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Dog and animal attacks can cause significant physical and emotional distress. If you’ve been involved in an accident with someone else’s dog or pet, a Santa Ana dog bite lawyer at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer will guide you through the legal process and fight for the fair compensation you deserve, allowing you to concentrate on healing.
Our award-winning legal team is committed to helping injured clients obtain the compensation they are entitled to. Schedule a free consultation with our Orange County law firm by completing this online form or calling our Santa Ana law offices at (714) 701-8149.
Why Hire a Santa Ana Dog Bite Lawyer?
The claims process for any personal injury case is complex, and while injured victims are entitled to financial compensation, it is often difficult for them to recover a fair settlement. Insurance companies and dog owners often minimize the seriousness of dog bite attacks or attempt to hold the injured person responsible for the incident.
However, working with experienced dog bite lawyers will ensure the at-fault parties are held responsible and maximize clients’ compensation. Here are the primary benefits of legal representation:
- Ensure Fairness: Prevent insurance companies from misleading victims into accepting unfair settlement offers
- Construct a Winning Case: Obtain and preserve crucial evidence like animal control reports, witness statements, and medical records indicating injury severity
- Maximize Compensation: Thorough evaluation of the full extent of damages, including past and future medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering
- Simplify the Entire Process: Manage all legal paperwork and deadlines, guaranteeing the dog bite claim is filed accurately and promptly
- Trial Experience: Litigating a case before a judge or jury to obtain fair compensation if the other party refuses to agree on a fair solution
You have a significantly greater chance of winning your case with a knowledgeable legal advocate representing you. Our dog bite attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, so clients only pay for our services if we achieve a favorable outcome.
The Impact of Dog Attacks and Bites
Dog attacks can cause minor puncture wounds to catastrophic injury. Even a seemingly minor injury can require a significant period of recovery–either physically or emotionally. This is why it is vital to seek medical attention and consult with an experienced Orange County dog bite lawyer. Common dog bite injuries that can be compensated include, but are not limited to, the following.
Physical Injuries
Bites from larger dog breeds often cause puncture wounds, broken bones, or soft tissue damage like torn ligaments or tendons from being knocked to the ground. Untreated dog bite injuries can become infected and lead to nerve damage, potentially causing partial or complete loss of limb function. Serious injuries often demand regular medical care and multiple surgeries, which can add up in medical expenses.
Infections
A dog bite poses a high risk of infection due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth and rabies concerns. This can potentially lead to severe complications like cellulitis or even sepsis in extreme cases. Victims may incur additional medical expenses for antibiotics and other medical attention.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Dog bite injuries can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement. Depending on location and visibility, these injuries can cause significant emotional distress and lowered self-esteem, similar to the impact of car accident scars. Dog bite victims may experience substantial emotional pain and suffering, negatively affecting their quality of life, in addition to the financial burden of medical treatment and reconstructive surgery.
Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical injuries, dog bite victims frequently experience emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially among children. Long-term fear of dogs, anxiety, nightmares, and depression are also common with victims, who may require therapy just to cope.
Dog bite injuries typically require extensive medical care, specialized treatment, and physical or mental health therapy. An experienced dog bite attorney will carefully document all past and anticipated medical expenses to aggressively seek the highest possible compensation.
California Dog Bite Laws: Strict Liability and Negligence
The California dog bite laws state that dog owners are subject to strict liability policies for bites that occur in public or on private property (some exceptions may apply). This means:
- Victims do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous
- The dog owner is liable if the incident occurred on the dog owner’s property
- The dog owner is responsible for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and other damages
In addition to strict liability, dog bite victims can file a claim for negligence if the dog owner failed to exercise a duty of care to prevent the animal from causing harm. Common examples include:
- Allowing the dog to roam off-leash in a public park
- Failing to secure gates or fences, enabling the animal to escape
- Not muzzling a known “dangerous dog”
- Leaving a dog unsupervised around children or vulnerable adults
What To Do After a Santa Ana Dog Attack
The actions taken in the hours and days following an attack can significantly impact the success of the personal injury claim:
1. Seek Prompt Medical Treatment
Even minor wounds should always be examined by a physician. Dog bite injuries can worsen and become infected, so prompt medical care is vital. Also, request copies of the doctor’s notes, medical treatment plans, and billing statements.
2. Report the Incident and Aggressive Dog
Contact OC Animal Care or Santa Ana Animal Services to report the dog bite incident and initiate an investigation. Collect the incident report number and retain it for your records.
3. Document the Scene Where the Dog Bite Occurred
Take clear photographs of bite marks and other dog bite injuries from multiple angles, as well as throughout different stages of the healing process. Also, take photos of the location where the dog bite incident occurred, showcasing the condition of any fences or gates.
4. Gather Information from the Dog Owner
Collect the dog owner’s name and contact information. Additionally, gather the statements and contact information from any witnesses who saw the dog attack.
5. Preserve Evidence
Save torn clothing or other damaged property instead of discarding it, and do not wash or repair anything. These items will be crucial evidence in determining the severity of the attack and the resulting damages.
Seeking early legal assistance will strengthen the dog bite case and simplify the legal process. An experienced Santa Ana personal injury attorney will manage all communication with the other party and assist with the necessary actions following the dog bite incident.
