A sudden encounter with a dog can cause serious physical injuries and make you feel unsafe. After a dog bite attack, you might be worried about how to pay for your medical treatment, whether you have rabies, and if your injuries will be permanent.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, our expert personal injury lawyer in Van Nuys knows how to get you the compensation you are owed. Call our offices today for a confidential consultation and no charge to you.
How Much Does a Van Nuys Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
Dog bite lawyers at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti don't charge anything upfront. We work on something called a contingency fee, which means you only pay if you win your case or get a settlement. This helps you hire the lawyer of your choice without worrying about money at the start.
But don't focus on the cost. Instead, focus on the value your lawyer will provide you. A good lawyer can greatly increase how much money you get for your injuries. Our law firm knows the dog bite laws and can negotiate with insurance companies for you. Our legal team is here to provide you with strong legal support, so you don’t have to go through this tough time alone.
How Much Can You Sue For a Dog Bite In California?
In California, there is no limit to how much money you can sue for a dog bite. This means you can ask for as much as you think is fair for your injuries. However, the amount you can actually get will depend on several factors, including:
- Severity of Injuries: How badly you were hurt can affect the amount you can sue for. More serious injuries usually mean higher financial compensation.
- Medical Bills: The cost of your medical treatment, including surgeries and doctor visits, will be important.
- Loss of wages: If you had to miss work because of the dog bite, you might be able to claim the money you lost.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes any emotional distress or pain you experienced because of the bite.
- Future Expenses: If you need ongoing treatment or therapy, this can also increase your claim.
It's important to talk to an experienced lawyer who knows about dog bite cases to help you figure out how much you can ask for.
Dog Owners Are Legally Responsible For Their Pets
California follows strict liability rules for dog bites. This means that:
- Dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
- If someone gets bitten in a public place or lawfully on private property, they can ask the owner for compensation.
- Ignorance is not a defense. Even if the owner didn’t know their dog could be aggressive, they are still on the hook for all your harms and losses.
What is the One-Bite Rule?
California does not have a "one-bite rule." In other states, an owner might only be liable if they knew their dog was dangerous. But in California dog owners can be held liable for bites, no matter if the dog had a history of aggression or not.
Why is California Civil Code § 3342(a) Important?
California Civil Code § 3342(a) has clear rules about fault when it comes to dog bites:
- Dog owners are responsible for damages if their dog bites someone in public or legally on private property.
- Victims don’t need to show that the owner was negligent or knew about their dog's aggressive behavior, although negligence can be another way to prove fault. For example an owner can be negligent if they failed to control their dog and the dog lunges at someone and knocks them over.
- Owners must practice responsible pet ownership to prevent future attacks. If a dog repeatedly hurts people, the government may order the dog to be euthanized.
What Are The Legal Rights of Dog Bite Victims?
Dog bite victims have different legal choices. They can file personal injury claims or lawsuits against the person responsible for the dog bite. It's very important to act quickly because California law has a time limit on how long you can wait to seek justice, known as a statute of limitations. Having a skilled dog bite lawyer is very helpful. An experienced attorney at our law firm can guide you through the complicated legal process. This can increase your chances of getting fair compensation and help victims get back to their normal lives.
Types of Physical Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites can inflict a range of physical injuries, like:
- Puncture wounds, leading to risk of infection and damage to organs
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Crushing injuries, like bone fractures
- Facial injuries, disfigurement, damage to eyes, nose, and mouth
- Nerve damage, causing temporary or permanent changes in sensation and functionality in affected areas.
Common Emotional Effects of Dog Bites
Dog bites can hurt more than just your body; they can also feel really overwhelming emotionally. Many people experience sadness, anxiety, or even trauma after being bitten. This emotional pain can affect friendships and family relationships as well. If a dog bite causes visible injuries, like scars, it can also change how a person feels about yourself and how you interact with others. It's important for you to understand they aren't alone in this situation. Getting help from a lawyer and a therapist can be key steps in healing and getting back to a normal life after a dog attack.
Steps in the Legal Process for Dog Bite Claims
Gathering Evidence for Your Case
A successful dog bite claim begins with careful evidence collection. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Medical Records: Obtain all relevant medical documentation related to your injuries.
- Photographic Evidence: Take clear photographs of your injuries immediately after the bite and during recovery.
- Witness Testimonies: Collect statements from anyone who witnessed the incident.
- Dog Ownership Documentation: Confirm ownership and any relevant background about the dog (e.g., registration, vaccination records).
- Incident Report: File an official report with local animal control if applicable.
Filing the Claim
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti your lawyer will assist you in filing a claim with the dog owner's insurance company. They will help draft a demand letter outlining your injuries, the incident details, and the compensation you seek.
Negotiation and Trial
One of our lawyers can negotiate with the insurance company. If the insurance company does not pay their fair share, then one of our lawyers will go to trial for you so that you can get justice.
Types of Damages Van Nuys Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help With
A dog bite can be a frightening experience that affects you physically and emotionally. If bitten, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your suffering. There are two main types of damages: economic and non-economic, each addressing different aspects of your pain and loss.
Medical Expenses
Dog bite victims can get money to help pay for different medical costs. This includes things like emergency care, hospital stays, and any needed surgeries. In really bad cases, these costs can be hundreds of thousands of sollars.
You can also ask for money to cover future medical needs, like ongoing treatments. Each year, about 27,000 people need surgeries to fix injuries from dog bites, and some may need cosmetic treatments to reduce scars. This shows how important it is to have complete coverage for these expenses.
Lost Wages
You may not be able to work after a dog attack. You can get paid back for the income you lost during this time.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond the physical injuries, you can endure significant pain and suffering after a dock attack, including both physical pain and emotional distress. This can lead to severe emotional trauma, showing up as PTSD, depression, or anxiety, deeply affecting your life.
Long-lasting scarring or disfigurement from the bite can hurt your psychological well-being, and impact social interactions and quality of life, affecting relationships and daily activities. Compensation for pain and suffering takes these hard to measure effects into account.
Understanding these damages can empower attack victims like you to seek the maximum compensation you deserve. Reach out to an experienced Van Nuys dog bite lawyer for high-quality legal representation. You need an expert on your side to understand these complex legal options with confidence.
Contact Our Van Nuys Dog Bite Attorneys Today
If you have injured in a dog attack, one of our lawyers in Van Nuys is eager to hear from you. Our law firm has decades of experience and a track record of success.
Call our office at 626-793-8607 today.
