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495+When you have been bitten by a dog in Downey, it does not matter what the dog’s history of biting people might be. Under California law, dogs do not get “one free bite” before their owner is legally responsible for what they do. Instead, the moment that the dog bites once, the owner must pay for the damage. This is called strict liability, and it is the legal concept that applies to dog bites in Downey.
More Californians than ever have dogs. The concept of a pet is a must for many households, whether it is for companionship or security. However, this also means more dog bites. Not only are there more pets, but people tend to prefer dogs for protection, and this means that they attack people more often. Anyone who suffers dog bite injuries should discuss the matter with a Downey dog bite attorney.
Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injury
In most cases, it does not matter how and why the dog bit you. Unless the dog owner could prove that you actively provoked the dog or were trespassing at the time of the attack, they must pay for your injuries. This is why negotiating compensation may be the most important part of your dog bite claim.
Damages in a dog bite case would depend on a number of things, including:
- The emotional trauma suffered by the victim
- The location of their injuries
- Whether there was permanent disfigurement
- How many surgeries they needed
Many people are surprised to learn that children make up around half of the dog bite victims in the U.S. In fact, small children are attacked the most often. Dogs are often frightened by the child or want to protect their own territory. These attacks often involve injuries to the child’s head and neck since it might be on the same level as the animal’s head. It is these bites that cause the most severe injuries.
Even when you have compelling evidence of a dog bite, it is still only a small part of the work for your claim. The range of payouts for dog bite injury claims is wide, and oftentimes, that is because the insurance company is trying to settle cases for what they think people would accept. Whether dog bite victims did not have a lawyer by their side or they settled their cases for less than they were worth, either way, many people leave money on the table.
Our job is to make sure that you do not settle your case for far less than it is worth. We will make sure that you know whether the insurance company has made a reasonable settlement offer (chances are that they haven’t at first) and what your legal options are. We will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and file a lawsuit in your case if it is necessary.
Experienced Downey Dog Bite Attorneys
At The JLF Firm, the Downey personal injury attorneys are ready to help you get full compensation for your dog bite injury. Message us or call us at (888) 341-3071 to begin the legal process with a free consultation.
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