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Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney

If you or a loved one are the victim of an animal attack, it is crucial to call a Los Angeles dog bite attorney right away in order to help secure compensation for your pain, suffering, and medical bills.

When Should I Call a Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney? 

After a dog bites someone, most of their injuries are clearly visible and easy to document for the purpose of seeking compensation. Sometimes, however, the emotional and mental trauma caused by the attack can have just as significant of an impact on the victim’s life, even though documenting this suffering can be more challenging.

If you need to seek medical attention or want to pursue legal damages, it’s important to do so as soon as possible.

In most cases, California has a two-year statute of limitations on filing a personal injury claim.

You can file a claim at any time during these two years, but we advise you to contact us immediately following a dog bite. Time is of the essence because:

  • Investigations can be lengthy
  • Evidence may not be available if waiting too long

While most dog bite cases involve physical injuries, mental trauma is also a reason to file a lawsuit. Many dog bite victims experience anxiety whenever they come near a dog, which can impact their ability to enjoy life.

For example, some victims will have panic attacks or suffer severe anxiety from simply encountering a dog while walking down the sidewalk.

What Happens When Someone Is Attacked by a Dog? 

If a dog attacks you or a loved one, you should follow these steps:

  1. Get away from the animal to a safe location
  2. Seek medical attention immediately.
  3. Contact an attorney in your area.

When you seek medical attention, it’s crucial to adhere to your doctor’s recommendations. If the doctor recommends a follow-up visit or to go to a specialist, please do. Even if a bite does not appear severe, dog bite injuries have a very high risk of infection. Documenting your injuries, loss of work, and pain and suffering are important to your case.

You’ll want to keep copies of all pertinent documentation as well as any information that will strengthen your case.

Contacting an attorney immediately after seeking medical attention has many benefits, including:

  • Immediate action to build your case
  • Recommendations to see doctors
  • Documentation of your injuries, pain, or suffering
  • Advice going forward

Your dog bite can cause a variety of injuries – some serious and some minor.

 

What Our Clients Say

D. Laird

The settlement was very high in the 6 figures. I highly recommend Mr. Gammill. Thanks, Dave!!

Erain A.

Mr. Gammill was truly God-sent. My family will always be thankful to him. I strongly recommend him to anyone seeking legal counsel.

Eric S.

Gammill Law was highly recommended. They delivered and surpassed my expectations.

An injury can make you feel many things…

Left with few options

Stuck with bills you can’t pay

Anxious to put your injury behind you

You don’t have to feel that way any longer.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Caused by a Dog Bite? 

Dog attacks result in over 85% of sufferers experiencing some form of bodily harm. Of those that do experience injuries, the most common are:

  • Skin lacerations
  • Tissue infection
  • Arm or leg wounds
  • Wounds to the torso, head, or beck

Some victims will experience blood poisoning, bone fractures, and even bone breaks.

Non-physical injuries also include cynophobia or a fear of seeing or thinking of a dog. In these cases, people will experience numerous symptoms, which include:

  • Panic attacks
  • Anxiety
  • Avoiding places where dogs may go
  • Avoiding friends or family members with dogs

In rare cases, death may even occur.

Who Is Responsible for Injuries from a Dog Bite? 

California’s Civil Code Section 3342 clearly outlines that the dog’s owner is liable for any injuries or damages that the animal causes. The law is such that it’s considered “strict liability,” which means that the owner is held liable in the majority of cases as long as the following requirements are met:

  • The attack happened in a public place, or
  • The attack occurred on private property, or
  • The victim was legally at the owner’s premises

If the victim of the attack was not legally on private property or at the owner’s property, strict liability is not met.

However, when strict liability is met, the victim has straightforward legal recourse that they can follow. In fact, in strict liability cases, you don’t need to prove negligence. Owners may have even taken measures to prevent the attack, such as keeping the dog on a leash, and they will still be held responsible under the law.

Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney Near You 

If a dog bit you or a loved one, you should contact us immediately. We’ll work to investigate your claims, build a case against the dog’s owner and seek compensation.

Contact us today to schedule a call with a Los Angeles dog bite attorney.

Los Angeles Injury Attorney

The lawyer OTHER lawyers call when it’s time for trial.

  • Serving all of California

Frequently Asked Questions 

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Dog Bite? 

Yes. A lawyer will help represent you throughout the lawsuit and strengthen your case. Additionally, a lawyer will:

  • Gather evidence to support your case
  • Recommend experts to back your claims
  • Estimate the damages you can seek

Every dog bite is unique, and the injuries that you sustain can be severe or minor. A lawyer will help you understand the true extent of your injuries and what the dog bite cost you in losses.

Can I Sue After a Dog Bite? 

Yes. If you were not trespassing and were bitten by a dog, you can seek compensation for your damages. A few of the many forms of compensation that you can pursue are:

  • Medical bill costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of income
  • Loss of future income

Your attorney will help you better understand the extent of the compensation you can seek if you sue the other party. Also, an attorney will alert you to times when filing a lawsuit may not be the best course of action.

What Questions Should I Ask a Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney? 

You must seek an attorney with experience in dog bite injury cases and can work with you to seek the maximum amount of compensation possible. An attorney should be open and willing to answer any questions that you have, including:

  • What experience they have with dog bite cases
  • What your case is worth
  • How the lawyer is paid
  • What happens if you lose your case

Dog bite injuries can be serious, and you have a right to seek compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and loss of income.

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