Dog bite injuries are on the rise in California. These days, it seems like everyone has at least one dog. You will encounter more dogs out on walks in public, and owners do not always take care to keep their pets on a leash. In addition, more people are getting deliveries, which means that delivery people walk up to doors where dogs may be on the loose.

It is important to know your rights after a dog bite, and an experienced El Monte dog bite attorney can help.

There Is No “One Free Bite” in California

When it comes to dog bites in California, the law is very clear. If you are bitten either in a public place or a private place where you have a legal right to be, the dog owner is generally responsible. It does not matter what breed the dog is or whether the dog has bitten before. This is what is called “strict liability.”

There are very few defenses that dog owners could use to defeat a claim when they are strictly liable. They may try to argue that you provoke the dog, but that is a very limited exception in California.

Dog injuries can span beyond bites. For example, you could slip and fall trying to escape a dangerous animal. Strict liability applies only to bites. However, the law of negligence could help you recover compensation when you have been injured by a dog but not bitten.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe. Many people think of these injuries as just puncture wounds. The truth is that they can be far more dangerous. For example, roughly half of the dog bite victims in this country are small children. When dogs attack them, the most common injuries are to the head and neck. As a result, they could suffer the following damage:

• Puncture wounds
• Disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Broken bones

These could result in tens of thousands of dollars or more in medical and significant emotional distress. If your child has been injured, you may need to miss time from work to care for them. All of these can be a part of a dog bite injury settlement.

While data shows that the average settlement for a dog bite claim approached $45,000 to $50,000 in recent years, this is just the average. You are paid based on how much you or your loved one suffered. We have seen some dog bite cases that have resulted in a seven-figure settlement, while others have much less in losses. You do not know how much your claim is worth until you consult a dog bite attorney. We commit to fight for you to receive top dollar for your dog bite claim, and we will make sure that you know whether the settlement being offered fairly compensates you for your injuries.

Experienced El Monte Dog Bite Lawyers

For legal help with your dog bite injury claim, enlist a determined and experienced lawyer to help you. Your compensation may depend on how well you can negotiate. Call the El Monte personal injury attorneys at The JLF Firm at (888) 341-3071 or message us online to schedule your free initial consultation.

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