If you have been bitten by a dog, you may have suffered a number of injuries and wondering whether you should hire a dog bite lawyer. Pain and discomfort, puncture wounds, abraisons, lacerations, fractured bones, tissue loss, sprains, scars and infections can all result from a dog bite. You may also suffer emotional distress as a result of the experience. If this happens to you, fortunately there are provisions under the law which a dog bite lawyer can utilize to provide for monetary compensation for your dog bite injuries.
What is a Dog Bite Injury?
Any injury caused by the bite of a canine is considered to be a dog bite injury. Generally, you must have suffered some type of physical injury in order to recover your damages. While you can also recover monetary damages for emotional distress associated with the injury, emotional distress is generally available only if you also received physical injuries as well.
Because a bite from a dog often causes several different types of physical damage, dog bite injury is a type of personal injury and you may wish to consult with a dog bite lawyer to help you prove your damages. However, the law in California imposes a different standard for dog bite cases than for other types of personal injury cases. Dog bite settlements have also been increasing in size in the past couple years, and homeowner’s insurance policies have provisions to cover dog bites.
Standard of Proof for Dog Bites
California applies a strict liability standard to dog bite law under California Civil Code section 3342. This means that, unlike in a car accident or other type of personal injury case, you do not need to prove that the dog owner was aware that his dog was dangerous. If you were bitten in a public place or if you were bitten on private property that you were lawfully invited to, such as when you were a guest at someone’s home, then you can sue and recover your damages simply by proving that you were in fact bitten and that you, in fact, suffered an injury. Since this is the law, this makes it easier for a dog bite lawyer to get you a larger settlement for your injuries.
What Can You Recover With the Help of a Dog Bite Lawyer?
If you can prove that you suffered a bite and were injured, you can recover monetary damage for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Permanent injuries such as scarring
- Pain and suffering
A dog bite lawyer experienced in personal injury law can assist you in bringing a case against the dog owner so you can be properly compensated for your ordeal.
Our dog bite lawyers are experienced with dog bite cases and can help you recover money for your injuries. We require no money upfront for your case and provide free consultations. Call our office at 1-877-702-7274 or email us at info@arashlaw.com for a Free Consultation.
[...] you have been injured in an accident, whether from a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite, or other injury causing event, you might wonder whether you need to get an attorney. In the video [...]