While most dogs are friendly and make great pets and companions, the reality is that man’s best friend can also cause significant pain and harm in the wrong circumstances. Most dog bites come from a dog owner that the victim knows through a friend or family member. Dog bites are not to be taken lightly. Even bites from small dogs can be harmful and even deadly. Besides the obvious damage, dog bites can cause infections, diseases, permanent scarring, disfigurement and lifelong disorders.
In California, a dog owner is legally responsible for any and all damages or harm caused by the dog as a result of the incident. This means there is no disputed liability or “one bite rule.” The law does not allow a dog owner to dispute liability and dog owner must pay for all damages caused by dog if the dog bite occurred on public property or on private property as long as the victim was not trespassing at the time.
If you have experienced injury from a dog bite, taking these appropriate steps will assist you to get the compensation you deserve for medical expenses and pain and suffering damages.
- First, it is always a good idea to take pictures of the scene, if you are able to. Take a photo of the dog, of your injuries and the location of the dog attack.
- Second, get the contact information, such as names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the animal attack and be sure to stay in touch with them.
- Research whether the dog has ever been taken by animal control or any prior “Animal Bite Reports” filed against it.
- Talk to the neighbors of the dog owner and find out how they describe the behavior of the dog. Neighbors often have valuable information about how the dog normally behaves.
Following these steps will help you preserve the evidence you need to win your dog bite lawsuit and will substantially increase your ability to receive compensation for your damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured by an animal attack or dog bite in San Diego or Riverside County, it is important to contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. At Martinez & Schill, our lawyers will conduct an early and detailed investigation, gather the important evidence, and deal directly with the responsible parties. We can take on the insurance company on your behalf so you can concentrate on your recovery. To receive a complimentary case evaluation, call our San Diego office at 619-512-5995 or our Riverside office at 951-200-4630 or you can send a secure online message. Martinez & Schill LLP serves the victims of animal attacks in San Diego, Oceanside, Chula Vista, Escondido, Temecula, and Riverside County.