Long Beach Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bites can lead to significant physical injury, emotional trauma, and financial strain. Understanding your legal rights is crucial if you or a loved one has experienced such an unfortunate incident. At JDW Personal Injury, our skilled Long Beach dog bite attorneys are ready to offer their support, navigating the complexities of the legal system to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

The dog bite injury attorneys at JDW Personal Injury understand how serious a dog bite injury can be. After a dog bite incident, seek medical care for your dog bite wounds. Then, give our legal team a call to schedule a free consultation.

Secure Legal Representation From a Long Beach Dog Bite Attorney

Partnering with a knowledgeable dog bite attorney can put your case in the best possible position to be successful. Our attorneys at JDW Personal Injury provide comprehensive services to support you throughout this challenging time. A few examples include:

A. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

At JDW Personal Injury, our process begins with a free, no-obligation consultation where we discuss your case in depth. We listen attentively to your account of events, ask pertinent questions to clarify the facts and provide a transparent overview of your legal rights and potential courses of action. During this meeting, we will answer all of your questions, and we will be able to evaluate the potential for your claim.

B. Gathering Evidence and Investigating the Incident

After this consultation, our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the incident. This process may involve visiting the attack scene, identifying and interviewing potential witnesses, gathering physical evidence, and obtaining relevant photographs and surveillance footage. We will see if any other parties, such as the dog owner, could be held responsible for your injuries.

C. Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Our experienced attorneys understand the strategies insurance companies often use to reduce their liability. We work diligently, utilizing our extensive knowledge and negotiation skills to ensure you are offered a fair settlement. We have numerous legal tools if the insurance company is not offering you a fair settlement.

D. Representing the Client in Court, if Necessary

While we aim to resolve cases through negotiation to avoid the stress and uncertainty of court proceedings, our attorneys are prepared and experienced to represent your interests at trial if necessary. Our impressive track record of court victories attests to our ability to advocate strongly on your behalf.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws

Understanding California’s dog bite laws is fundamental to building a compelling case. A dog bite lawyer from our team would happily explain how CA law applies to your lawsuit. A few examples include:

Strict Liability vs. Negligence-Based Liability

In California, dog owners are held to a standard of strict liability when their pet bites someone (Cal. Civ. Code § 3342). This means that even if a dog has no prior history of aggression or the owner has no reason to believe it was dangerous, they are still usually liable if their dog bites someone.

The only requirement is that the victim was in a public place or lawfully in a private residence. This differs from negligence-based liability, which requires proving the owner failed to use reasonable care to control the dog or prevent the bite.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Dog Bite Claim

California law generally gives a dog bite victim two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1).

If you do not file a lawsuit within this statute of limitations, you may forfeit your right to do so later. Therefore, promptly contact an experienced dog bite attorney, such as the team from JDW Personal Injury.

Common Causes of a Dog Attack in Long Beach

A dog attack can occur for various reasons, many of which concern the dog and his environment. A few common causes include:

• Lack of training or socialization: Dogs without proper training or socialization may not know how to react appropriately to people or other animals, potentially resulting in aggressive behavior.
• Poor supervision: If a dog’s owner or caretaker isn’t vigilant, the dog may bite out of fear, protection, or aggression.
• Protection of territory: Dogs are instinctively territorial and may bite to defend their perceived space, whether at home or in a public park.
• Fear: If dogs feel threatened, they might bite, even if the perceived threat is not real.

If we uncover the reason behind the attack, we may establish liability and strengthen your case.

Most Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can vary significantly, ranging from minor nips to severe attacks. Some common injuries we often see in our practice include:

• Puncture wounds: Dog teeth can cause deep puncture wounds leading to serious complications if not properly treated.
• Lacerations: Severe bites can cause cuts or tears in the skin, potentially damaging underlying muscles, tendons, and nerves.
• Fractures: Depending on the dog’s size and breed, a bite can exert enough pressure to break bones.
• Infection: Dog bites carry a risk of infection, including tetanus and rabies.
• Emotional trauma: Beyond physical injuries, dog bite victims often suffer significant emotional distress, leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In severe cases, a dog attack can cause permanent disfigurement, long-term disability, or even death. Our attorneys understand these injuries’ impact on your life and will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

Building a Strong Long Beach Dog Bite Case

Some of the most important elements of a dog bite case include:

A. Collecting Medical Records and Documenting Injuries

Medical records are crucial pieces of evidence in dog bite cases. We will assist in gathering all relevant medical documentation, including doctor’s notes, medical bills, physical therapy records, and other related expenses. In addition, we’ll recommend documenting your injuries with photographs as they help to provide a visual representation of your suffering.

B. Gathering Witness Statements and Testimonies

Witnesses can corroborate your account of the incident and provide additional insight. We’ll work tirelessly to identify potential witnesses, interview them, and gather their testimonies. These accounts can prove pivotal in supporting your claim.

C. Obtaining Veterinary Reports and Documentation

Veterinary records can provide crucial information about the dog’s behavioral and health history. For instance, if a dog has a history of aggressive behavior noted in their veterinary records, this could support your claim.

D. Demonstrating Negligence or Owner Liability

We will leverage all the evidence to demonstrate the dog owner’s liability, whether through negligence (if they failed to control their dog or knowingly exposed others to a dangerous dog) or strict liability under California law.

California Bystander Claim

California law recognizes a “bystander claim” for those who witness a traumatic event like a dog attack. If a close family member witnesses the attack, they may be able to recover damages if they suffer serious emotional distress, even if they weren’t physically injured themselves.

Defenses and Challenges in Dog Bite Cases

Dog owners and insurance companies often use defenses to avoid liability. They may claim that the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing at the time of the bite.

At JDW Personal Injury, our seasoned attorneys have experience countering these defenses effectively, leveraging evidence while applying legal strategies to advocate for your rights.

Compensation for a Dog Bite in Long Beach, CA

If you suffer a serious dog bite injury, you could be entitled to different forms of compensation, including:

Medical Treatment Costs

Medical expenses encompass past, ongoing, and future medical care related to your injuries. This includes hospital bills, medication costs, costs for rehabilitation and physical therapy, counseling services, and any necessary future surgeries or treatment.

Lost Wages, Including Loss of Potential Income

If your injuries prevent you from working, you’re entitled to recover lost income, including any future earnings you would reasonably have been able to make were it not for your injuries. For instance, if you can no longer continue your previous work due to physical disability or emotional trauma from the attack, you may be compensated for the income you’ve lost as a result.

Pain and Suffering

In addition to economic damages, you may be entitled to non-economic damages for the pain and suffering caused by the dog bite. This can include physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment, and the impact of disfigurement or physical impairment on your quality of life.

Lost Companionship (In a Wrongful Death Case)

In tragic circumstances where a loved one dies from a dog attack, the surviving family members may be able to recover damages for loss of companionship, love, care, and guidance, among other losses.

Get Help From Our Experienced Long Beach Dog Bite Attorney at JDW Personal Injury | Call Us Today!

At JDW Personal Injury, we understand that a dog bite can dramatically impact your life. We also know that the legal process can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re focused on your recovery. That’s why our Long Beach dog bite attorneys are here to offer compassionate, comprehensive legal support every step of the way.

Our dedicated team will take the time to understand your unique situation and work tirelessly to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Please contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We would be honored to defend your rights and ensure your voice is heard.