San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyers

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Several dog breeds may attack people and cause serious bodily injuries and death. Dogs may also permanently scar a person during an attack. Many dogs attack humans without being provoked or enticed. The San Francisco dog bite lawyers at our reliable law firm understand how dog bites can affect a victim for a long time. Our talented lawyers are prepared to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner and any parties who may be responsible for your injuries.

California is a strict liability state regarding dog bite cases. Victims of dog bites possess the right to pursue financial compensation for both non-economic damages and economic damages. Dog bite victims may also seek financial compensation for lost wages, lost future earnings, and medical bills. Insurance companies do not offer fair settlement amounts to dog bite victims. Retaining an experienced and knowledgeable dog bite lawyer will help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve.

Our San Francisco dog bite lawyers can help you stand up to the insurance and demand a fair settlement amount. You and your loved ones do not have to accept a low settlement offer from an insurance company.

Dog Bite Statistics

Important facts include:
  • 36 Percent of American Families Own a Dog.
  • 750,000 People Need Medical Treatment Every Year for Injuries Attributable to Dog Attacks.
  • 350,000 People Go to the Emergency Room Every Year to Treat Dog Bite Injuries.
  • Less Than 1 Percent of Dog Bite Victims Obtain Monetary Compensation From a Homeowner’s Insurance Company or Renters Insurance Company Without Retaining a San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyer.

The San Francisco dog bite lawyers at Arash Law headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. have decades of experience helping dog bite victims recover financial compensation for their injuries. You will have a greater chance of obtaining a fair settlement amount if you retain an experienced dog bite injury lawyer. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free consultation today.

Car Accident
$6,000,000.00
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.
–  Arash Khorsandi

How to Prevent Dog Bite Injuries

You may not prevent all dog bite attacks from occurring. However, you can prevent some dog attacks by adhering to a few limitations regarding the pets you bring into your home and approach in public.
Agitated Behavior?

Some dog breeds have a reputation for violently reacting when agitated or provoked. Particular dogs may have attacked someone in the past. If you have knowledge of a dog’s past behavior and its tendency to react violently in specific situations, you should not interact with the dog.

Young Child?

Adults and children do not interact with dogs with the same level of caution. Young children may make sudden movements around dogs that make the animals feel pressured or cornered. Dogs that are not normally aggressive or violent may respond to children in unpredictable ways. Do not leave any children alone with dogs.

When a dog acts in an aggressive manner, the safest way to respond is to remain calm. Make slow movements and do not look the aggressive dog in the eyes. If the dog bites you, then you will probably need to seek immediate medical attention. You do not want to leave the wound untreated because it may become infected and put your life in jeopardy.

Treating a Dog Bite

Bleeding, scarring, and infections are all possible consequences that arise due to dog bites. Stray animals and family pets can bite people with no warning. The animal’s teeth may contain infected saliva that can spread disease in the human body.
The following categories of bites must be taken seriously and treated in a medical clinic or hospital as soon as possible after an attack:
  • Ooze or pus is inside the wound
  • Tenderness, redness, and swelling
  • A loss of blood
  • Ruptured skin
  • Significant puncture wounds

If a dog bite is a minor injury, it can be treated with soap and water. Antibiotic creams and bandages may also be necessary to treat dog bites. However, minor bites can still cause infectious diseases to spread in the human body.

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My husband had an accident 2 years ago, a 85 years old man hit him, the Arash law group works very well on my husband case that took 9 month and he won the case and my husband was happy with the results. A year later I got into an accident as well and I’m still waiting in my case is almost resolving and it’s 9 months already. This people knows the law and they do their job right to help you out in getting the most for you to fight on your behalf. I strongly recommend the Arash Law firm they do things right in a efficient and professional manner.
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Had a great experience with all the people at Arash law. Long story short was in a bad car accident. It was overwhelming and the whole process was a lot, but they kept me in the loop. They answered all my questions and gave me great advice. Couldn't be any happier. Would definitely recommend anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer. They'll guide you through the whole process!
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Having Arash Law handle my auto accident was the best decision I could have made. Everyone I interacted with was kind, professional and detail oriented. I am extremely happy with the outcome and would recommend them highly.
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From start to finish, Arash Law firm is there every step of the way with close, constant, personal contact and attention. I never knew a Law firm could actually care so much for me as a person and what I was personally going through as well as the settlement I was going to recieve once my case was finally completed. Thank you to everyone at Arash Law for your ongoing support and communication. You are the ONLY firm I will ever recommend to someone who is need of a great attorny.
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Dog Bite Laws in California

