In personal injury law, incidents involving service animals present a unique set of challenges and considerations. When service animals – indispensable for individuals with disabilities – unexpectedly cause harm, victims find themselves navigating a complex legal landscape. We aim to shed light on the legal avenues available for those injured by service animals, exploring the balance between the rights of the animal’s owner and the recourse for the injured party.
At Younglove Law Group, our team is dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of personal injury law, including unique cases like injuries caused by service animals. With a proven track record of vigorous advocacy, we have secured over $50 million for our clients, emphasizing our readiness to challenge insurance companies for fair compensation. Our approach combines aggressive legal strategies with compassionate client care, ensuring each case receives the focused attention it deserves.
What Is the Legal Definition of a Service Animal in California?
Many animals work on behalf of their human owners and masters. While there are working animals that work on farms, ranches, and other places of manual labor, there are also other jobs they can take on. For example, there are therapy, emotional support, and service animals. However, some of these can get confused with each other.
In particular, service animals are those trained to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, though these jobs will vary based on the disability. Service animals can only be dogs or horses, with few exceptions. Common examples of service animals include signal dogs, guide dogs, and mobility dogs.
These animals differ from emotional support animals or therapy animals, which can be many other species. These working animals typically comfort their owners or patients, but they are not necessarily trained to perform a particular task. However, they are generally expected to be house-broken and well-behaved. These animals are not generally allowed in all establishments, whereas service animals must be permitted in most spaces without exemptions.
Are Owners Liable for Injuries Caused by Their Service Animals?
According to California law, owners are responsible for damages caused by their service animals, just like other pets. While it is not typical for certified service animals to act out and cause severe unprovoked damage, they can do so.
If an individual’s service animal causes harm to others, it is the owner’s responsibility to pay for any damages. If you have been hurt by a service animal, especially to the point of serious injuries, you can take legal action and hold the owner accountable. You can receive compensation for your injuries, medical bills, time off work, emotional distress, and other losses.
What Steps Should You Take After an Injury Caused by a Service Animal?
If a service animal has hurt you and you want to receive compensation for your injuries, we have some recommendations for your next steps. Please utilize the following strategies to achieve beneficial and effective results:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations for next steps as closely as possible
- Organize any evidence you have access to, including pay stubs, medical bills, photos, and documents
- Stay offline and deactivate social media accounts
- Avoid discussing legal matters with others, including family and friends
- Do not accept settlement offers from any insurance companies without support from a lawyer
- Retain legal support from a qualified personal injury lawyer
We encourage you to connect with an attorney from Younglove Law Group for support, as we can make additional recommendations based on your specific needs and circumstances. When you work with us, you can face less stress, shorten litigation time, and receive complete compensation for your losses. Do not manage your service animal injury claim alone.
Obtain Complete Compensation for Your Injuries Caused by a Service Animal: Contact Younglove Law Group for Support
Younglove Law Group is here to assist if you have experienced an injury due to a service animal and are navigating the complexities of legal recourse in California. Our experienced team is dedicated to securing the compensation and justice you deserve with a compassionate approach tailored to your unique case.
For a free case evaluation, call (949) 691-3660, call our toll-free number at (844) 810-1800, or complete our contact form. Do not navigate this challenging time alone; let us advocate for your rights and support you every step of the way. Remember, you only pay us when you win your claim.
