Getting bitten by a dog can bring significant losses for you or your loved ones due to the trauma inured and the medical expenses you will have to cover. In other cases, it can also be the cause of getting permanently scarred or disfigured. Getting bitten by a dog makes you eligible for settlement in the form of compensation that covers your losses. A Palm Springs dog bite lawyer can help when you have been the victim of a dog attack.
More than 36% of households in the United States have at least one dog. Although they have been known to be a source of joy for many people, not all the canines’ interactions are positive. Several dog breeds have been known to have a propensity to bite or get vicious. The result is millions of dog bites across the country each year. One out of five dog bites is severe enough to require medical attention.
At the Crocket Law Group, our Palm Springs personal injury attorneys are well versed in the complexities of dog bite cases. Give us a call today at (888) 965-3827 to schedule a free case review.
What Should I Do if a Dog bit me?
The first steps following a dog bite are preventing infection and treating the injuries. It should start with washing the wound and using a clean cloth to slow the bleeding. If you have an antibiotic, clean it on the wound before wrapping it nicely using a sterile bandage. Keep the wound bandaged in this manner until you see your doctor. The dressing ensures that your wound gets a chance to heal and prevents the possibility of any further infection.
In case the owner of the dog is nearby, ask for the vaccination history of the dog. Also, obtain the owner’s name, number, and contact information of their veterinarian. Ask for some ID to confirm and prove their identity. If the dog was not in someone’s company, ask any witnesses if they know where the owner lives.
Who do I Report a Dog Bite to in the State of California?
California’s law requires that the victims of a dig bite and the owner of the dog report canine bites to the local county health officer. The reporting is required to ensure that the canine involved is not carrying the rabies virus.
Why Should I Hire a Palm Springs Dog Bite Lawyer?
After incurring a dog bite injury, it can be hard and confusing to navigate the legal options all on your own. It is still possible to file the claim on your own, but it is much better to negotiate a fair settlement amount when you have a Palm Springs dog bite lawyer at your side.
The lawyer is responsible for offering the necessary guidance that you will require following the dog bite incident. They also provide more benefits in the dog bite case, such as negotiating a proper settlement amount on your behalf. Their experience in the legal field has enabled them to know what is fair and what is not.
As such, the dog bite lawyer will negotiate a better settlement amount for your case and the process will take less time compared to when you decide to pursue the claims all by yourself. Other services that an injury lawyer will provide you include:
- Explain to you the dog bite laws of your state
- Guide you with the legal requirements for preparing a statement
- Gather enough evidence that will be useful in supporting your position
- Consulting animal experts and other professionals in the legal field
- Negotiating on your behalf and getting a better settlement from the dog owner’s insurance carrier
The following tips will ensure that you get the best dog bite attorney.
Experience
Specific experience in taking care of dog bite injury cases is essential and improves your chances of getting compensated in the claim.
References from Past Clients
These are useful in offering insight into what you should expect from the attorney. A former client can vouch for the lawyer’s experience and their success in securing fair compensation for their clients.
Ask for a Free Consultation
When faced with several options, consider asking for a free consultation. The consultation will provide you with an idea of the kind of services you should expect. You should have no problem with this as most law offices offer an initial free consultation.
Who is Responsible for Dog Bite Injuries?
Typically, dog owners are responsible for bites and injuries that their animals cause. However, in other situations, someone else can be held liable. For instance, a situation where someone else had care or control over the dog at the time of the incident, or the dog’s owner is below 18 years old. In both cases, the dog owners will not be held responsible for the dog bite injuries.
The law can get pretty complicated for some of the cases, especially when it is not the dog’s owner facing a lawsuit. Liability usually depends on the local laws and how state courts interpret them. The circumstances involved in the injury incident will also factor into who is held liable for the events. Having a lawyer protect your rights is essential, and they will be sure to explain how the law applies to you and the defenses you have.
What Type of Compensation can I expect in a Dog Bite Case?
Victims of attacks by canines are eligible for several damages. The damages usually depend on the extent of the losses and the severity of the biting incident. Some of the compensations that you can expect in the event of a dog bite injury include:
- Medical and surgical costs
- Projected medical expenses if the injuries were severe enough to warrant long-term care. Subsequent visits to the doctor should cover all the costs that you will incur
- Lost wages. Missing work resulting from the injury and the inability to work following the injury should be compensated
- Emotional distress after the canine attack should also be compensated
- Most dog bite injury claims also cover pain and suffering costs while you remember and recover from the incident
Local Results
Woman Received $300,000 Settlement After Falling, Breaking Wrist Due to Dog Attack Knocking Her Over
| Case Type | Dog Bite |
|---|---|
| Location | Palm Springs, CA |
| Settlement | $300,000.00 |
What Does California Law Say About Dog Bites
The California dog bite law usually holds the owners responsible for the damage caused by their animals. It imposes very tight liability on the owners. The dog’s owner would be liable in a civil lawsuit for the injuries incurred by the victim even if they had no reason to believe it was dangerous. Even if the dog had never bitten anyone in the past, the owner would still be held liable for the incident.
Several factors will determine liability in the dog bite injury case, and not all cases are the same. Some of the factors include:
Trespassing
The dog’s owner may not be held liable for the injuries that you sustain if you were on their private property. The only exception to this rule is when the victim is below six years of age.
Provocation
If the dog had been provoked before attacking and biting the injured party, the dog’s owner would not be liable for anything.
Negligence
The dog owner can be found to be liable if the injuries were due to recklessness or negligence. For instance, failing to follow state leash laws can result in damages, and the owner is held liable.
State Laws
The laws for dog bite attacks and injuries will vary according to the state where they happen. Some states have exceptions for dog bite injuries sustained from police dogs and military dogs.
Statistics of Dog Bite Injuries
Every year, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. Out of these, about 800,000 end up requiring medical care. One out of every 73 people has had experience with canine attacks and dog bite injuries.
81% of dog bites do not cause injuries or result in minor injuries that will not need medical attention. Most of the bite injuries involve dogs that have not been neutered or sprayed. Chained dogs caused 25% of fatal attacks. More than 30 different dog breeds have been involved in dog bite incidences resulting in fatalities.
Are There Time Limits for Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
The deadline for filing a dog bite lawsuit ranges from one to six years after the incident occurs. Typically, the limit is two or three years. The best time to file the case is after being diagnosed and treated with the injuries you incurred. Taking the time to recover also allows you to determine the amount of compensation that you deserve. Filing a lawsuit before you are fully recovered will mean that some of the losses will still be unclear and the dog owner can use this opportunity to challenge you.
Getting a lawyer involved early enough in the process ensures that all the critical evidence is gathered early enough. You will also avoid making costly mistakes, such as admitting liability before the facts are clear.
Call a Palm Springs Dog Bite Lawyer at the Crockett Law Group for a Free Consultation
In conclusion, getting a dig bite injury lawyer’s services after the incident is essential to ensure that you are fully compensated for your loss. A Palm Springs dog bite lawyer will use their experience to gather enough evidence for a strong case and keep you protected and legally represented throughout the process. Call the Crockett Law Group today at (888) 965-3827.
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