Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites can occur for a variety of reasons and frequently happen in situations where you know the dog owner well. In California, 61% of dog bites occur in the owner’s own home or immediate neighborhood. Victims are often hesitant to litigate against friends and neighbors. Additionally, many people feel conflicted about a lawsuit that may result in the euthanization of an animal that is generally friendly. If you or a loved one are suffering from a dog bite, it’s important to remember that you cannot be held responsible for the dog owner’s negligence. A consultation with a dog bite lawyer will help you understand your legal options.
Every dog owner has a responsibility to control their animal. California’s dog bite law (section 3342) imposes strict liability on dog owners after a bite has occurred. This means that even if the dog does not have a history of violent behavior, the owner is still responsible for the medical bills, injuries and any damage done to the victim. Dog bites are painful and lasting injuries. Furthermore, they can have serious health consequences. While a wound may not look serious, there is a high risk of secondary infections. Dogs can be carriers of rabies as well as other diseases that can infect humans. Depending on the severity of an injury as well as case specifics, a dog owner may be held accountable at both a civil and criminal level.
Filing a Lawsuit
If a dog owner is unable or unwilling to pay for your medical bills, the next step is legal action. At Blackstone Law, each case is personal for us. As dog lovers ourselves, we understand that you may be facing conflicting emotions about the dog and maybe even his or her owner. We are straight-shooters and will work with you to find a quick and fair resolution.
Every year in the United States, over 4.5 million people sustain dog bites. At Blackstone Law, you’ll find an experienced dog bite lawyer who will guide you through a lawsuit.
If you are considering a lawsuit, it’s important to act quickly. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 states that you must file a dog bite lawsuit within two years of the incident. After two years, you lose the right to file a lawsuit. If you delay filing, it can make it particularly difficult to collect damages for your injuries. Additionally, it may be too late to collect valuable medical evidence that could bolster your case. While most dog bite cases settle outside of court, a good dog bite lawyer will prepare for trial even if the initial goal is a settlement.
At Blackstone Law, we pride ourselves on putting our clients first. Our LA dog bite attorneys work on contingency, which means that you will never pay upfront fees. Even if you choose not to retain our services, the legal advice our dog bite attorneys provide is free of charge. If you were injured, contact a dog bite lawyer for a consultation.