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495+Man’s best friend could be someone else’s worst nightmare when it attacks and bites an adult or child. Dog bites can cause lasting disfigurement and emotional trauma. More serious dog bite injuries may require extensive surgery and rehabilitation. California law favors dog bite victims, who can generally file a lawsuit when they are bitten by a dog. This does not mean the process is simple, however, so you want the right San Bernardino dog bite attorney handling your case.
The Dog Owner Is Strictly Liable for a Bite
In California, the law of strict liability applies to dog bites. This is different from the regular negligence law that governs personal injury cases. With negligence, you need to prove that someone else was at fault for your injury.
In California, all you need to do is prove that you were bitten by a dog. If you can do that, you are able to receive financial compensation as long as the owner has no defense such as provocation. California even takes a very limited view of provocation. Even if you suffered another injury because of the dog, you could still recover financially, but you would need to prove that the dog owner was negligent.
We Fight for Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Liability is generally not an issue in dog bite cases. Getting appropriate compensation is the greater concern, especially when you or a loved one have suffered serious injuries. You want to make sure that you fully recover for all of your past and future losses.
Just over half of the dog bite victims in the United States are children. Dogs usually bite children in the head and neck because they either feel threatened by the child or they misinterpret children approaching them to play. When this happens, they could suffer serious injuries. The damages could include:
- The cost of plastic surgery
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and other medical treatment
- Lost wages when you miss work for your injuries or to care for an injured child
Dog bite claims are paid by the dog owner’s homeowners insurance. These companies are notoriously difficult when it comes to paying claims. Even if liability is not in dispute at all, the insurance company can mount a challenge when it comes to compensation. While reports indicate that the average dog bite insurance settlement was between $45,000 and $50,000 in recent years, each claim is different, and you can expect the insurance company will try to minimize your payment.
At The JLF Firm, we know how to fight for you. We don’t view this as standing up for the little guy because you are never little to us. Obtaining justice for dog bite and other injury victims is our life’s work. We will advise you about your legal options. If the insurance company denies the claim or does not offer an adequate settlement, we could file a lawsuit on your behalf. This may be how you recover financially for more serious injuries.
Contact an Experienced San Bernardino Dog Bites Lawyer
Contact us online or call us at 888-341-3071 to schedule your free initial consultation. San Bernardino personal injury attorneys are standing by, ready to assist you by working for full and fair compensation.
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