for these losses and protect your legal rights.

In many dog bite cases, people suffer from the following injuries:

• Puncture wounds;
• Cuts;
• Abrasions;
• Slashing of the skin;
• Scarring;
• Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons;
• Disfigurement;
• Infections; and
• Rabies.

Unpaid Medical Bills

If you have any unpaid medical bills for treatment, then that amount would be included in any settlement or jury award. Also, if you require any future medical treatment, then the projected cost of that treatment should be included as well.

Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity

If the dog bite injury prevented you from working, then that amount of lost wages would be included in any lump sum settlement. Also, if the injuries prevent you from working in the future, then your future lost earning potential would also be calculated and added to the pot.

Pain and Suffering

This category of damages is harder to calculate. Every case is different. This money is designed to compensate you for the actual pain and suffering you experienced from the attack and subsequent treatment, including any emotional suffering. The more horrific the injuries, the more the amount of pain and suffering damages should be.

Loss of Life’s Pleasures

This category of compensation is designed to make up for what you have lost during the treatment and recovery from the injuries. These are the things that give you pleasure in life that you could not do after the dog bite.

What Evidence Is Used In California Dog Bite Cases?

Most of the evidence will be your medical records and the notes from your treating physicians. We can help you gather notes that detail the types of injuries you suffered as well as what you had to endure to heal and hopefully be 100% again. We will also take professional-grade photographs of any scarring that you will have to see for the rest of your life. Our experienced Turlock dog bite attorney can make sure to preserve all the evidence to ensure that you can receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.