California has a dog bite statute. Many jurisdictions have statutes devoted to animal attacks and dog bites. California Civil Code Section 3342 states that a dog owner is responsible for damages if the injuries were caused by a dog bite and the injured victim was in a public place when attacked or lawfully in a private place at the time of the attack.

The statute does not contain a “one free bite” provision. Before the adoption of the statute described above, dog owners were liable for injuries caused by a dog only if the owners knew about the animal’s violent propensities. The “one free bite” rule does not apply, and dog owners can be liable when a dog bites someone for the first time.

Important-Steps-to-Take-After-a-Dog-Bite

The statute does contain exceptions regarding dogs working for law enforcement agencies and branches of the military. If you suffered injuries from one of these dogs, you might still be permitted to recover financial compensation from a government agency or law enforcement agency.

If you were not bitten by a dog but attacked by jumping, scratching, or other dangerous behavior, you should understand that the dog bite statutes do not apply in your case. You can still see monetary compensation for your injuries. You will have to file your claims under a negligence theory. You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner.

If you were mauled or bitten by a canine, then the California dog bite statutes will apply to your legal claim. The injuries must have been caused by a dog bite while you were in a public place or lawfully in a private place. A dog bite lawyer at Arash Law led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. can help you seek financial compensation for your injuries.

If an owner knows that a dog has a history of violent attacks, then the dog owner must take steps to prevent future attacks against others. It can be good for your case if the dog owner had a clear understanding of the dog’s violent propensities and its history of attacking people. However, you must still demonstrate the nature and extent of your damages.

The Breed of Dog Does Not Matter

Many specific breeds have a reputation for being violent, dangerous, and more prone to bite others. Pitt Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers are some of the breeds that people think of as inherently dangerous dog breeds. However, under California law, you do not have to consider the breed of the dog when you are seeking financial compensation for your injuries. You only need to prove that a dog bit you, not that a specific breed of dog bit you.

You may seek financial compensation for injuries caused by a German shepherd or a Chihuahua. Dogs are more likely to attack young children and older adults. The type of breed does not affect the victim’s right to seek damages for injuries caused by a dog attack.

The dog attack may fall under the California dog bite statute, or you may bring a negligence claim against the dog owner. You can seek monetary compensation for your injuries under either theory. Some case facts will be more suited to one theory or the other.

Dog Attacks May Cause Serious Injuries
Dog bites occur every day in California. Dogs are responsible for the most animal attacks in the United States each year. Approximately five million individuals suffer dog bites in the United States every year. Although many dog bites are mild in nature and do not cause serious bodily injuries, a large number of dog attacks cause infections and serious injuries that require prompt medical treatment.

Dogs are more likely to attack children than adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that approximately 800,000 dog bite victims seek medical treatment for their injuries every year. Some dog bites can be severe. The experienced and aggressive San Francisco dog bite lawyers at our reliable firm have assisted clients who have suffered the following types of injuries:

  • Finger amputations
  • Tendon damage
  • Torn muscles and ligaments
  • Damaged veins and arteries
  • Deep lacerations
  • Puncture wounds
  • Bodily disfigurement
California is a strict liability state concerning dog bites. A dog owner may be held responsible for all injuries caused by their dog. The dog does not have to have violent propensities that are known to the dog owner for the dog owner to be held liable. For injured victims to recover financial compensation, they must prove that a dog bite occurred and that the injured victim was in a public place or lawfully in a private place.

