Salinas Dog Bite Lawyers

What to Do Following a Dog Bite

If you get bit, seek medical assistance right away, even if the bite does not seem that serious.

Did anyone witness the dog attack? If so, it’s important to get contact information for the owner and any witnesses. You will also want to report the attack to animal control services.

Photos can be essential pieces of evidence in a claim for damages, so photograph your injuries immediately and as they heal. It’s best to establish a timeline.

One of the most crucial things you should do is contact an experienced legal advocate who understands the complexities of these claims. Failure to hire a skilled Salinas dog bite lawyer could result in your case settling for far less than you deserve.

California Dog Bite Laws

You can find California’s dog bite statute under the California Civil Code Section 3342. It states that the owner of any dog will be strictly liable for damages if:

• A dog bite causes your injuries; and
• You were in a public place or lawfully in a private one, including the dog owner’s property when the bite occurred.

There are specific scenarios where third parties may also be liable. These parties include anyone responsible for the custody and care of the dog. A landlord could also be liable if they allowed the tenant to bring a dog onto the property.

There are some important exceptions to the dog bite statute, though. You cannot hold any government agency, such as the military or police, liable for a dog bite if the dog was carrying out official duties at the time. For instance, if you were engaged in some act that prompted the police to bring in a dog, then you cannot make a claim if you get bit.

Another exception involves trespassers. If someone was trespassing at the time of the dog attack, the dog’s owner would likely not be liable. Lastly, someone who assumes the risk of being bitten will also be exempted. That means they understood there was a risk of being bitten but continued the activity anyway. A veterinarian would fall under this exemption.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

When a dog bites a person, they can suffer various injuries. The severity of the bite may also depend on the type of dog involved. A large dog with a strong jaw could cause significantly worse injuries than a small breed. Here’s a look at some of the most common dog bite injuries we see:

• Punctured or broken skin;
• Face injuries;
• Broken bones;
• Nerve and tissue damage;
• Eye injuries;
• Scarring; and
• Disfigurement.

If you suffered any type of dog bite injury, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, etc. When you hire the Salinas dog bite attorneys at Silva Injury Law, we will discuss the potential types of compensation you could receive.

Average Settlement for Dog Bites

Understandably, prospective clients want to know how much money they can get for a dog bite injury. However, there is no average settlement for dog bites that we can share. Every case is different, and multiple factors will impact your case value. For example, a severe bite with facial scarring will likely have a significantly higher case value than someone with a minor bite that heals in several weeks.

Contact Our Salinas Dog Bite Attorneys Today

If you suffered a dog bite injury in Salinas, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. The skilled team at Silva Injury Law is here to help. We have years of experience negotiating settlements in personal injury cases involving a dog attack. We also have the expertise to take your case to trial should that be the best option. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you fight for the maximum compensation in a dog bite injury case.

Our experienced legal team handles other types of injury cases as well, including:

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Slip and Falls
• Wrongful Death
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Sexual Assault
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Distracted Driving Accidents
• Nursing Home Abuse