Were you attacked by someone else’s canine and aren’t sure what to do next? Find out how to get fully compensated for your injuries by speaking with a San Francisco dog attack lawyer.
Trying to avoid accidents and injuries caused by people is one thing, but trying to predict the actions of potentially dangerous canines is even more difficult. When a dog bites, mauls, or attacks someone, California has specific laws in place that allow the injured victim to seek financial compensation from the animal’s owner.
However, these laws aren’t clear-cut in all situations, which can make recovering the compensation you’re rightfully owed more difficult than it should be.
By working with a San Francisco dog bite lawyer from Haffner Law, you can give yourself the best chance for successfully resolving your injury claim. We have the in-depth knowledge of personal injury and dog bite law that you’ll want on your side, as well as the drive to deliver the results you need for your recovery.
California Dog Bite Laws
California has a few different laws governing injuries caused by canines, and which statute applies to your case will depend on a few different circumstances.
If you weren’t actually bitten but were instead hurt through scratching, jumping, or some other action performed by the dog, then the “dog bite statutes” won’t apply to your case. This doesn’t mean that you can’t seek compensation, however. If negligence on the part of the owner can be established, you’ll still be able to file a personal injury claim under California’s negligence statutes.
By contrast, if you were bitten or mauled by a dog, then the state dog bite laws will directly apply to your claim. In general, as long as your injuries were caused by a bite and you were either in a public place or lawfully on private property, you could have grounds for a claim seeking compensation.
If a dog already has a history of biting people, then the law specifically states that the dog owner has a responsibility to take steps to prevent future attacks. This could potentially make it easier to win your case, but it will still be necessary to demonstrate the full extent of your damages.
Dog Breed Doesn’t Matter
While breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers are often thought of as “dangerous breeds,” in the end, a dog bite from any breed could qualify you to seek financial compensation for your injuries and losses.
This is true whether the breed was a Chihuahua or a German shepherd. Children and the elderly are at particularly high risk for suffering a dog attack, emphasizing just how little the size or reputation of the breed will matter.
As long as either the dog attack meets the necessary legal criteria or the negligence of the owner can be established, you could have grounds to file an injury claim.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
Your dog bite attorney will ensure that your demand for monetary compensation takes into account all of the losses you’ve experienced. Our firm will work closely with both you and your doctor to make certain that nothing is overlooked.
Whether the damage is emotional or financial, it needs to be included in your claim. Dog bites often inflict a number of non-economic damages, as the attack is often highly traumatic—especially if the victim was young or trusted the canine.
These are just a few examples of potential damages you might be able to include in your claim:
- Medical bills for treatments, infections, medication, and equipment
- Reconstructive or plastic surgery to repair a disfigurement
- Lost income and earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement
- Lost enjoyment of life
Connect with a San Francisco Dog Attack Attorney
Whether dog attack injury was caused through biting or getting knocked over, you might have grounds to file an injury claim and seek compensation for your losses. Haffner Law knows California dog bite law and can help you recover every penny you’re owed.
Successfully resolving a dog bite case can be difficult, as the dog owner is likely to accuse you of baiting the canine or deny that you had a right to be on the property. You don’t want to take chances with your case, and working with an attorney can provide the best opportunity for a successful resolution.
To explore your legal options with the advice of a San Francisco dog bite lawyer, simply schedule a free consultation. Arrange a time for yours by completing the form below or by calling 1-844-HAFFNER (423-3637).
