In California, dog attacks sent 48,596 people to emergency rooms. This means there were 125 hospital trips due to bite incidents for every 100,000 people in California. That’s a lot of damage done by animal companions.
When a dog causes harm, the owners of that animal can be held legally liable for any resulting loss. California has strict rules that apply to dog attacks, but victims must work within the legal system to get the money they deserve. Miller & Steele Law Firm is here to help.
Our Escondido dog bite lawyers have more than 70 years of collective experience and we focus only on fighting for injured victims so we know the law inside and out. We’ll work with you to gather evidence, negotiate a settlement, or go to court and make your claim so you are able to get paid for all the damage the dog attack caused you to endure.
Give us a call today at (760) 439-2210 to learn more about what we can do to help you.
California Law in Regards to Dog Bites
California’s rules regarding dog bite liability are very simple. According to California Civil Code section 3342, “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 called a strict liability rule because dog owners are strictly 100% liable if their dogs attack. You don’t have to prove the dog owner was unreasonably careless to get compensation if you are the victim of a dog bite. You also don’t have to show that the dog had been aggressive in the past, which some other states require in order for bite victims to be entitled to damages.
You will need to show the dog hurt you unprovoked in a place where you lawfully were and demonstrate the extent of your harm. An Escondido personal injury lawyer can help you to do that by working with you to gather all the evidence available from day one of the incident.
What is the Dog Bite Statute of Limitations?
California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 sets a two year time deadline for pursuing claims arising out of an injury caused by neglect or wrongdoing. If you fail to act in that period of time, your case is time-barred. That means you won’t be allowed to move forward with collecting compensation for losses.
Get Help From An Escondido Dog Bite Attorney Today
An Escondido dog bite lawyer at Miller & Steele Law Firm will work with you to pursue your damage claim. Since homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies typically cover bite incidents, you may be dealing with a large insurance company that has a primary goal of minimizing payments they make. You need a tough advocate on your side and our firm has the experience to provide the necessary support throughout your case.
Give us a call or contact us today at (760) 439-2210 to learn more about how our dedicated legal team can represent you.