Dog attacks cause physical and psychological trauma. Serious bites require medical care that can deplete your bank account. You should not have to pay the financial cost of a dog owner’s negligence. Instead, partner with a California personal injury attorney from Meissner Law Firm. We will work to get you justice for your injuries and losses.
Why Choose Us at Meissner Law Firm?
The team at Meissner Law Firm offers you the best of both worlds. We have the skill and experience to take on powerful opponents while giving you personalized attention and support. Clients deserve a team that listens, cares, and fights aggressively. That’s who we are. Our client testimonials show our commitment to the principles of personal service, reputation, and results.
What Should I Do After Being Bitten by a Dog?
Get immediate medical care. Dog bites can do serious damage, tearing soft tissue, causing disfigurement, and in some cases, breaking bones. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), dog bites can cause Capnocytophaga, an infection that can be deadly if not treated properly.
Research found in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) shows that facial bites, a common dog-bite injury, cause severe physical and psychological damage. These bites are more common among children.
Document all doctor visits, diagnoses, and treatments, and follow your doctor’s orders. Once you’ve assured your medical safety, connect with a dog bite attorney.
What Types of Damages Can I Receive After a Dog Bite in California?
The California Civil Code, Section 3342, establishes the State’s dog bite laws. In California, owners are typically liable for damage their dog causes, even if the dog had not shown previous signs of aggression.
You can potentially recover economic and non-economic damages for a dog bite. Economic damages account for the financial consequences of the bite. They include your
- Medical costs for wound treatment, cosmetic surgery, and other interventions
- Income lost during your recovery and lost earning potential, if applicable
- Other related costs
Non-economic damages are also a major part of your claim and give financial acknowledgment of your pain, psychological and emotional trauma, and diminished enjoyment of life.
Comparative Negligence
Section 3960 of the California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI) explains how California’s comparative negligence system affects damages. You can sue a dog owner for damages, but if you bear any blame for the attack, you can see your compensation lowered by your percentage of blame.
The dog owner may argue that you ran up to the animal aggressively, putting it on the defensive. They may claim you otherwise antagonized the animal or simply failed to stop interacting with the dog after it had shown signs of agitation. Our experienced dog bite attorneys know all of the common defenses to these claims and can help protect you from unfair accusations.
How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Claim in California?
While a deadline to sue someone for a personal injury, such as a dog bite, generally applies, it is critical to reach out as soon as possible because time limits may vary based on the specifics of your case. An attorney can work to settle your claim out of court. If negotiations fail, you preserve your right to fight at trial by filing your injury claim with the court system as soon as possible.
Call Our Skilled California Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Connect with Meissner Law Firm to arrange a free case consultation right away. We can immediately get to work collecting evidence to support your claim and guide you through the personal injury process. As our case results show, our goal is to see justice served.