Top-Rated San Francisco Bay Area Dog Bite Lawyers

Why You Need A Dog Bite Lawyer

Hiring a dog bite lawyer is crucial for dog attack victims who want to protect their rights and secure proper compensation for their injuries. The legal process surrounding dog bite claims can be complex, particularly with California’s strict liability laws and the need to navigate negotiations with insurance companies. A skilled dog bite lawyer understands the nuances of local laws, can gather essential evidence, and knows how to build a strong case that proves liability and the extent of your damages. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, but a dedicated lawyer will negotiate aggressively on your behalf, ensuring that you receive adequate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future care. If negotiations fail, our experienced attorneys can represent you in court, advocating for the best possible outcome. With the support of our legal team, you can focus on your recovery while knowing your case is in capable hands.

Your Legal Rights As A Dog Bite Victim

As a dog bite victim in California, you have specific legal rights that protect you and allow you to seek compensation for your injuries and related losses. Under California’s “strict liability” dog bite law, a dog owner is typically responsible if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has shown prior aggression or the owner took precautions. This means you have the right to pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any future expenses related to your recovery. Understanding your rights can empower you to take the necessary legal steps to receive the compensation you deserve, helping you regain control and rebuild after a traumatic event. If you’re unsure of your rights, consulting with our experienced dog bite attorneys in San Francisco can provide clarity and guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Dog Bites and Dog Attacks Can Cause Very Serious Injuries

A vicious dog attack can happen quickly and without sufficient time to react or protect oneself or a loved one. Some common injuries associated with serious dog bites are:

• Deep skin puncture wounds
• Serious lacerations
• Disfigurement
• Permanent scarring
• Nerve damage and paralysis
• Psychological trauma
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Head, face, and neck injuries
• Bone fractures
• Contusions
• Infections

Who Is Responsible For My Injuries After A Dog Bite?

In California, any party who is negligent and contributes to a dog attack may be financially responsible for the resulting injuries. These may include:

• The dog owner
• The dog walker
• The homeowner, property owners, or landlords
• The person minding or pet-sitting the dog

Understanding California’s Dog Bite Laws

California law has a strict liability statute when it comes to dog attacks and dog bite injury claims. Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets, even if they have shown no previous signs of aggression or violence. The only exceptions to this may be when the dog attack was provoked by cruelty toward the animal, or when a dog bites someone who was committing a crime or trespassing on the owner’s property. In the vast majority of cases, dog owners and other negligent parties can be held financially liable in addition to suffering other legal consequences associated with an attack.

California’s dog bites statute, California Civil Code Section 3342 explicitly states: “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.” This is strict liability for dog owners.

The Dog Bite Legal Process

The legal process for a dog bite claim in California involves several important steps to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their injuries. It begins with gathering evidence, such as medical records, photographs of the injury, and witness statements to document the incident. Victims should report the bite to local animal control authorities to establish an official record. Next, a claim is typically filed against the dog owner or their insurance provider, which can cover medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages. This phase often involves negotiations with insurance adjusters, but if a fair settlement isn’t reached, the case may proceed to court. During a trial, both sides present evidence and witness testimony to determine liability and the amount of compensation owed. Throughout the process, working with our experienced Bay Area dog bite attorneys can make a significant difference in navigating the legal steps, negotiating with insurers, and, if necessary, representing the victim in court to help secure the compensation they deserve.

We Recover Substantial Compensation For Dog Bite Victims

The Hassell Law Group are dog bite attorney’s that will seek to hold any negligent parties fully responsible and accountable for the dog bite injuries you or a loved one sustained, including seeking damages for your pain, suffering, and trauma. Dog bite injury victims can seek compensation from dog owners for damages including:

• Current and future medical bills & psychological treatment
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress
• Current and future lost wages
• Compensation for disability, disfigurement, or scarring
• Compensation for damage to your personal property

This list is not exhaustive by any means; there are many additional factors that may increase the amount of compensation you may be entitled to. If you have questions about what you can and cannot claim in your personal injury case, The Hassell Law Group has the answers. Contact us for a free consultation.

Homeowner’s insurance and renter’s insurance policies often cover dog attacks and dog bite injuries. Many of these insurance policies provide between $100,000 and $1,000,000 in liability coverage. However, if the dog owner is a tenant without insurance coverage, the victim can seek to hold the property owner liable for allowing a dangerous dog to stay on the premises. If the dog bite occurs on a commercial property, the business and/or property owner in addition to the dog owner may be held accountable for your injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do immediately after a dog bite in the San Francisco Bay Area?

• Get immediate medical attention. Medical treatment is your priority. Dial 911 and request that paramedics be dispatched to the scene. Get seen right away at a hospital or other medical facility and provide a detailed description of your injuries.
• Gather evidence and witness names and contact information. Witnesses and other evidence including photos of your injuries, ripped, bloody and damaged clothing will help strengthen your case and prove liability. Do not wash or throw away and ripped, bloody, or damaged clothing as they are key pieces of evidence in your case.
• Report the incident to the Police and the property owner without delay, or make sure the report is made as soon as possible after the accident occurred. It is central to your claim. Dial 911 and summon the Police to the scene. Request that a Police Report be filed. Make note of the responding officer’s name and badge number.
• Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer. Our experienced lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your injuries and take steps to strengthen your claim, protect your legal rights, and position your case for the best outcome.
• Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than your lawyer. Refer all parties who contact you regarding the accident directly to your lawyer.

2. Can I file a claim if the dog has never shown aggression before?

Yes, California follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. This means a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog had previously displayed aggressive behavior. The law is designed to protect victims, holding owners accountable even if the incident was the dog’s first act of aggression.

3. What types of compensation can I pursue after a dog bite?

Dog bite victims in California may be eligible to pursue various types of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and any future costs related to the injury, such as physical therapy or rehabilitation costs.

4. How long do I have to file a claim after a dog bite?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite injury claim is generally two years from the date of the incident. However, it’s beneficial to start the claims process sooner rather than later to ensure evidence is preserved and to allow ample time for legal proceedings.

5. Do I need a lawyer to handle my dog bite case?

While not required, working with an experienced dog bite lawyer can be highly beneficial. A lawyer can help you navigate complex legal procedures, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Consulting a lawyer is especially valuable if the injuries are serious. An insurance industry study found that injury victims who have legal representation received over 3 times the settlement amount as those who did not have legal representation.

6. Can I file a claim if I was bitten by a dog on private property?

Yes, as long as you were lawfully present on the property, you can pursue a claim for injuries sustained from a dog bite on private property. California law applies strict liability regardless of the location, meaning the dog owner can be held accountable for injuries their dog causes, whether in a public place or a private residence where you were legally allowed to be.

7. What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?

Even if the dog owner lacks insurance, you may still be able to pursue compensation through other avenues, such as the owner’s personal assets. Consulting with a dog bite lawyer can help you explore all possible options and determine the best course of action for your case.

The legal team at The Hassell Law Group are experienced dog bite attorneys and understand premises liability law and know how to recover damages for people who are injured by the fault of others.

The Hassell Law Group has an undefeated record at trial and a longstanding reputation of being tenacious fighters for our clients.  See how our legal team can help you, call us today for a free consultation: