Dog Bites
Dog Bites
AFTER A SEVERE DOG BITE, THE LAW OFFICES OF LOUIS GABBARA WILL
HELP YOU PURSUE THE FAIR AND FULL COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE.
We live in a nation of dog lovers. About 67% of Americans have dogs, so it’s almost impossible not to come into contact with one at some point. Maybe you’re a dog owner yourself!
Unfortunately, happy interactions between dogs and humans sometimes take a turn for the worse. More than 4.5 million dog bites happen each year in the U.S., which includes 20,000 people in Los Angeles county alone, with San Diego County not too far behind!
A severe dog bite is one of the most traumatic injuries anyone can ever experience. On top of the extreme physical pain and bodily injury, there can be long-lasting psychological damage, not to mention a mountain of medical bills draining your bank account.
But you don’t have to face a dog bite case alone. At The Law Offices of Louis Gabbara, we are compassionate personal injury lawyers with more than 30 years of combined experience handling many types of painful and life-changing injuries.
We boldly represent dog bite victims, pursuing dog owners and insurance companies to help injured victims. Our clients hire us to help them secure the financial resources they need to recover from their dog bite injuries and move forward with their lives.
When injury victims file successful lawsuits or personal injury claims, they may receive compensation for a range of damages including medical bills and expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
DOG OWNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BITING DOGS IN CALIFORNIA
California law is clear that dog owners have a duty to protect other people from their dogs. In fact, we have some of the strictest dog bite laws in the nation. California Civil Code § 3342 states that the owner of a dog is “liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
This means a dog’s owner is almost always going to be held liable for a dog bite in California. Moreover, the injured person can sue for the cost of their medical bills and other damages like lost wages and emotional suffering. In some cases, a person other than the owner can be held liable for a dog bite. This could include a landlord, property owner, caretaker, dog walker, or someone else who was responsible for the dog or premises at the time of the attack.
DID YOU KNOW THAT HIRING A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY
WILL GET YOU 3.5X MORE MONEY VS. NO ATTORNEY?
The Insurance Research Council found that:
“Accident victims with a lawyer receive an average of 3.5 times more than those who are unrepresented.”
CALIFORNIA ASSIGNS STRICT LIABILITY TO DOG BITES
California has strict liability for dog bites that’s applicable when people are bit by dogs on public property or lawfully on private property. This means if someone’s dog bites you at a public dog park you can sue them, but you can’t sue burglars who get dog bites when they break into your home.
After an attack, law enforcement and/or animal control will get involved to determine the circumstances of the dog bite and who owns the dog. If they deem the dog to be vicious, there will be a hearing to decide what happens next. This process may or may not involve you as the injured victim.
Owners of biting dogs can be ordered to keep their dog leashed or muzzled, keep it indoors, keep it in a fenced yard, and/or keep it out of public areas. In addition, the owner could be assessed fines or a warning that they will be cited for an offense if they don’t meet court-ordered conditions. If you’ve been bitten by a dog that belongs to a friend, family member, neighbor, or someone else you know, it can be a difficult situation to handle. You may feel uneasy about asking them to pay your medical bills and other expenses.
Keep in mind that most dog bite cases are resolved through insurance payments and out-of-court settlements, rather than in court. You don’t have to confront your friend or family member about money directly. Instead, you can seek the assistance of a dog bite lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process smoothly and avoid any unnecessary drama.
At the Law Offices of Louis Gabbara, we understand the complexities of dog bite cases and can help you with the following:
● Identifying the dog owner
● Building a strong case on your behalf
● Securing payment for your medical bills, including plastic surgery
● Covering the cost of mental health therapy
● Negotiating a fair settlement or pursuing legal action, if necessary
● Reducing your stress and allowing you to move forward with your life
During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss the specifics of your case and provide an estimate of the compensation you may be entitled to receive. We’ll also provide guidance on how to strengthen your case. Throughout the process, we’ll gather evidence to support your side of the story, interview witnesses, and consult with experts as needed. Most dog bite cases are settled out of court, but if necessary, we will represent you in court.
If you’re ready to move forward with your case, there are three things you can do right now:
- Request a free case evaluation online from the Law Offices of Louis Gabbara.
- Determine if we’re the right fit for you and your case.
- Learn more about the legal process and how we can help you.
We’re committed to helping dog bite victims in San Diego County and our backyard, Escondido, receive the compensation they deserve. At the Law Offices of Louis Gabbara, we won’t charge you a penny until you win your case. Let us help you hold dog owners accountable and protect the rights of dog bite victims.
The Law Offices of Louis Gabbara, based in Escondido, California, helps people who were involved in serious/catastrophic accidents that happened in Escondido and San Diego County and surrounding cities including Encinitas, Vista, Oceanside, Murrietta, Temecula, Fallbrook, Camp Pendleton, and the Greater San Diego vicinity. Please call our office if you have any questions about dog bite cases: 760-294-0808