Hollister, California Dog Bite Lawyer
Defending Your Rights, Healing Your Wounds: Your Dog Bite Advocate
Dog bites have the potential to cause severe and permanent injury. They can be debilitating and cause permanent disfigurement, loss of use of a body part, significant emotional trauma, and more. Consulting with a California dog bite lawyer is wise if you or a loved one was recently attacked by a dog in Hollister, Monterey, Castroville, San Benito County, or anywhere in California. A seasoned attorney can discuss your options for pursuing compensation for your losses. At Gonzalez & Jones, APC, we are a boutique family-owned law firm offering big firm representation in a personalized setting. Contact us today.
In California, a dog owner is responsible for your injuries if you were bitten by their dog. This applies as long as you had a lawful right to be in the place you were at the time of the bite. This includes public places, of course, but also includes private property so long as you have a legal right to be there.
California follows a strict liability standard, which means the dog owner is legally responsible for injuries caused by their dog even if they were not negligent. In other words, even if the owner had no reason to know their dog could be aggressive, they are liable for injuries if the dog harms someone. This standard makes getting compensation easier in California than in other states where the victim must prove that the owner was negligent.
Premises Liability
Despite being beloved family members, the law recognizes dogs as physical property. Therefore, a dog owner can be held liable under the premises liability theory when someone is injured on or by their property. Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets even if they are not present when the incident occurs. Typically, dog bite injuries are covered by the homeowner’s insurance policy.
Dog Bite Lawsuit
As a dog bite victim, if you file a lawsuit, you must prove several elements to win your case.
Generally, you must show the following:
- The defendant owned the dog;
- You were bit while in a public place (e.g., sidewalk, park) or while you were lawfully on private property (e.g., a guest at the owner’s house, postal worker); and
- The dog bite was a substantial factor in your injuries.
There are exceptions to a dog owner’s liability, including:
- If the victim was trespassing on private property;
- The dog is a law enforcement K9;
- The victim assumed the risk of the attack; or
- The victim was partially at fault (e.g., provoked the dog).
Every situation is unique, so to better understand your rights and options, it is best to consult an experienced California dog bite lawyer.
What to Do After a Dog Bite?
After a dog bite attack, it is reasonable to be in shock. Not only are you physically hurt, but you are likely shocked, fearful, and confused by what happened. While every situation is unique, you can take three simple steps following a dog bite.
Seek Medical Attention
Dog bites almost always require medical attention. Even if they are relatively minor, dog bites can foster severe infections, permanent disfigurement, and substantial injuries. These wounds usually require cleaning, disinfecting, suturing, and more.
No matter the severity of the bite, it is imperative to see a doctor immediately. You may also need a rabies vaccination.
Collect and Document Evidence
Dog bites can happen in the blink of an eye, but remaining calm and gathering crucial evidence later can be vital to getting the compensation you need.
If you are able, you should:
- Take photos of the wound and the dog,
- Obtain owner information,
- Note the location,
- Speak to potential eyewitnesses and get their contact info,
- Note the location of any surveillance cameras, and
- Keep copies of all medical records and bills.
Having this information and documentation can strengthen your claim.
Consult a California Dog Bite Lawyer
Scheduling a consultation with a skilled attorney can make all the difference when trying to get compensated for your injury-related expenses. At Gonzalez & Jones, APC, our Hollister attorneys will assess the incident, review your options, and help you choose the best course of action.
Dog Bite Settlement
If you were recently injured in a dog bite attack and are contemplating filing a lawsuit, you probably have questions. What are average dog bite settlement amounts? How much are my injuries worth? How long does it take for a dog bite settlement to get to my bank account? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions. Most dog bite claims are resolved through negotiating a settlement, and only a tiny portion of cases proceed to trial. That said, it can be several months from the inception of your case to settlement.
The factors specific to your lawsuit will also directly influence the average settlement amount.
These can include:
- The severity of the injury,
- Whether or not you are expected to make a full recovery,
- Whether or not there will be permanent scarring or disfigurement,
- Time missed from work,
- Medical expenses,
- Pain and suffering caused by the attack, and
- Insurance policy limits.
This is not an exhaustive list, and one of our experienced dog attack lawyers can better estimate what you can expect.
Child Dog Bite Victim
Typically, in California, a dog bite victim has two years from the date of the accident or injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the statute of limitations for a child dog bite case is extended to two years from their 18th birthday. While this is the law, we always recommend that dog bite victims or their parents file a lawsuit sooner rather than later. This helps to preserve the victim’s rights and evidence and increases the likelihood of getting a successful outcome.
California Dog Bite Lawyer
At Gonzalez & Jones, APC, we provide unwavering client advocacy with a compassionate family approach. After a dog bite attack, the most important thing for you to do is to recover, heal, and get back to your life. Let us handle the rest. Contact us to schedule a no-cost consultation today.
Call us at 408-848-2208 or use our online contact form to set up your consultation.
