Legal actions you can take in case of a dog bite in the US

Legal actions you can take in case of a dog bite in the US

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Statistics from the National Library of Medicine indicate that, on average, more than 4.5 million people receive dog bites in the United States every year, and between 30 to 50 lose their lives because of dog attacks.

Dog bites are a common incident in the US, which is why there are many legal rights that allow victims to file damage claims. If you were attacked by a dog, you need to know the law and what you can do about the situation.

What to do immediately after receiving a dog bite?

The first thing you should do if a dog bit you is to get medical attention, or you may be putting your health at risk. Infections, serious injuries, or even death can be some of the consequences of a dog attack. Once you have done this, we advise contacting a personal injury lawyer in San Diego, California. This professional will be able to guide you through the process of requesting compensation for damages, filing a lawsuit, and answering any questions you may have.

Some of the information you need to share with your lawyer is: a recollection of the incident with everything you remember and the name and contact details of the dog’s owner. If you don’t have this data, you can speak to a neighbor or witness who may give it to you.

How is responsibility determined?

The first step consists of learning who the animal belongs to. In California, dog bite law specifies that dog owners are responsible for all bites that occur in public places or on private properties if the victim is visiting it lawfully.

So, is a personal injury attorney necessary? Yes, a lawyer can help you defend yourself in the eyes of the law if a dog bit you or if your dog bit someone else.

If the dog owner warned others that the pet is dangerous and tried to keep it away from them, the victim who ignored these warnings cannot file a lawsuit against them. This is known as contributory negligence or assumption of risk.

In the case that you were the victim and did not receive a warning regarding a dangerous dog and were attacked, a personal injury lawyer in San Diego, California, can help you sue the dog’s owner and file for compensation.

What kind of compensation can you expect?

In the event that you are successful in your claim, you may be able to recover losses such as medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, or property damage. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that the extent of your compensation depends on the severity of the injuries caused by the dog bite. 

Additionally, in certain circumstances, you may be able to claim punitive damages, which would require the responsible party to face punishment for their behavior. However, to do so, you must demonstrate that the other party acted negligently, intentionally, or recklessly. 

Personal injury lawsuits play a crucial role in situations where you have been harmed by someone else’s actions. Such injuries can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses. While it is impossible to undo the harm caused by the injury, a successful claim can provide financial compensation to help cover these losses, as well as any ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation needed. 

It is essential to consult with a knowledgeable legal professional who can help you navigate the complexities of a personal injury claim and ensure you can receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Contact Kannan Law in San Diego for more information.