Dog Bite Attorney

Dog Attacks and Personal Injury Lawsuits

A dog attack is one of the most frightening experiences a person may endure. Although dogs are widely known as “man’s best friend,” they are still animals and therefore may be subject to instinct. They may also be abused or raised in such a way as to be increasingly aggressive. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in the LA area, please contact Pacific Attorney Group today.

Dog biting pedestrian

We are happy to offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. A dog bite may cause serious injury, particularly if the victim is a small child. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the odds that a child will be the victim of a dog bite are 3.2 to 1. Most dog bite injuries are to the face and may result in infection, scarring and disfigurement. If the injuries are severe enough, they may lead to death.

Strict Liability in Dog Bite Claims

In California, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog attacks and injures another person without being provoked. The only exception to the rule may be if the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property or if the victim actually provoked the dog, such as by harassing or taunting it. Many dog bite claims are paid by the homeowner’s insurance policy of the dog owner, or possibly by an umbrella insurance policy or any other coverage that the dog owner may have for such incidents.

Strict Liability in Dog Bite Claims

In California, a dog owner may be held strictly liable for injuries that his or her dog inflicts on another person. This means that the dog owner may be held legally accountable regardless of his or her specific intent or negligence. Even if the owner of the dog did not know that the dog was dangerous or the dog had never attacked or injured anyone in the past, the owner may be held accountable for financial damages paid to the victim for medical care, lost earnings, emotional trauma, scarring and disfigurement, future medical expenses and loss of potential earnings.

The only exceptions to the strict liability rule may be:

  • If the victim provoked or threatened the dog in some way;
  • If the victim was trespassing or committing a crime at the time of the attack; or
  • The dog was acting in the line of duty (i.e. a police dog apprehending a suspect).

If the dog owner attempts to allege that you provoked the dog or otherwise acted in such a way as to limit the dog owner’s liability, your lawyer will be prepared with evidence to support your side of the story.

Attacked by a dog? Contact an injury attorney at our firm.

Though strict liability typically serves to protect victims of dog bites and attacks, it is still important to work with a personal injury attorney if you would like to ensure that you will have the best opportunity not only of holding the proper party accountable but of seeking fair financial compensation for your injuries.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Due to the nature of a dog bite, scarring and/or disfigurement are possible repercussions that a victim will have to live with. While these may be addressed with plastic or reconstructive surgery, there are situations where a full recovery is impossible. Our experienced team understands the physical and psychological trauma that may be inflicted by a dog bite.

If you or someone you know is suffering from scarring and disfigurement as the result of injuries sustained in a dog attack, a dog bite attorney at our firm can offer you valuable insight into handling your claim. With our experience in handling personal injury lawsuits, we can provide you with applicable information and guidance that will help you make the right choices for your case.

Recovering Compensation for Scarring and Disfigurement

Small scars may fade away. Serious scarring, however, or loss of a body part (such as the tip of the nose, ear, finger, etc.) may be difficult to repair. Plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery to restore form and function are extremely expensive. So is medical care immediately following a dog bite, including hospitalization, medication, medical supplies and more. If you would like the best opportunity of recovering compensation for all of the medical expenses associated with your injuries, take this opportunity to involve a lawyer at our offices. At Pacific Attorney Group, we understand the gravity of the situation and will fight for you. Your initial

with our firm is free and confidential. We can talk to you about how scarring and disfigurement may affect your case and can offer you the support you need in this difficult time.

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the initial consultation is free

Call or email us to schedule a free consultation. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our attorneys will travel to wherever is most convenient for you to meet and speak about your case.