For most people, pets are part of the family. That’s why they shower their furry friends with love, care, and companionship. However, not everyone will show the same kind of affection and devotion to their pets. Some people actually neglect their pets, or even abuse them, which could lead to aggression. Other animals will act aggressively no matter their training or upbringing. Fortunately, California law provides some recourse to the victims of dangerous animal attacks. If you or a loved one recently sustained an injury or a bite from an animal in California, the Victorville dog bite lawyers at the Crockett Law Group can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Get in touch with a Victorville personal injury lawyer by calling (800) 900-9393 for a free case review today.
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What Should I Do if I Was Bitten by a Dog?
Knowing the actions to take after a dog bite can be critical to your health, as well as any legal action you might need to take. The following are some of the important steps to take after a dog bite:Get Immediate Medical Care
This is especially important for any deep wounds and serious injuries. Note that certain dogs aren’t vaccinated against diseases such as rabies, and any open wounds will likely be prone to infection.Document Your Injury
If possible, take photos or videos of your wounds before treatment to document the extent of harm done. Keep copies of your medical records and bills for any treatment.Exchange Information
While at the scene of the attack, try to exchange contact information with the dog’s owner or the caretaker so that you can easily contact them afterward. The information to exchange includes the person’s name, phone number, and address. Be sure to also note down details about the dog, such as its breed.Get the Contact Deals of Any Witnesses
Be sure to also get contact information about anyone who witnessed the incident. In case there is a need for an insurance claim or a lawsuit, eyewitness accounts will be crucial in providing an accurate picture of what happened.Notify Animal Control
It’s also wise to file a report with your local animal control agency, as it will help prevent future dog bites. Their investigation may also help your case.Contact a Dog Bite lawyer
Proving liability in your dog bite case and securing compensation will largely depend on the experience and skill of your dog bite lawyer. At the Crockett Law Group, you can be certain that your case is being handled by a professional from start to end. We take extensive measures to ensure the evidence is collected and preserved, and all the facts of your dog bite claim can be proven.Who Do I Report a Dog Bite to in Victorville, California?
While it’s not required to report a dog bite, it’s generally in your best interest for evidential purposes. We advise our clients to notify their local animal control office or the police following an animal attack. Once you receive medical care, make sure that you report the bite to the proper agency. Check with the local Animal Control office in Victorville for instructions on filing a report. You might also be asked to report the dog bite to the local health department and the police department. In case the dog can be identified, check with the vet records to verify if the dog is up to date with its rabies shots. If they aren’t current, it might be a stray dog and you may have to get rabies shots.Why Should I Hire a Victorville Dog Bite Lawyer?
The following are some of the main reasons why you should hire a Victorville dog bite lawyer:Knowledge of California Dog Bite Laws
If you suffered a dog bite that resulted in severe injury, a lawyer will be your best bet when it comes to initiating a claim against the pet owner to seek compensation for your damages. This is because a dog bite lawyer is well experienced with the local dog bite laws, and this should help increase your chances of a favorable outcome.Skilled Negotiation
Dog bite lawyers have the experience to negotiate with the dog owner and the insurance companies. If the dog owner or the insurance company offers you a low-ball offer, it doesn’t mean that you have to accept it. A lawyer will be able to review the offer and ensure they convey the seriousness of the incident to convince the insurance company to raise the settlement offer to a more reasonable level.Professional Experience
Since dog bite lawyers handle these kinds of cases quite often, they tend to have successful cases. So, when your attorney initiates the claim, they will know exactly what they are doing and how they can deliver the highest compensation amount available for your case.Access to Resources
A dog bite lawyer will have superior access to resources through a team that will contribute to your case. They will have team members to help with investigating your case and collecting evidence to establish liability on the dog owner’s side.A Personal Advocate
Your attorney will serve as your own personal advocate and will be by your side until the case is complete. They will fight for your rights and justice on your behalf and ensure you receive the maximum compensation amount you’re eligible for.Who Is Responsible for Dog Bite Injuries?
For most cases, the dog’s owner is held responsible for any injuries or damages that their dog causes, in accordance with section 3342 of the California Civil Code. This is considered a “strict liability” statute, and it holds true so long as the victim:- Was in a public place
- Was lawfully on a private space or property
- Was legally on the dog owner’s property