Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite can be one of the most serious injuries one can suffer. A puncture wound in a vulnerable area can be fatal, as can numerous bites and crush injuries. Dog bites are also prone to infection and may require rabies shots for the victim.

If you suffered a dog bite or lost a loved one in a dog attack in Sacramento, you deserve representation from experienced Sacramento personal injury attorneys. Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. is well experienced with California’s dog bite laws and will fight on your behalf for fair compensation.

Sacramento dog bite lawyer

Preventing Dog Bite Attacks in California

More often than not, it is impossible to prevent a dog attack. Sometimes aggressive dogs come out of nowhere. Some specific breeds of dogs may also jump fencing just to attack someone walking down the street. There are various ways you can try to prevent dog bites:

  • Avoid stray dogs
  • Never approach an unfamiliar dog
  • Never reach past a fence to pet a dog
  • Never leave a child alone with a dog
  • Ask permission before petting a dog
  • Do not chase or taunt a dog
  • If you see a dog barking ahead of you, whenever possible, walk on the opposite side of the street

If you provoke a dog, that may impact your eligibility for compensation following a dog attack. If you have been assaulted by a dog and have sustained damages, consult an experienced dog bite lawyer in California for guidance surrounding your claim. It is crucial for dog bite victims, especially children, to seek legal advice due to the psychological and physical repercussions they may face.

California Dog Bite Compensation

In California, the compensation you may receive should account for your financial and non-financial losses you have suffered because of the dog attack. In dog bite cases, understanding the legal issues and responsibilities of dog owners under California’s strict liability laws is crucial. Your experienced attorney may help you get compensation for the following types of damages:

  • Medical expenses: You may have needed emergency medical treatment and ongoing care to rehabilitate your injuries. The expenses can accumulate and become overwhelming when you need to focus on recovery after your attack.
  • Pain and suffering: A dog bite may cause you pain and suffering long after your incident. Physical recoveries are easier to heal than PTSD and trauma associated with a dog attack.
  • Scarring and disfigurement: Scarring and disfigurement can cost you both financially and can impact your quality of life.
  • Lost wages or earning potential: You may have to miss work while you are recovering from your injuries, or perhaps your injuries are so severe it impacts your ability to work.

Contact a skilled California dog bite lawyer to discuss your claim and receive the best advice for recovering your severe losses.

How Do You Receive Compensation After a Dog Bite?

If you have been the victim of a dog bite, you could be hesitant to file a claim because you fear that the owner will suffer extreme financial hardship. Maybe the owner is someone you know, like a neighbor or friend. While it may be the case that they will have to pay out of pocket for expenses associated with your case, sometimes there are other options available. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your dog bite injury, your claim may be paid by the following:

  • Homeowners insurance
  • Car insurance
  • Animal insurance
  • Alternate sources other than insurance

Your claim may be paid by several sources depending on where the incident occurred. For guidance regarding your dog bite claim, consult a Sacramento dog bite lawyer for an assessment of your claim.

What Does California Law Say About Dog and Animal Bites?

In each state, the dog bite statutes are different. Some states will hold a dog owner strictly liable for attacks regardless of negligence or prior knowledge of the dog’s viciousness, while others require proof that the owner was to blame for the bite in some way. California is a strict liability state, meaning that dog owners will be legally accountable for most dog bite injuries and attacks.

In California, you don’t need to prove the defendant’s negligence as an injured victim. Instead, you need the following five elements:

  1. The defendant owned or controlled the dog. The person you name as the defendant, or the party allegedly liable for your damages, should be the same one who owned or controlled the animal at the time of the attack.
  2. You were lawfully on private property or on public property. If you were trespassing at the time that a dog bit you, you might not be eligible for recovery. Trespassing rescinds your rights to file a personal injury lawsuit against the pet owner.
  3. You did not antagonize the dog. You might also not be eligible for recovery if the defendant has proved that you antagonized the animal, causing it to bite or attack you. This can mean taunting the dog, striking the dog, or otherwise instigating the attack.
  4. The dog was not an on-duty police or military dog. If the dog that bit you was an on-duty police or military dog performing its duties, the owner will not be liable. The same is true if the on-duty dog was defending itself from provocative behavior.
  5. You suffered damages. Finally, you must show that the dog bite in question caused you real, compensable damages. These can include medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, lost wages, and psychological damages.

If you believe you have grounds to bring a dog bite claim against a pet owner in California, make sure you don’t miss the statute of limitations to file. The period of time varies according to various factors, but time is limited from the date of your accident to file a claim. Filing sooner than later can also help strengthen your case and reduce the odds that the dog owner in question doesn’t move or leave the state, making your case more difficult. Contact our Sacramento dog bite attorneys today to schedule a consultation to discuss your lawsuit further. Sacramento dog bite lawyers are experienced and dedicated to helping clients navigate the legal process for seeking compensation after such traumatic incidents.

How Can a Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer Help?

Protecting dog bite victims with a dog bite lawyer can help them go up against a pet owner with confidence. Although you don’t have to prove an owner’s negligence to recover damages in California, you must still fulfill the requirements and burdens of proof. Our law firm will meet all legal deadlines, gather evidence, discover all the ways of how the dog attack impacted your life, and fight for full compensation for all economic and non-economic damages.

Contact a Sacramento Dog Bite Attorney Today

At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., our experienced dog bite lawyers are dedicated to securing the best possible financial award for our clients. We have years of experience fighting dog attack cases, and we take pride in staying two steps ahead of defense tactics. We know how to predict and combat common arguments against dog bite claims, such as trespassing and comparative fault. We’ll work hard to secure you the best possible financial award for your Sacramento dog bite claim.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer:

What should I do immediately after a dog bite?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Even minor dog bite injuries can lead to serious infections, including rabies or tetanus. Once you’ve received care, document your injuries, gather information about the dog and its owner, and contact a Sacramento dog bite lawyer to discuss your legal options for pursuing compensation.

How do California dog bite laws protect victims?

California is a strict liability state, meaning dog owners are typically held responsible for dog bite injuries, regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression. You do not need to prove the owner’s negligence. If you were lawfully on public or private property and did not provoke the dog, you could have a strong dog bite case under California law. Consulting with a Sacramento dog bite attorney will help ensure you fully understand your rights.

Can I sue for emotional trauma after a dog bite?

Yes, emotional trauma is a valid part of a dog bite case. In California, dog bite victims can seek compensation for both physical injuries and emotional distress, such as PTSD or anxiety caused by the dog attack. A Sacramento dog bite lawyer can help you document and claim non-economic damages like pain and suffering as part of your overall compensation package.

What compensation can I receive in a dog bite case?

In a dog bite case, you can pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, lost wages, and even psychological damages. A Sacramento dog bite attorney can help you calculate the full extent of your financial and emotional losses to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Why should I hire a Sacramento dog bite lawyer for my case?

Hiring a Sacramento dog bite lawyer ensures you have expert representation in navigating California’s strict liability laws and the complexities of your dog bite case. Your lawyer will gather evidence, meet legal deadlines, and negotiate with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Additionally, a lawyer can maximize your compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as lost wages and emotional trauma.