Important Steps to Take After a SAN FRANCISCO Dog Bite

Dog bites may occur unexpectedly and without warning. Our San Francisco dog bite lawyers understand that clients may not know which actions to take after suffering dog bite injuries. The following steps are recommended if you have suffered injuries during a dog bite.

Obtain Medical Treatment as Soon as Possible
Medical treatment is an absolute necessity after receiving a dog bite. Dog bites may potentially cause severe infections and serious bodily injuries. Dog attacks can occur at any place and at any time. Call 911 and request an ambulance or drive to the nearest urgent care center or hospital. If you do not seek immediate medical treatment for your dog bite injuries, you risk experiencing severe infections that will require a longer recovery period.
Collect Details Regarding the Dog and the Dog’s Owner

You need to obtain the contact information regarding the dog owner. The name and address are two important pieces of information that will help you with your personal injury case. The owner of the dog may be responsible for your injuries. If you want to obtain financial compensation for your injuries, you need to know the name and address of the dog owner.

File an Incident Report About the Dog Bite With Authorities

Report the dog bite to San Francisco animal services and any other animal control authorities in your local area.

Document the Dog Attack By Taking Photographs of Your Injuries

A physician or other medical professional should document your injuries with photographs. The medical professional should take these photographs soon after you suffer injuries. As your body heals, document your body’s changes by taking additional photographs of your injuries.

Also, keep a recovery journal in which you document your symptoms and your recovery. You should record the dates of your doctor’s appointments, your medical treatments, and the time periods associated with your recovery. Take detailed notes about your symptoms, such as pain and numbness. It is also important to document how much time you miss from work while you recover from your injuries. The information you record in a recovery journal can help you with your personal injury case.

Call a Dog Bite Law Firm to Schedule a Free Consultation

After you suffer injuries during a dog attack, you need to focus on healing and recovering. However, your medical bills may be mounting up as you undergo medical treatment. You may be forced to take time off work after the attack.

A knowledgeable San Francisco dog bite lawyer at Arash Law managed and operated by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. can provide you with guidance and advice regarding your legal rights. You do not need to talk to the representatives of any insurance company until you speak to a San Francisco personal injury attorney. Insurance company representatives may attempt to record statements that harm your case. Also, insurance company representatives may try to persuade you to accept a low settlement offer.

The Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Cases in California

Injured victims in California must file a personal injury case within two years of the date of the incident. The case must be filed before the statute of limitations period expires; otherwise, your claims will be barred. If a city or state is liable, you must file your claim within six months of the date of injury.

An experienced San Francisco dog bite lawyer can help you understand how you can get your claim filed before the statute of limitations period expires. A dog bite lawyer at our trusted law firm can help you understand the requirements of your case and how to gather the evidence and documents you need to establish liability.

Which Parties Are Liable for My Dog Bite Injuries?

It can sometimes seem confusing to attempt to figure out which parties may be responsible for your injuries. In California, the specific facts and details surrounding each dog bite attack will determine which parties may be liable for the injuries. The following parties are typically liable for your dog bite injuries:
  • Commercial property owners associated with the location of the dog bite
  • Residential property owners associated with the location of the dog bite
  • Any landlord associated with the location of the dog bite
  • The owner or caretaker of the dog

During an initial consultation with a dog bite lawyer at our firm, you will need to provide the address where the dog bite happened. Also, the names of any witnesses or businesses will also be relevant to your personal injury case. Government agencies may also be relevant to your dog bite claims. Gathering these facts will help your dog bite lawyer determine which parties may be liable for your injuries.

Franchot M.
$610,000
Personal Injury Settlement
Our client was the victim of a rear-end accident who was left injured and severely in pain. Arash Law was able to outshine other injury law firms when he searched online, and thankfully we were able to handle everything for our client from A to Z — All that he had to do was ask and focus on his recovery. Our client’s life has changed forever, and the compensation received for the pain and suffering has opened paths for new lifelong opportunities.
Personal Injury Settlement
Our client was the victim of a rear-end accident who was left injured and severely in pain. Arash Law was able to outshine other injury law firms when he searched online, and thankfully we were able to handle everything for our client from A to Z — All that he had to do was ask and focus on his recovery. Our client’s life has changed forever, and the compensation received for the pain and suffering has opened paths for new lifelong opportunities.

