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LOS ANGELES DOG BITE LAWYER

ATTACKED BY A DOG OR OTHER ANIMAL? OUR DOG BITE ATTORNEY CAN HELP YOU GET THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE!

Dogs are commonly referred to as a “man’s best friend”, and to a lot of us, pets are a member of the family. Many of us show our pets lots of love, care, and friendship. Unfortunately, not all pet owners treat their pets with the same kind of devotion. Some people neglect and even abuse their pets, which can cause pets to become aggressive towards others. Fortunately, in California, victims of dog bites or other dangerous animal attacks have recourse. If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog bite or other animal attack, our dog bite attorneys at The Darwish Law Firm can help.

STRICT LIABILITY LAW FOR DOG BITES –DOGS DO NOT GET “ONE FREE BITE”

California applies a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. Strict liability means that a person is liable for damages without the need of determining fault. In other words, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by the dog bite even if the dog owner was not negligent.
California Civil Code section 3342 is known as California’s dog bite statute, which makes dog owners legally responsible for damages and injuries suffered by victims of a dog bite in most scenarios.

Other states apply the “one-free bite” rule. Under the one-bite rule, dog owners are liable if they have notice of the dog’s aggressive nature. Therefore, a dog bite victim must prove that the dog owner knew that the dog was previously vicious or had reason to believe the dog was dangerous. Our dog bite attorneys can help determine if you have a valid case.

EXCEPTIONS TO CALIFORNIA’S DOG BITE STATUTE

There are exceptions to California’s dog bite statute. A dog owner is not liable if the person who was bitten was unlawfully on their property (i.e. trespassing or committing a crime on the owner’s property).

In order to receive compensation, the victim must have been bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the dog owner.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR ME TO SUE?

The statute of limitations to sue for a dog bite injury in California is two years. The clock starts the day of the dog bite or attack.

WHAT CAN I RECOVER?

Depending on the facts and circumstances of your claim, our dog bite lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation for the following:

  • Past and Future Medical Bills
  • Scar Reducing Surgery / Plastic Surgery
  • Loss of Income
  • Loss of Earning Capacity
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Wrongful Death
  • Loss of Consortium (Companionship, love, support)
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of Limb
  • Therapy (vocational, psychological counseling, physical)

DOG BITE STATISTICS AND QUICK FACTS

  • An estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, and nearly 800,000 require medical care
  • Children are more likely than adults to be bitten by a dog, and when they are, the injuries can be more severe
  • Over half of dog bite injuries occur at home with dogs that are familiar to us
  • Among adults, men are more likely than women to be bitten by a dog
  • Children are at a greater risk for injury through dog bites, and almost half of children under the age of twelve have suffered a dog bite at least once
  • Children make up 79% of fatal dog attacks, with 65% of bites occurring on the head or neck
  • Approximately 92% of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94% of which were not neutered
  • Approximately 25% of fatal dog attacks involved chained dogs
  • Approximately 71% of dog bites occur to the extremities such as the arms, legs, hands, and feet
  • Approximately two-thirds of bites occurred on or near the victim’s property, and most victims knew the dog
  • Insurance companies pay more than $1 billion in dog bite claims annually

MOST DANGEROUS BREEDS OF DOGS

Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

Get The Justice You Deserve!

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE BEEN BITTEN OR ATTACKED BY A DOG?

Protect Yourself

Put your purse, bag, or jacket between you and the dog.

If you are knocked down, curl into a ball with your head tucked in and your hands over your ears and neck.

Wash Wounds with Soap and Water

When you get to a safe place, immediately wash wounds with soap and water.

Seek Medical Attention, Especially If:

If the wound is serious (uncontrolled bleeding, loss of function, extreme pain, muscle or bone exposure, etc.).

If the wound becomes red, painful, warm, or swollen, or if you develop a fever.

If you don’t know if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies.

If it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus shot and the bite is deep.

Report the Bite

If possible, contact the owner and ensure the animal has a current rabies vaccination.

You will need the rabies vaccine license number, name of the veterinarian who administered the vaccine, and the owner’s name, address, and phone number.

HOW TO PREVENT DOG BITES

DO:

  • Always ask before petting someone else’s dog
  • When approached by an unfamiliar dog, stay still
  • If a dog knocks you over, curl into a ball with your head tucked and your hands over your ears and neck to protect yourself
  • Stay away from stray or strange dogs

DON’t:

  • Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies
  • Don’t pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first
  • Don’t encourage your dog to play aggressively
  • Don’t let children play with a dog alone
  • Don’t approach an unfamiliar dog
  • Don’t run from a dog
  • Don’t panic or make loud noises

OUR GUARANTEE: IF YOU DON’T WIN, YOU DON’T OWE THE DARWISH LAW FIRM ANYTHING

If you don’t win and recover money for your dog bite case, you don’t owe us anything. This is called “working on contingency.”

NO UPFRONT FEES. CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE, NO-RISK CONSULTATION WITH A DOG BITE LAWYER

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by contacting our dog bite attorneys. Take the first step towards your recovery and compensation by calling The Darwish Law Firm at (424) 369-5353. If you are unable to come to us, we will come to you!

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