A dog bite can happen without warning and can quickly lead to serious injuries, costly medical expenses, and financial and emotional distress. If your child was bitten, the situation can feel even more overwhelming. Knowing your legal options after such a traumatic event can help you plan for the financial and personal challenges ahead.
During such a stressful time, having someone who listens and understands your experience is crucial. The Folsom dog bite injury lawyers at Demas Law Group will take the time to hear your concerns, explain your legal rights, and discuss what compensation you may be able to pursue under California law.
With over 30 years of experience, our top-rated legal team provides high-quality legal representation to injured victims throughout Northern California. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding California Dog Bite Laws
Strict Liability
California law generally applies a strict liability rule to dog bite cases. This means that if a dog bites someone in a public place or while that person is legally on private property, the dog’s owner may be held responsible. It does not matter if the dog had never bitten anyone before or if the owner thought the dog was harmless.
In most dog bite injury claims based on strict liability, you only need to prove two things:
- The dog bit you.
- The bite caused your injury.
Based on this standard, you do not have to prove the dog’s owner was careless or that they owned a dangerous dog. This applies to everyday situations, such as walking through a neighborhood, visiting a friend’s home, or making a delivery.
Negligence
In some cases, Folsom dog bite victims may be entitled to seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim based on negligence. This approach may apply in situations where the liable party is not the dog’s owner, such as a landlord, dog walker, or house sitter.
Unlike a strict liability claim, a negligence claim requires you to prove that the person in control of the dog had a legal duty to keep you safe and didn’t do enough to prevent the dog attack, resulting in your injuries.
Exceptions
There are exceptions in either situation. Someone who trespasses or provokes a dog may not be entitled to compensation. Police and military canines are granted specific exemptions. Every circumstance is different, and a Folsom dog attack lawyer can look at the details and explain how the law applies to your specific case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dog Bite Case?
In most dog bite cases, the responsibility starts with the dog’s owner. Owners are expected to keep their dogs under control and prevent them from hurting anyone. However, the dog’s owner is not always the only person liable for a dog bite.
Other entities that share legal control over the dog or the property where the dog bite occurred may be accountable if their actions (or failure to act) contributed to your injuries. An experienced dog bite attorney can identify all potentially liable parties and pursue compensation from them for their part in the incident.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can lead to severe injuries and permanent harm. Even a nip could lead to dangerous infections if not treated properly, especially if you do not know the dog’s vaccination history. For this reason, victims should seek immediate medical treatment to prevent health complications.
Common dog bite injuries include:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Torn or lacerated skin
- Crushed tissue
- Broken bones
- Facial and neck injuries
- Hand, arm, and leg injuries
- Nerve damage
- Permanent scarring
Dog attacks can cause more than just physical injuries. They can also lead to lasting emotional trauma. Many dog bite victims experience anxiety, fear, sleep problems, or ongoing distress after the incident. A dog bite claim in Folsom can account for those effects.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
A dog bite can affect every aspect of your life. Beyond the medical expenses, victims may miss work while they recover from their injuries. Time off may mean lost pay, and permanent disabilities can make returning to work harder or limit career paths later on. Pain, stress, and scarring can change how victims feel day to day. In California, fair compensation can account for all these forms of harm.
After a dog bite, you can potentially recover compensation for losses like:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Time Limits for Filing a Dog Bite Claim in California
In California, you generally have two years from the date of a dog bite to file a lawsuit. In certain instances, you may have less or more time, depending on the circumstances. If the deadline passes, you will most likely lose your right to pursue compensation in court. Talk to a Folsom dog bite injury attorney as soon as possible to learn the timeline for your specific case.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Folsom
Acting quickly after a dog bite is crucial to protect your health and legal claim. Take the following steps:
- Call 911 – Seek immediate medical care from paramedics and report the dog bite incident to local law enforcement.
- Report the bite – Reach out to your local animal control agency or health department.
- Take photos – Capture photos of your injuries and where the bite occurred. Do not chase a stray dog to get its picture.
- Gather owner information – Ask the dog owner for their name, address, phone number, homeowners’ insurance policy information, and their pet’s vaccine records (if possible).
- Ask witnesses for contact details – Witnesses may be able to provide context about the attack that you can’t.
- Keep all medical records, bills, and related documents – This can help a dog bite attorney place a value on your claim.
- Consult a dog bite lawyer in Folsom – An experienced attorney can investigate the case, gather evidence, handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company, and take your case to court if necessary.
Reasons to Hire Our Folsom Dog Bite Lawyers
Demas Law Group is a respected personal injury law firm with over three decades of experience representing injured Californians. We love dog-friendly communities like Folsom, but when a dog bite occurs, our personal injury attorneys fight to hold those responsible accountable for the injuries caused.
Our hardworking legal team has recovered over $300 million for deserving clients, representing them according to our guiding principles of:
- Commitment
- Compassion
- Communication
With more than 800 five-star Google reviews and an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, our firm has established itself as a leader that our past clients and colleagues trust. Let us put that experience to work for you.
Free Consultation With a Folsom Dog Bite Lawyer
Your well-being is worth fighting for. If you or a loved one is coping with the aftermath of a dog attack, call or contact us today for a free consultation with one of our skilled dog bite injury attorneys.
