Experienced Dog Bite Attorney in Pasadena
Dogs are known as “man’s best friend.” But while dogs hold a special place in the hearts of many, the unfortunate reality is that thousands of interactions between dogs and humans each year go south and result in severe injuries to those involved.
In fact, an estimated 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. Many of these instances result in significant emotional trauma and severe physical injuries that require medical attention.
No matter the precise circumstances, if you have sustained injuries arising out of a dog bite in or near Pasadena, CA, you may have a legal claim for relief.
If you have questions about the scope of your rights and how to pursue your claims to the fullest extent of the law, Weinberg Law Offices is here to help. Use our guide below to learn more about California dog bite claims and see how a Pasadena dog bite attorney can help you move forward.
California Dog Bite Injury Overview
Before pursuing your Pasadena dog bite injury claim, there are a few things you should know. Keep reading to learn more about California dog bite injuries and laws below.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Some examples of common dog bite-related injuries include:
- Face injuries,
- Puncture wounds,
- Lacerations,
- Nerve damage,
- Eye injuries,
- Crush injuries,
- Broken bones,
- Head and neck injuries,
- Scarring,
- Infection, and
- Emotional trauma.
A dog bite can result in lasting harm, both physical and emotional. While nothing can undo the pain that you’ve suffered, a California dog bite injury claim can help you get the compensation you need and deserve so that you can start your pathway toward recovery.
“Most Dangerous” Dog Breeds
It is a common misconception that some dog breeds are more dangerous than others. Typically, the following breeds are thought to be more dangerous than others, owing mainly to their large size:
- Pitbulls,
- Rottweilers,
- Bulldogs,
- Bull terriers,
- German shepherds, and
- Doberman pinschers.
That said, it’s important to remember that the foregoing dog breeds are not inherently “dangerous.” Further, just because a type of dog is not on this list does not mean it cannot cause a dog bite injury. Thus, whenever you are near a dog, regardless of the breed, be vigilant and remain cautious to better protect yourself.
California Dog Bite Laws
When it comes to dog bite injuries, California is a strict liability state, meaning that the owner of a dog who bites another individual is legally liable regardless of the existence of intent by the at-fault party.
Specifically, the California Civil Code states that the owner of a dog is liable for any damages caused to another as a result of a dog bit, regardless of:
- The viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s viciousness; and
- Whether the dog bite occurred in a public space or while lawfully on private property, including the private property of the dog’s owner.
Notably, however, if the injury victim was not lawfully on private property when the injury occurred, the dog’s owner may be relieved from liability. An example of this would be if the injury victim was trespassing on private property when the bite occurred.
Another situation in which the dog’s owner may not be liable is if the dog was defending itself in the scope of military or police work.
If you have questions about who may be liable for your dog bite injuries, speak with an experienced Pasadena dog bite injury attorney to discuss your rights and options in more detail.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Pasadena
The time frame immediately following your dog bite injury is crucial to the success of your case. Below are some important steps to take after a dog bite to maximize your chances of success moving forward.
- Obtain the Dog Owner’s Contact Information
One of the most important things you can do after sustaining a dog bite injury is to obtain the name and contact information of the dog’s owner. This is because the owner of the dog is the party against whom you will pursue your legal claim.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
As soon as practicable after your injury, it is imperative that you seek medical attention. Doing so will allow you to get treatment for your injuries to help prevent infections and other complications.
Even if you feel your injuries are relatively minor, it is nevertheless strongly recommended that you seek an assessment from a qualified medical professional, as some injuries may not be readily visible and could worsen if not promptly identified and treated.
- Report the Dog Bite
You should also report the dog bite to your local animal control agency or other authorities. Not only is this important to help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, but the resulting written report can also be used as evidence in your civil case moving forward.
- Document the Incident
Documenting the incident yourself is also a good idea. This might include taking photos of your injuries, noting the time and location of the incident, and gathering contact information and statements from any individuals who witnessed the incident.
- Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer in Pasadena
Lastly, be sure to consult with an experienced Pasadena dog bite injury lawyer. Doing so ensures you get the representation you need to effectively pursue your legal rights and remedies.
Potential Damages in a Dog Bite Claim in Pasadena
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Pasadena, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Not only do you face the immediate pain and medical expenses, but you may also experience long-term effects. California law provides dog bite victims the ability to seek compensation for various types of damages arising from the attack.
Medical Expenses: Dog bite injuries often require immediate medical attention, which can result in costly bills for emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments. Whether it’s for stitches or more complex reconstructive procedures, these medical expenses can add up quickly. You can seek compensation for both current and future medical costs related to the bite.
Pain and Suffering: The emotional and psychological impact of a dog bite can be just as significant as the physical injuries. Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a fear of dogs. These emotional consequences are often included in pain and suffering damages, which seek to compensate you for the mental distress caused by the incident.
