Injuries caused by dog bites are serious. They can cause residual scarring, disfigurement, and emotional damage. This is in addition to high medical bills and physical pain.
Victims of a dog bite or dog attack that are harmed or injured (whether it be physical, emotional, or otherwise) are entitled to financial compensation. At LA Century Law, our experienced Century City dog bite lawyers represent dog bite and dog attack victims in Century City and throughout California. Our firm has experience in assuring that you receive just compensation for your injuries while you focus on healing from the incident.
At LA Century Law, we represent adults and minors that have been bitten, attacked, or injured by a dog bite or attack.
We work with some of the best doctors and plastic surgeons in California to assist you with any injury or disfigurement. However, not all injuries are physical. Our firm also works with some of the best therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists in California to assist with the emotional toll of a dog bite.
Call us now for a free consultation. Like any other personal injury matter, it is important to get the right lawyer on your side from the start. Failure to do so can drastically affect your case and your potential settlement. Contact our Century City dog bite and dog attack lawyers today to talk about your case!
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in California?
California law does not require a dog to have a bite history. A victim may receive compensation even if the dog has never been aggressive before. It is the dog owner who must pay damages when a dog bite causes an injury. You must prove that the bite caused the injuries, and you must prove the amount of damages you are due under the law. However, dog attack matters are not limited to “bites”. If you have been injured by a dog, you may still be entitled to compensation.
In California, we have what are referred to as “leash laws”, which were enacted to protect individuals and their pets from other animals. These laws require pet owners to make sure their pets are on leashes when outside. When an individual violates these laws, they are negligent per se and/or strictly liable, which means they are automatically liable for your injuries and/or your pet’s injuries.
People who have animals with “unusually dangerous” propensities, such as Pit Bulls and Dobermans, have a heightened duty. People who own, keep, or control animals with unusually dangerous natures or tendencies are responsible for the harm that their animals cause to others, no matter how carefully they guard or restrain their animals. (California Civil Jury Instruction, No. 462.)
But I don’t want to sue! – The dog owner is my friend or family member!
Many dog bite claims go through a homeowner or renter insurance policy. Your friend or family member may not have to pay damages out of pocket. We can investigate if there are policies, if dog bites are included and whether there are exclusions. Our lawyers can review your case and your options if a friend or family member is involved.
What Is Available Compensation for a Dog Bite in Century City?
Compensation for a dog bite goes beyond medical bills. A dog bite is a type of personal injury. You may claim the types of damages that are available for an injury victim, including:
- Emergency medical bills
- Follow-up visits
- Expenses for wound dressing – bandages, wraps and the like
- Damages for medical complications, if they arise
- Surgery and therapies, if needed
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of love, affection, companionship, sexual relations, and emotional support from your spouse
- Mental anguish which includes, anxiety, fear, shock, and humiliation
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A dog bite may produce serious injuries. Deep puncture wounds may be extremely painful. A bite may even cause broken bones, nervous damage and paralysis. Infection is a risk and may create complications. You may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages because of a dog bite in Century City.
Economic damages or “Special Damages” are those that can be quantified. Meaning, it is easy to place a monetary value on them. Non-Economic Damages or “General Damages” are damages where no exact monetary value can be calculated. Non-Economic damages are awarded both for past and future harm.
In California, punitive damages are available in rare situations to punish a person that acted intentionally, recklessly, or with “gross negligence”. “Gross Negligence” is a reasonable departure from what a reasonably careful person would do in the same situation.
Punitive damages are also available under California Civil Code § 3340, which states: “For wrongful injuries to animals being subjects of property, committed willfully or by gross negligence, in disregard of humanity, exemplary damages may be given.” This means that if your pet was injured and the other side acted “willfully” or by “gross negligence,” you would be entitled to punitive damages.
What Do I Need to Know About a Dog Bite Legal Claim?
At LA Century Law, we represent individuals in a wide range of legal matters, including dog bite claims. Here’s what you should know about a dog bite legal claim in California:
- You do not have to prove that the dog owner did something to cause the bite. California law for dog bites is a strict liability. Showing that the dog owner acted negligently is not
- Other types of dog injuries – scratching and chasing, for example – may also be grounds for a claim. However, a different legal standard applies. For those types of claims, you must prove negligence.
- It’s best to seek medical care as soon as possible after a dog bite. An important part of the case is showing that the injuries are the result of the bite. Medical records and testimony are a critical part of proving the claim.
- There is a limited amount of time to bring a claim. Usually, the two-year limit for personal injury applies, but the time limit may be shorter or longer in certain cases. Don’t wait to contact our lawyers.
- Provocation may be a defense to a dog bite claim. However, it may still be possible to receive some compensation.
- Trespassing may be a defense, but it may not completely bar a victim from bringing a claim.
- Certain professionals, like veterinarians and kennel operators, take the risk of working with animals. For them, the strict liability standard doesn’t apply. They must prove that the dog owner acted with negligence.
- A military or police dog cannot be the basis for a claim if the animal is acting lawfully in the performance of their duties at the time of the attack – except if the victim is not a part of the act that necessitated military or police involvement.
- The victim must bring the claim for compensation. It may be possible to receive compensation through an insurance claim, but it may also be necessary to bring a legal case. Either way, our lawyers can help and represent you.
Our lawyers understand California dog bite laws and the legal issues that may be especially important to success in your case.
We are trial lawyers, and we are prepared to determine the best steps for your situation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation about your case.
What Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Do?
A dog bite lawyer represents a victim who is hurt by a dog bite or attack. Our goal is to obtain financial compensation for those victims harmed by a dog bite or dog attack. The lawyer is trained and experienced to help the person receive justice.
There are many aspects to be covered by a dog bite or dog attack matter. It is important for a victim of a dog bite or dog attack to understand the process in order to assure recovery for their injuries.
A dog bite lawyer creates and files paperwork to start the case. They understand rules of legal procedure to move the case forward. Throughout the case, the lawyer applies their experience and legal training to help their client receive the compensation that they deserve.
Is There a Deadline to File a Claim for a Dog Bite or Attack in California?
In California, a claim must generally be brought within two years from the date of the attack and/or bite. Therefore, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as you believe you have been harmed.
About Our Century City Dog Bite Lawyers – Taking New Cases
The LA Century Law firm is currently accepting new cases for dog bites in Century City. We can represent you throughout Southern California including cases in Century City. Here are some reasons people choose representation from our lawyers.
- LA Century Law focuses exclusively on representing individuals and families. Our dedication gives us the experience that makes a difference for our clients.
- Founder and President Ryan J. Daneshrad, Esq. is a former clerk in the Los Angeles Superior Court. He founded our law firm to be aggressive advocates for people who need access to legal representation.
- We don’t want you to worry about how to afford a lawyer. That’s why we offer the no-fee guarantee. There is no cost for our representation unless you receive compensation in your case.
- With a 99% success rate, we’re proud of our history of success on behalf of our clients.
- Organizations like the American Academy of Attorneys (Top 40 Under 40), Super Lawyers (Rising Stars) and Lawyers of Distinction (Recognition of Excellence in Personal Injury) have recognized our success. We’re also 5-star AVVO reviewed. What we’re most proud of is the success that we have on behalf of our clients.
- We are aggressive litigators and trial lawyers. Our team pursues your case until we have the best result for you, whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or presenting the case on your behalf in court.
LA Century Law is here to protect your rights. You may deserve financial compensation following a dog bite. Our Century City lawyers are equipped and ready to help you pursue your case.
Time is limited, so don’t wait. Tell us your story. We can get started on your case today. Call or send us a message to connect with our experienced team.