Should I Be Concerned About Other Dog Bite Injuries?

Violent dogs are capable of causing many different kinds of injuries. The California dog bite statute only concerns injuries attributable to dog bites. However, other legal theories may be used to obtain monetary compensation for injuries caused by other injurious dog behavior.

Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer at Arash Law led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. to schedule a free consultation. You can determine if any different theories of liability apply to your dog bite case. You might recover damages from the responsible party on a negligence theory. You may also need to learn more about strict liability and negligence per se.

Financial Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

A dog bite lawyer will make sure that you demand financial compensation for every loss attributable to the dog bite injuries you suffered. The dog bite lawyers at our award-winning law firm will work with you and your medical providers. Our team will review your medical records and calculate your total amount of damages.

Non-economic damages and economic damages need to be calculated before filing any legal claims. Dog bites often cause psychological suffering and emotional trauma. Dog attacks may be unpredictable and traumatize the victim. Younger dog bite victims may suffer nightmares and lingering psychological problems caused by a violent attack. The following are the types of damages dog bite victims may include in a legal claim:

  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Permanent bodily disfigurement
  • Emotional trauma
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of income
  • Lost future earnings
  • Reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery
  • Medical bills for past and present medical treatment

When Should I Retain a San Francisco Dog Bite Injury Lawyer?

Retaining a dog bite injury as soon as possible after you receive medical treatment for your injuries is the best thing you can do for your personal injury case. Our dog bite lawyers provide free consultations and take payment on contingency fee contracts. You do not have to pay any fees to retain a dog bite injury lawyer at our law firm. You do not have anything to lose by consulting with a dog injury lawyer at Arash Law headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq.

You should contact us after you have your initial doctor’s appointment. The first medical appointment should happen immediately after the dog attack. You do not want to wait longer than twenty-four hours to see a medical professional after a dog bite attack. A team member at our firm can answer your questions regarding the facts of your case. If you have questions about settlements, we can help you understand which facts are most relevant to your case.

We can also help you understand how to avoid common mistakes made by personal injury clients. Our dog bite lawyers will be responsible for all the necessary filings and hearings associated with your dog bite case. You can spend your time recovering from your injuries, and we can handle the legal work related to your personal injury case.

Will the Other Party Attempt to Not Pay My Personal Injury Claim?

Insurance companies and defendants generally do everything within their power to reduce the amount of money they must pay to injured parties. Many representatives of insurance companies may attempt to argue that you were responsible for your own injuries. Also, the defendant may state that you provoked the animal and caused the dog attack associated with your injuries.

Some defendants may argue that you ignored warning signs or other systems designed to inform you that the dog was dangerous. Also, a conflict between two dogs may have occurred before you suffered your dog bite injuries. These details and circumstances may be used by the defense in an attempt to lower the settlement offer you receive.

Will an Insurance Policy Provide Coverage for Dog Bites and Injuries Caused By Animals?
In many dog bite injury cases, it will be important to look closely at the homeowner’s insurance policy. In a majority of cases, the dog owner is liable for the injuries caused by a dog attack. It may be difficult to obtain the financial compensation you seek if the dog’s owner did not have renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance.
Is There an Average Settlement Amount for Dog Bite Cases in California?
The average settlement for dog bite cases will differ depending on the facts and circumstances associated with the case. In 2007, the average settlement amount for dog bite cases was approximately twenty-four thousand dollars. The nature and extent of the injuries caused by the dog bite will also be relevant to your case.
What If the Defense Claims I Caused the Dog Attack?

Dog owners might not be responsible for damages if the injured person provoked the dog into attacking. If a defendant resorts to this defense, it will not have merit unless clear evidence demonstrates that the injured person provoked the animal. If you know you did not provoke the dog, a personal injury lawyer at our reliable law firm can try to obtain surveillance footage of the dog bite attack or depose witnesses who saw the dog attack you without being provoked.