Statute of Limitations – Don’t Let Your Dog Bite Claim Expire
California’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date the dog bite incident occurred.
This means dog bite victims have a two-year window to initiate legal action against the individual or entity responsible for causing harm. While some exceptions could shorten or lengthen the filing period, failing to file a lawsuit within the timeframe will result in losing the right to recover compensation.
While dog bite victims in California have two years to file a lawsuit, it’s advisable to act quickly. Gathering essential evidence and obtaining accurate witness statements becomes increasingly difficult as time passes.
Promptly consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial to understand legal rights and ensure timely filing.
How Our Santa Ana Dog Bite Attorneys Will Strengthen Your Case
Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer provides award-winning legal services, blending proven legal knowledge with a client-focused approach to achieve the best possible outcome for clients. We offer the following benefits.
Thorough Investigation into the Dog Bite Incident
This involves obtaining and analyzing animal control logs, veterinary records, and prior bite history. We will also seek testimony from expert witnesses, such as veterinarians and medical specialists, to help substantiate fault and resulting damages.
Comprehensive Valuation With the Complete Scope of Damages
To secure maximum compensation from the responsible party, we meticulously calculate both economic and non-economic damages. While some losses, such as medical expenses, are easily quantifiable, proving intangible damages like pain and suffering requires a strategic approach.
Aggressive Negotiations for Maximum Damages
Our firm develops persuasive demand packages that include medical records, damage photos, and witness statements. Our negotiation approach anticipates opposing strategies, allowing us to counter inadequate offers through sufficient evidence.
Trial-Ready Representation
Our dog bite attorneys prepare every case for trial, even though most settle out of court. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are ready to file a personal injury lawsuit and present a clear and persuasive case before a judge a jury.
Tailor-Made Strategy and Personalized Client Care
Clients have direct access to their dog bite attorneys, as well as a dedicated case manager. Our law firm will also handle scheduling, paperwork filing, and providing regular updates, so clients are always up-to-date with the status of their cases.
What Can Be Compensated in a Dog Bite Case?
Suffering a dog bite or animal attack can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. Beyond the immediate pain, victims often face emotional trauma due to the event as well as from any scarring or disfigurement sustained. A successful dog bite claim should cover a broad spectrum of damages, including:
- Diminished Earning Capacity
- Emotional Distress
- Future Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Past Medical Bills
- Permanent Disability
- Physical and Emotional Pain and Suffering
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
- Scarring and Disfigurement
- Wrongful Death
By examining all areas of loss, whether that be physically, financially or emotionally, we are able to secure a recovery that truly reflects the impact of the event on victims’ overall well-being–not just today but also in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Attacks
Q: What if the dog owner denies responsibility?
A: Even if the dog owner claims the bite was your fault to justify why compensation is not owed, strict liability under California law shifts the burden onto the dog owner if dog bite injuries were sustained or if you were lawfully on private property at the time of the incident.
Q: How long will my case take?
A: While every case differs, most California dog bite claims settle between six months to a year. However, cases involving severe injury, requiring surgery, extensive therapy, or liability disputes may take longer.
Q: Will I have to go to court?
A: Most dog bite cases settle out of court. Additionally, only 5% of civil cases make it all the way to trial. However, we prepare all cases for litigation and will proceed to court if that is the best way to achieve full compensation.
Q: How much does a dog bite lawyer cost?
A: Some law firms charge a flat rate, while others bill by the hour. Instead, our firm operates on a contingency fee arrangement, meaning clients incur no initial expenses. Compensation is contingent upon a successful settlement or verdict, which is a smaller percentage of the financial recovery. If a successful outcome is not reached, then no fees are owed
Why Choose Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer for Your Dog Bite Case?
- Proven Track Record: Millions recovered for dog bite/attack victims across Orange County and Southern California
- Local Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Santa Ana animal ordinances, courts, and medical providers to ensure clients are properly taken care of
- Client-Centered Approach: Clear and honest communication and responsiveness at every stage in the case proceedings
- No Fee Unless We Win: Contingency fee arrangement, so zero upfront costs and no legal expenses unless we secure a favorable outcome
Contact the Top-Rated Orange County Dog Bite Lawyers
If you suffered injuries or psychological trauma from a dog bite/attack, time is of the essence. Evidence must be preserved, deadlines must be met, and medical care must continue. Don’t wait to take action and seek compensation for your injuries.
At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, we treat injured victims with the compassion, respect, and dedication they deserve. Let us fight for you so you can focus on what matters most–your recovery.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. After an accident, Jeff’s got you.
Other Practice Areas Our California Personal Injury Law Firm Handles
Our award-winning law offices specialize in the following practice areas:
- Bicycle Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Personal Injury Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Uber Accidents
- Lyft Accidents
- Workers’ Compensation
- Wrongful Death
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Contact our Orange County personal injury law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation for your dog bite case.
Address: 1418 N. Main St Suite 200-A Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone Number: (714) 701-8149
Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations
Our dog bite attorneys serve Santa Ana, Orange County, and the surrounding communities, and we are ready to discuss your case. Contact one of our Southern California offices today.