Dogs attacks can cause significant injury, particularly if the dog is a Pitbull or German Shepherd. Even smaller breeds can cause deep wounds, infection and scarring.
The law considers most dog bite attacks as “strict liability”. This means a different set of rules apply than would a general negligence claim. Our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers can discuss your case and if the “strict liability’ rules apply.
One of the first concerns with dog bite claims is insurance coverage. Some types of insurance cover animal attacks, some don’t, and some may but with exclusions for certain situations.
The Los Angeles dog bite lawyers at Phillips & Pelly will investigate coverage issues and determine applicable coverages in your case. Once coverage is determined, we can examine damages such may include scar revision costs, disfigurement and other dog bite related injury.
While dog bite attacks may have stricter laws apply, it is necessary to know who owns the dog that committed the attack and if the owner has the type of insurance coverage that will apply to that particular animal for that particular type of attack. Our dog bite lawyers can determine if the necessary insurance coverages apply in our particular case.
The next legal issue will be liability and ‘comparative negligence’, in other words did the person who was attacked somehow contribute to the attack through their own actions. If there are witnesses and/or video, that information must be preserved.
During the healing process, keep as much documentation as possible, including multiple photographs of your injuries.
Our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers will take the information you provide the time of the initial consultation and evaluate how we may be of benefit and next best steps.
As mentioned, California law generally adopts a ‘strict liability’ rule with respect to animal attacks. This means the person bitten by a dog generally does not need to show the owner was negligent (careless) in the handling of the animal.
So while California adopts the ‘strict liability’ rule, it does not mean there are no defenses for the responsible person. Their lawyer and the insurance companies will look to exploit the available defenses to reduce or eliminate the claims value.
Before you get involved with talking to the responsible person, contact our dog bite attorneys and we will evaluate the strengths and potential defenses in your dog bite case.
We understand not every case requires a lawyer, for example minor injury or non-injury claims may not need the help of a dog bite attorney. But, if the injuries are moderate to severe, the long term issues may linger and cost you money down the road. If you are not compensated for those losses, the associated costs down the road will remain your burden to bear.
Things To Consider When Deciding If You’d Like To Hire a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer:
+ In moderate to serious dog bite cases, you may require surgery for nerve damage, scars and other disfigurement.
+ Relying on the dog owner to pay for short or long term care is risky. The owner may decide they no longer want to pay or may become unable to do so. An insurance settlement will clearly outline the amounts for you to receive.
+ Our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers will handle the legal issues while you focus on getting better.
If you have unanswered questions, the call is free, the consultation is free and representation for dog bite injuries is no win, no fee, once we accept your case.
No. As mentioned, we work on a no win, no fee basis. No hidden costs.
While each case is different depending upon the facts (we need to talk to best advise you) the general recoveries available are past and future medical bills, surgery, lost income, loss of quality
Our Los Angeles Dog bite lawyers have handled thousands of injury claims. Fill on the online form on this website or give us a call. We will let you know what we think, next best steps and, if you are ready to move forward, we can start your case from your home if you like.
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In a nutshell, our Clients are not responsible for attorney fees until we recover money on their behalf. Once a case settles, our fees are simply deducted from the settlement amount. Guaranteed. We believe that every Client deserves strong representation regardless of their financial circumstances. By basing attorney fees on a percentage of money recovered, we are able to offer every Client with a valid claim, the very best representation possible.
Tell us about your accident and your injuries. An injury lawyer from our team will call and provide you with a Free Evaluation of your Case. If we can help, and you are unable to travel, we will come to your home, office or hospital. It’s easy – let’s get started.
Give us a call. We welcome discussing your case. (800) 260-1808.
Email us at contact@sdinjury.com.
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