About five million Americans are bitten by dogs every year. Many bites can cause severe injuries that require medical care, while some result in lifelong disfigurement or disability. It’s essential to know that injured individuals in dog bite incidents are entitled to compensation from the owner when their dog causes injuries.

If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog, you must speak to an experienced Suisun City dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your claim. Call our law firm today at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for a free consultation.

When most people hear about a dog bite injury, they probably think of a slight nip on the hand. However, dog bites are much more severe. It is not uncommon for people to suffer catastrophic injuries such as muscle and nerve damage, permanent scarring, fractures, lacerations, and even death. The emotional trauma from the dog attack is often the most severe.

Unless the person was trespassing or the dog was provoked, owners are responsible when their dogs cause serious harm to others. California has a strict liability for owners of dogs that bite or attack. Strict liability means dog owners are responsible for most dog-bite injuries, and the owners cannot argue that they were unaware their dogs were dangerous.

However, there are some exceptions to the strict liability law:

• The injured person must be lawfully on private property in a public place.
• Police dogs defending themselves against provocative behavior are exempt.
• Dog sitters cannot be held strictly liable but can be sued for negligence.
• Kennel workers and veterinarians cannot file an injury claim if they are bitten, as they have assumed the risk in their job.
• Owners cannot be held liable when the injured person is partially at fault for provoking, harassing, or annoying the animal.

Dog owners are responsible for taking the steps necessary to remove their dog if it bit someone.  The court may have the owner remove the dog from the area or euthanize it.

If animal control suspects a dog is dangerous, they can petition the court to have the owner keep the dog inside, on a leash, or in a gated yard. Owners will be fined for violating these restrictions.

Dog owners can face criminal charges and a civil suit if their pet bites and injures someone. There is a two-year statute of limitations to file an injury claim for a dog bite in California. If the injured party is a minor, the time is tolled until the age of majority.

Dog bite victims can collect compensation for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include the following types of losses and expenses:

• Lost earnings and future earning capacity
• Medical expenses
• Physical therapy
• Long term care
• Rehabilitation
• Devices and prosthetics

Noneconomic damages are for the impact of the injuries on someone’s life, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Inability to perform daily activities
• The psychological impact of disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Loss of pleasure from life

Dog bite injuries can leave someone with high medical expenses, resulting in substantial time away from work. Determining the exact amount of dog bite cases is not always easy. However, a Suisun dog bite lawyer will work with you and help ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Having an attorney on your side ensures your case is adequately prepared. The sooner a lawyer can work on your case, the easier it is for them to keep the responsible party from disclaiming responsibility in your dog bite claim. Our qualified trial lawyers will take your case to court if the other party offers a lowball settlement.

Watch the YouTube Video below to learn why you may need an attorney for your dog bite case.

You must have an attorney familiar with current dog bite laws in California. Our injury lawyers have helped many bitten or attacked by a vicious animal. We use decades of experience handling these cases to hold dog owners accountable and obtain justice and compensation for our clients.

We will also support your case by:

• Investigating the property where the incident happened
• Gathering evidence and documentation, including photos of the dog bite injuries
• Investigating the dog’s past behavior
• Investigating the owner to determine if they were negligent in handling their dog
• Gathering copies of doctor reports and medical bills
• Negotiating with the insurance company
• Seeking compensation for your serious injuries, damages, and other losses

Our lawyer fees are contingent on the outcome of your case.  There are no up-front fees to pay until we successfully win your case.

If you are one of the many people injured by a vicious animal, contact an experienced Suisun dog bite lawyer who can help determine whether you have a case and are entitled to pursue compensation for your damages.

We have a successful record of obtaining fair compensation for our injured clients. Call to schedule a free case review and consultation today with one of our injury lawyers. Contact us at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.

See our past verdicts and settlements.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 9.26.23] Photo by Justin Veenema on Unsplash cha [cs 909] bw}