California led the nation in lethal dog bite attacks in 2013. Sixty percent of those tragic dog bite fatality cases resulted in criminal charges. Although fatalities are rare, over 800,000 people require medical treatment for dog bite-related injuries every year, and about half of those who need medical attention are children. When a dog bites a person in the Los Angeles area, under California law, the dog’s owner is “strictly liable.” That means that even if a dog has not previously been considered dangerous, a court may order the dog’s owner to reimburse a bite victim for medical treatment and related expenses. If you need to sue a dog owner over a dog bite injury, get advice and help right away from an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer. To receive damages, a dog bite victim must prove:
- that an injury actually happened
- that the defendant is the dog’s legal owner
- that the victim was injured on open public property or was legally on private property and not trespassing
Contact A Personal Injury Attorney
After receiving medical care, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer immediately. A skilled attorney can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and, in some cases, pain and suffering. Keep copies of all medical, legal, and insurance documents related to the bite. Do not accept any settlement or communicate with an insurance company before consulting your attorney.
Get Legal Help
In Los Angeles and throughout southern California, timely action is critical. If a dog bite causes injury, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.