Riverside Dog Bite Lawyer

Getting bitten by an aggressive dog can be traumatic and cause severe injuries. Victims of dog bites often experience long-term effects such as scarring, physical pain, and emotional trauma. Fortunately, dog attacks are taken seriously in California, and you may be eligible to receive compensation for the losses you or a loved one has suffered. 

If you or someone you care about was the victim of a dog bite in Riverside, California, you need a skilled attorney on your side. The highly-qualified personal injury attorneys at Younglove Law Group Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys have helped thousands of clients recover millions of dollars throughout California. No matter the circumstances surrounding your dog bite, our experienced legal team will advise you of your legal options and help you build a strong claim so that you can recover the compensation you need.

Unlike other states that make it difficult to sue dog owners, California law holds dog owners accountable for bites. California imposes a strict liability rule on dog owners for bites that occur in public or private property where the victim had a right to be. However, there are some exceptions to this strict liability that you should be aware of, including:

• The victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property
• The dog was a police animal on duty
• The victim assumed the risk of suffering a dog bite (This applies to veterinarians and kennel workers)
• The people taking care of the dog at the time of the attack were not the owners
• The victim instigated the attack and was partially responsible for their injuries

If any of the above exceptions apply to your situation, you cannot hold the owner strictly liable for the dog bite. However, you can still file a claim against the owner to seek compensation for their negligence.

After suffering a dog bite in Riverside, there are some immediate steps you should take for your health, safety, and success of your claim. Here are five steps to take following a dog bite:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Dog bites can pose a severe risk for infection and should be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries that may not seem serious initially could worsen over time without proper medical care. 

Identify the Dog and Its Owner

Following the attack, you or someone helping you should identify the dog and find out how to contact its owner. Knowing the owner’s identity is essential for dog bite claims as the owner is the liable party and is responsible for compensating you for your losses. 

Report the Incident

Following the attack, it is essential to file a report with animal control and report the incident to your local health department. California law requires both owners and victims to inform the health department of the attack. Additionally, these reports can serve as crucial evidence for your claim. 

Take Photos

Photos can serve as evidence of the attack and can be extremely helpful for your claim. Photos of your injuries, torn or bloody clothes, the dog that bit you, and the scene of the attack are all good to have as soon as it is safe and practical to take them. 

Contact an Experienced Attorney

After falling victim to a dog bite, you will likely face many expenses on your road to recovery. While an insurance company may encourage you to accept a settlement, it is critical not to sign anything until consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies will try to pay you the smallest amount possible for your losses. However, you may be eligible to seek significant compensation from the liable party. Some damages you may be able to recover include:

• Lost wages and earning potential
• Current and future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment in life

Your attorney will carefully review your case and determine if you are eligible for these damages and more. A trusted dog bite lawyer will ensure you receive compensation equal to your unique needs. 

Our dog bite attorneys at Younglove Law Group are passionate advocates for victims of animal attacks in Riverside, California. We are dedicated to working tirelessly for our clients and know the ins and outs of California’s legal system. Our award-winning legal team is committed to helping you get the compensation you need to recover from the trauma of your dog bite. Contact us today by calling (951) 356-9639 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Resources

California Dog Bite Laws