Lost Wages: If you miss work due to your injuries or require time off for medical treatment, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the time spent recovering but also any future earnings lost due to long-term effects of the injury.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: In severe cases, dog bite injuries can lead to permanent scarring or disability. If the bite causes lasting physical impairments, such as loss of function or permanent scarring, you may be entitled to damages to account for the long-term impact these injuries will have on your quality of life.
Emotional Distress: Beyond physical pain, the emotional toll of a dog bite can be substantial. If the attack leads to lasting anxiety or fear, you can seek damages for emotional distress. This includes compensation for the trauma of the event and the emotional impact it has on your day-to-day life.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the dog owner’s actions were especially negligent or reckless. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct. Punitive damages are less common but may be available if the dog had a history of aggressive behavior or the owner acted irresponsibly.
What to Look for in a Pasadena Dog Bite Lawyer
With so many Pasadena dog bite attorneys to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which one to hire for your case. Here are a few traits to look out for to help you select the best one for the job:
- Dog Bite Specialization. Not all attorneys are equipped to handle dog bite injury claims. Thus, be sure to select an attorney who generally handles personal injury cases and has experience navigating dog bite injury claims, specifically.
- Trial Experience. While personal injury disputes frequently end in a pre-trial settlement, this is not always the case. To better ensure your chances of a successful outcome, it’s important to have an attorney who is both a skilled negotiator and an experienced litigator who can take your case to trial when necessary.
- Strong Network. Many dog bite injury cases involve interactions with various professionals, from medical providers to expert witnesses. As such, having an attorney with a wide network of professionals can be advantageous to your case.
- Client Testimonials. Lastly, look into the reviews and testimonials left by an attorney’s past clients. Often, these can be great indicators of the quality of any lawyers you may be considering.
At Weinberg Law Offices, we are confident that we have the background, experience, and resources necessary to make us an asset to your case. We hope we can earn your trust moving forward.
Pasadena Dog Bite FAQs
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Dog Bite Claim in California?
In California, you may have a valid dog bite claim if you were bitten by a dog and suffered injuries. To determine if your case is valid, consider the following factors:
- Location: The attack occurred in a public space or on private property where you had the right to be.
- Provocation: If you did not provoke the dog (e.g., by teasing or startling it), your claim is likely stronger.
- Injury Severity: You must have sustained physical harm from the bite, such as cuts, bruises, or infections.
- Dog’s History: If the dog has a known history of aggressive behavior or prior bites, this strengthens your claim.
Consulting with an experienced dog bite attorney in Pasadena can help you assess the validity of your case and guide you through the legal process.
Are Dog Owners in Pasadena Strictly Liable for Dog Bite Injuries?
Yes, in California, dog owners can be held strictly liable for dog bite injuries under California Civil Code Section 3342. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is generally responsible for the victim’s injuries, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression.
Strict liability applies even if the dog was not provoked and the injury occurred in a public or private setting. The key factors are that the victim must have been bitten, and the dog must have been owned by the defendant.
What Are the Most Common Dog Breeds Involved in Attacks in Pasadena?
While any dog can bite, certain breeds are more frequently involved in attacks due to their size, strength, and temperament. Some of the most common breeds involved in dog bite incidents in Pasadena include:
- Pit Bulls: Known for their strength and often cited in severe attacks.
- Rottweilers: Large and protective, Rottweilers can be aggressive if not properly trained.
- German Shepherds: Often working dogs, they can exhibit defensive behavior if not socialized properly.
- Chihuahuas: Despite their small size, they are more likely to bite, especially if they feel threatened.
- Labrador Retrievers: Typically friendly, but in rare cases, they may bite if provoked or under stress.
It’s important to remember that a dog’s behavior is influenced by many factors, including training, environment, and the owner’s actions.
How Can a Pasadena Dog Bite Lawyer Help with My Case?
A dog bite lawyer in Pasadena can assist you in several ways to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve:
- Case Evaluation: They can assess the details of the incident, review evidence, and determine whether you have a valid claim.
- Gathering Evidence: Your lawyer will collect medical records, witness statements, and any past history of the dog’s behavior to support your case.
- Negotiating with Insurance: Dog bite claims often involve negotiating with insurance companies. A lawyer can handle this process to ensure you get fair compensation.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare and file a lawsuit to hold the dog owner accountable.
- Maximizing Compensation: A Pasadena dog bite attorney will work to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury.
Having an experienced dog bite lawyer on your side can make the process smoother and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Contact a Pasadena Dog Bite Lawyer for a 100% Free Consultation
Contact the Pasadena dog bite attorneys at Weinberg Law Offices today at (866) 828-9061 or online to schedule a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.