You Are the Victim of a
Dog Bite
Free Consultation 24/7
Approximately 40% of California households own a pet. Your odds of suffering a dog bite in any given year are approximately 1 in 70 with 4.7 million dog bite victims in the U.S.
Being the victim of a dog bite attack is a traumatic experience that can be devastating physically, emotionally, and financially. Despite this reality, most dog bites go unreported, and the victims are not compensated for their injuries. Even when cases are reported to insurance companies, the victim only recovers 10-20% of the total value of their damages because they are not represented by an attorney with dog bite experience.
Claim Justice, Like They Did
Legal Fighters Represents All Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dedicated
Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
Our personal injury lawyers have experience in representing dog bite victims. While your dog bite injury may be a once-in-a lifetime event for you, Legal Fighters attorneys have been there and done that.
In the typical dog bite case, a large dog attacks a vulnerable victim. In many of the attacks, the initial knockdown is not only severe it often results in shattered bones of the spine, pelvis, and skull. In many cases, it is worse than the actual bite.
Then, when the dog bites, its teeth usually cause tearing lacerations, in addition to deep puncture wounds. The dog’s teeth often cut into internal organs that do not have protective skin layers resulting in profuse external and internal bleeding.
Dog bites also have an extremely high infection rate. While Rabies is possible if the animal has not been well cared for, common infections include staph, Capnocytophaga, and strep infections.
We Protect Your Most Valuable Asset Today; Your Recovery
Physical Injury
Brain Damage
Financial loss & mental distress
Dog Attacks by Breed
Pit bulls are the perpetrators in more dog attacks than any other breed. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association reports this breed was responsible for 22.5% of bites across all studies. Mixed breeds were a close second at 21.2% while German Shepherds were the third most dangerous breed, involved in 17.8% of bite incidents.
Most Likely Victims
Children between 5 and 9 years of age face the highest incidence of dog bite attacks. The Centers for Disease control and Prevention report that dog attacks are the seventh leading cause of non-fatal ER visits for children ages five to nine.
Further, the CDC estimates that half of all children under the age of twelve have been bitten by a dog and 77 percent of all dog bite injuries to children under ten involve the face.
Children are more likely to be the victims of dog attacks for many reasons, including an inability to recognize cues signaling potential aggression in canines, a childish propensity to engage in behaviors that can be a trigger to dogs such as running and squealing and their smaller size which makes them less able to prevent an attack.
California Liability Law
California dog bite law specifies that dog owners are responsible for all bites that occur in public places or that occur on private property the victim is lawfully visiting. This includes bites at the owner’s home if the victim is allowed to be there. A Trespasser is not lawfully on property, so dog owners are typically not liable for bites to trespassers.
Under California dog bite law, it does not matter if the animal was ever vicious before or if the dog owner had reason to suspect the dog would bite. California imposes strict liability rules which make owners responsible for all bites. This is different from many states that apply “one-bite” rules or hold owners accountable for bites only if there was reason to suspect the dog would hurt someone.
Victim Compensation
Substantial compensation is available in dog bite cases. In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowners’, or renters’ liability insurance pays for damages. Victims can recover compensation through a settlement with the insurer or by going to court and filing a lawsuit.
In 2022, for the first time in history, insurance companies paid more than $1 billion to settle animal attack injury claims. Individual settlements are especially high in jurisdictions like California that have victim-friendly dog bite laws. According to 2022 State Farm data, the average dog bite settlement in California is now approximately $79,900.
Your Initial To Do List
- Call 911 for Emergency Assistance and seek immediate medical attention.
- Ask the dog owner for their insurance details including their name, address, as well as their homeowner insurance carrier and policy number.
- Call the police and make a report. Then follow up to obtain a copy of the police report.
- Take pictures of the scene and your injuries to preserve the evidence.
- Do not discuss your injuries with anyone but medical personnel.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney at Legal Fighters.
- Report the accident to the insurance company.
Your Post Accident Concerns
- How will I pay my medical bills?
- How much will my treatment cost?
- How long before I can return to normal activities?
- Will I lose my job for missing work for treatment of my injuries?
- How will I be able to meet my family responsibilities?
- Why is the insurance carrier taking so long to settle?
Key Reasons You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
- Legal Knowledge with dozens of resources, benefits, and tools available.
- Relieving your stress through the entire process.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering Skills.
- Versed in the California requirements for ridesharing companies.
- Negotiation and Settlement Know-how.
- Litigation and Trial Experience.
- Statute of Limitations Understanding.
A Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands
To protect your legal rights when there is a dog bite or attack case, immediate action is crucial. Dog bite victims are frequently persuaded to accept a quick settlement directly from a homeowner or insurance companies, without the help of a lawyer. This can be a significant error in judgement that could cost you thousands of dollars in benefits!
It is important to note the insurance companies are on your side. Their goal is to settle for as little as possible. A single wrong word or oversight in your interactions with them can lead to your claim being significantly reduced or even completely denied.
Legal Fighters attorneys know exactly how to interact with dog owners and insurance companies to position you to receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Our Legal Fighters will maximize your settlement by determining all damages, including economic and non-economic losses including:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Lost Future Income
- Funeral Expenses
- Pain and Suffering
- Shock and Emotional Distress
- Loss of Consortium
Why Choose Legal Fighters?
Our personal injury attorneys have over twenty years of experience with $2.5 Billion recovered on 6,000+ cases retained and closed. We have been Rated Best – by people like you. Not only will we schedule your doctor’s visits for you, but we will also make the necessary transportation arrangements. And, in addition to handling your payments, we will assist you in negotiating and paying your expenses.
If you are speculating whether you have a compelling case for compensation against a homeowner or an insurance company resulting in your dog bite injury, we can review the facts and help you understand your rights and options under the law. Call Legal Fighters for a free evaluation and consultation!
Dedicated
Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