Strict liability applies in dog bite cases, and dog owners can be responsible for injuries without proving liability. A dog owner may not possess evidence that the dog attack was caused by the injured victim’s behavior. This kind of defense needs to be backed up with substantive evidence.

Although the attack was provoked, it may still be that the victim can obtain damages for their injuries. The financial compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributable to the injured victim. These details are described in California’s pure comparative negligence law. If the total damages are 100,000 dollars and a jury finds that a victim was twenty percent at fault for the dog bite injuries, the judge or jury may reduce the total amount by twenty thousand dollars to account for the injured person’s negligence.

It can be difficult to use a provocation defense in California. A defense linked to provocation can only be effective if the victim’s behavior constituted provocation. The facts relating to the dog bite case are important when dealing with these questions of fact. A dog bite lawyer at our firm may hire an expert such as an animal behavioral specialist. Your behavior can be assessed by an expert to help a judge or jury determine if your actions constituted provocation.

What If The Dog Owner Made a Dog Attack Me?

It is not common for dog owners to order attacks. However, some dog owners will order their dogs to attack people. The circumstances of your case will determine if this action constitutes malice. If it is determined that the dog owner acted with malice, then you might obtain punitive damages on top of your economic damages and non-economic damages.

Punitive damages may also be awarded if the owner of the dog knew that the animal had exhibited violent propensities in the past. An animal may have attacked a person before, and awareness of such an attack means the owner knew of the dog’s propensity for violence.

You may have been on commercial property when the property owner’s dog attacked you. Our dog bite lawyer can investigate and determine if the property owner knew the dog had attacked someone in the past since prior knowledge may constitute malice and so entitle you to punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter the defendant from committing the same act in the future. Punitive damages are typically reserved for egregious behavior.

Why Choose Our Firm's Powerhouse San Francisco Dog BITE Lawyers?

NO UPFRONT FEES OR COSTS - EVER!
You only pay attorney fees if we win your case. All personal injury and wrongful death cases are handled on a 100% Contingency-Fee Basis. That means we only get paid if we get you results.
FASTEST POSSIBLE RESOLUTION WITH MAXIMUM RESULTS
We only file lawsuits when necessary such as cases where the defendants dispute liability or will not pay enough for damages. We are known for obtaining maximum results in an expedited manner.
NO UPFRONT FEES OR COSTS - EVER!
You only pay attorney fees if we win your case. All personal injury and wrongful death cases are handled on a 100% Contingency-Fee Basis. That means we only get paid if we get you results.
FASTEST POSSIBLE RESOLUTION WITH MAXIMUM RESULTS
We only file lawsuits when necessary such as cases where the defendants dispute liability or will not pay enough for damages. We are known for obtaining maximum results in an expedited manner.

WE'VE RECOVERED OVER

$400,000,000

CONTACT A NOTABLE DOG BITES LAWYER IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA TODAY

A dog may have pushed you over onto a concrete sidewalk. A dog may have bitten you and caused you to lose the ability to perform the essential functions of your job or career.

You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim and pursue financial compensation for your injuries. The dog bite lawyers at Arash Law led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. have decades of experience representing clients in personal injury cases. We have recovered over $500 Million for our clients throughout California.

Dog bite cases can be difficult to handle because the dog owner may accuse you of provoking the dog or trespassing. You do not want to pursue your case without the knowledge and experience that a seasoned personal injury lawyer can provide.

Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free consultation today. We serve clients in San FranciscoRiversideSacramento, San JoseLos AngelesSan Diego, Sherman Oaks, and throughout California. We have collected over $500 million for clients across California.

Contact a San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyer at Our Award-Winning Law Firm Today

The best dog bite lawyer in San Francisco are right here at Arash Law headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. We are experienced in personal injury claims and know how to fight hard for the compensation you deserve. Whether you have been in an auto accident, slip and fall accident, sustained an animal bite, or suffered the pain of a loved one’s wrongful death, our attorneys can defend your legal rights. Call (888) 488-1391 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our dog bite lawyer in San Francisco. The law entitles you to full and fair compensation from a negligent party for all the losses you have sustained as the result of any type of personal injury.

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