Man’s best friend can sometimes turn into man’s worst enemy. If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite and suffered the painful consequences, you can understand. You may even wonder if you can sue the dog’s owner.
If a dog has bitten you, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once you’ve taken care of your immediate medical needs, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer near me to discuss your legal options.
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California Law on Dog Attacks
In California, dog owners are held strictly liable for any damages their dog causes, regardless of whether or not they knew the dog was dangerous. If a dog bit you while in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is responsible for your medical bills and any other damages you incurred. Keep in mind that there are some limitations to this law in cases of trespassing on someone’s property or provoking the dog.
So, if you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, what can you do?
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
After receiving medical attention, the first step is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer near me who can evaluate your case and help you determine the best course of action. If you have a strong case, your lawyer will work with you to get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Delay
It’s essential to act quickly after a dog bite, as there may be time limits on how long you have to file a lawsuit. So if a dog has bitten you, don’t delay – contact an experienced personal injury lawyer right away.
Can I Sue?
If A Dog Attacked Me at a Public Dog Park
To successfully sue the owner of a dog that attacked you at a public dog park, you would need to be able to prove that the owner was negligent in some way. For example, if the owner knew that their dog was aggressive but brought them to a public dog park and let them off-leash, you may be able to sue for negligence.
However, it’s essential to remember that California is a “comparative negligence” state. This means that if you were partly to blame for the attack (for example, if you provoked the dog), your compensation might be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
If A Dog Attacked Me On Private Property
Even if a dog attacked you on private property, you might still be able to sue the owner if you can prove that they were negligent. For example, if the owner knew that their dog was aggressive but did not take steps to keep them contained on their property, you may be able to sue.
If I Didn’t Suffer Any Physical Injuries From the Dog Attack
You may still be able to sue for damages if you can prove that you suffered emotionally or mentally due to the dog attack. For example, if you have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the attack, you may be able to sue for damages.
If Someone Else’s Dog Attacked My Dog
Unfortunately, in California, you cannot sue the owner of a dog that attacked your own dog. However, you may be able to recover veterinary expenses if you can prove that the other dog’s owner was negligent.
Get Help From an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, don’t try to navigate the legal system alone – contact an experienced personal injury lawyer near me today. Your lawyer will be able to help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
For more information, a complimentary initial consultation is your next best step. Get the facts and legal solutions you are seeking by calling 877-236-4536 today. A Dog Bite attorney will offer the right advice and do everything to get you the highest possible compensation.