Animal attacks can be devastating. Not only can they cause physical injuries, but they can also lead to emotional trauma and financial burdens.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 468 people were killed in the last decade due to dog bites and attacks. Approximately 337,000 emergency department visits are due to dog bites each year.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of an animal attack, it’s important to know that you are not alone — and to realize you have legal rights. Attorneys who specialize in animal attack claims can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve. They can help to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a strong case. If you have been the victim of an animal attack, don’t hesitate to reach out to Miller & Steele Law Firm for a free consultation.
If you have been the victim of an animal attack, don’t hesitate to reach out to Miller & Steele Law Firm today at (760) 439-2210 to schedule your free consultation with a Carlsbad dog bite lawyer who can help you.
Why Choose Miller & Steele Law Firm?
You have the right to choose the Carlsbad personal injury attorney you want to assist you in pursuing compensation for your injuries. Miller & Steele should be at the top of your list because we have represented more than 3,000 clients for whom we have recovered more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements. We provide every client with the personalized attention they deserve.
Reach out to someone who understands your circumstance and will fight for justice. You need someone with the compassion, skill, and experience necessary to secure the compensation you need and deserve, so you can focus on healing.
We Know The Law
A dog bite can be a painful and terrifying experience. Many animal attacks cause serious injuries, including permanent disabilities, nerve damage, infections, scarring or disfigurement, and/or long-term or lifelong psychological injury. Tragically, these injuries, and even the risk of death, are magnified when a child is the victim.
Just as dog bites can lead to severe and life-altering injuries, a skilled Carlsbad wrongful death attorney from our firm can navigate the legal system and help you during this difficult time.
California law states that an owner of any 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. At Miller & Steele, we will pursue action against the owner of a dangerous animal and fight for justice and the righteous compensation for the losses of the victims.
Why Do I Need a Dog Bite Lawyer?
If you were injured by a dog, you may be suffering serious injuries. An experienced personal injury lawyer can serve as your legal advocate, allowing you the space and time to heal. Some of the ways a dog bite lawyer can help you include:
- Explaining your legal rights and options so you can make informed decisions about your case
- Ensuring that you receive proper medical treatment
- Investigating issues regarding liability and reviewing all applicable insurance policies
- Gathering evidence to establish liability and your injuries
- Handling communication on your behalf with insurance companies and other parties
- Negotiating for maximum compensation
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary
Our law firm offers a free, no-obligation case review, so you can learn more about how we can help when you call us today.
How Dog Bite Claims Work in California
California follows something called a “strict liability” rule for dog bite claims.
California Civil Code section 3342 establishes this rule. The law states that “the owner of any 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 is different from a so-called “one bite,” rule that applies in some jurisdictions. The one-bite rule allows dog owners to be held accountable only if the dog had been aggressive in the past. In California, you get broader protection against a bite incident and can almost always hold the dog’s owner accountable for the damage the animal causes you to endure.
You will still need to prove the elements of your claim, though, including that you were lawfully on public property. And you must demonstrate the extent of your damages. You also have a limited time to act, as California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 requires you to bring a personal injury claim within two years of the time of the incident. A Carlsbad dog bite lawyer at Miller & Steele Law Firm will help you gather evidence and take action before the time runs out.
What Kind Of Damages Can I Seek After An Animal Attack In Carlsbad?
Injuries from animal attacks can be severe, and sometimes permanent, so victims may be able to recover compensatory damages for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the animal’s owner acted with gross negligence or acted with intent to harm.
California doesn’t impose a cap on damages except for malpractice claims, so you should be able to be “made whole” for your losses. Our Carlsbad personal injury attorneys can help you understand what compensation may be available to you based on the extent of the damage the animal did.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?
Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of an animal attack may be able to help protect you from suffering more serious injuries and your legal rights when you make a dog bite claim. Here are steps to follow if you or a loved one are injured in a dog bite incident:
Seek Medical Attention
If you are seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Follow the dispatcher’s advice about stopping bleeding. Go to the nearest emergency room, if necessary. If you did not immediately seek medical treatment, monitor for signs of injury or infection and seek attention immediately if you notice any. Keep all of your medical records and bills for your claim.
Report the Incident
Report the incident to authorities. This could include calling police or animal control. Having an official come out and investigate the incident may be able to help with your personal injury claim. You may also learn of similar instances involving the aggressive dog.
Ask for Information
Ask the dog owner for their name, contact information, vet records, their dog’s vaccination status, and insurance information.
Gather Evidence
Take photos of your injuries, conditions around the dog bite, and your injuries. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
Contact a Lawyer
You should not have to face this ordeal alone. An experienced dog bite lawyer can assist you with the next steps, guiding you through the legal process and demanding the financial compensation you deserve. Call us today for your free case review.
When Should I Call An Attorney After a Carlsbad Animal Attack?
The first thing you should do is seek medical attention for any injuries you have sustained. The attack should also be reported to the Humane Society and/or the Department of Animal Services. Once you have received treatment, you should contact an experienced animal attack attorney to discuss your case and find out what legal options may be available.
Get Help from a Carlsbad Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a dog bite incident, let Miller & Steele handle your dog bite claim today. Our legal team can investigate your situation, advise you of your legal rights, and seek full and fair compensation on your behalf. Call us or contact us at (760) 840-5221 to learn more about how we can help. We are here to help you during this difficult time.