Dog bites happen in seconds but can leave pain that sticks around for months or years. Dog bite victims often face lasting consequences and need specialized legal help. You may face surgery, scars, or nightmares about the attack. You don’t have to deal with this on your own. Hiring an experienced Beverly Hills dog bite lawyer is important for dog bite victims seeking compensation. Let’s talk about what happened to you and what steps you can take.
Experienced dog bite attorneys in Beverly Hills have the expertise to handle your dog bite case from start to finish. Call Dordick Law Corporation today at (310) 736-2866 to get started.
Why Do Dog Bites Happen?
We think dogs are usually our friends, but any dog can bite under the wrong conditions. They may get scared, feel protective, or react to rough play. Sometimes, owners ignore warning signs or don’t train their pets. When an attack happens, victims often feel shocked and unsure of what to do next.
Under California dog bite laws, you can hold the dog’s owner responsible if their animal bites you. You don’t have to prove they trained the dog to bite. California law provides that dog owners are strictly liable for dog bites, which means they must pay for the damage if their dog hurts you in a public place or when you’re invited onto private property.
Under California’s dog bite law, dog owner’s liability is based on strict liability, so the owner’s knowledge of former viciousness or such viciousness in the dog is not required. The law holds owners responsible for injuries caused by their dogs regardless of whether the dog had a history of former viciousness or if the owner was aware of any such viciousness.
Common Injuries From Dog Attacks
A dog’s jaws are strong enough to crush bones or tear muscles. Common dog bite injuries can range from minor wounds to severe injuries requiring extensive treatment. Injuries from dog attacks can be more serious than many people think. Even small dogs can bite deeply enough to cause lasting damage.
A serious dog bite can result in long-term complications, especially depending on the dog breeds involved. Victims often feel pain long after the wound closes. Here are some common injuries from dog attacks:
Puncture Wounds
Puncture wounds from dog bites go deep and can hit nerves or blood vessels. Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can easily enter these deep puncture wounds, increasing the risk of infection. They may not bleed much at first, but they can hide infections that spread fast. Deep wounds can take weeks or months to heal fully. Some people end up with numbness or stiffness where they were bitten.
Broken Bones and Nerve Damage
Larger dogs can cause broken fingers, wrists, or worse if they bite an adult. A big dog bite injury can leave serious scars or long-term pain. Broken bones may need plates, screws, or surgery to heal right. Some people lose strength in that part of the body forever.
Infections
Infections from dog bites can happen if bacteria enter your wound. It is crucial to seek prompt medical treatment and professional medical attention to prevent serious complications from infections. You may need antibiotics or even surgery if the infection spreads. Infections can cause swelling, fever, and more pain. In severe cases, infections can lead to hospital stays or permanent health problems.
Emotional Trauma
The damage from a dog bite isn’t always physical. Emotional distress can be a lasting consequence of a dog attack, sometimes requiring therapy or counseling. Many victims, especially kids, deal with emotional trauma from a dog attack. They may develop a fear of dogs, trouble sleeping, or anxiety that needs therapy. Some people avoid parks or neighbors because the memory is so strong.
Dog Bites and Children
Children get bitten more often than adults because they don’t know how to spot the warning signs that a dog is upset. Dog attacks can have a significant emotional and practical impact on family members as they support the child’s recovery. They may hug dogs too tightly, pull on tails, or play roughly. When kids get bitten, they’re more likely to have deep wounds on their face or neck. Child dog bite injuries often need surgery and counseling.
Parents can feel overwhelmed when dealing with medical care, school absences, and the emotional side of these attacks. That’s why having an animal attack lawyer to guide you makes a big difference.
Who Pays for Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog bite settlements or awards are usually paid through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. But insurance companies don’t like to hand over large checks. They may downplay your injury or push you to accept less. A strong claim demands full payment for, under California tort law:
- Medical bills after a dog bite
- Medical expenses related to the injury
- Lost wages if you can’t work
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy for emotional trauma and post traumatic stress disorder from a dog attack
- Surgery for permanent scarring from a dog bite
- Future medical care
- Property damage caused during the incident
You have the right to compensation for dog bite injuries that covers everything you’ve been through, not just the doctor’s visit on day one. Sometimes, filing a personal injury claim or personal injury lawsuit is necessary to recover compensation and secure full financial compensation for all your losses.
An experienced premises liability lawyer in Beverly Hills can help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Understanding Owner Responsibility
Dog owners must control their pets. Dog bite claims and dog bite injury claims require proving the owner’s responsibility and identifying all liable parties. When it comes to owner responsibility, dog attack laws say they must leash aggressive dogs and warn guests if a dog has a history of biting. If they ignore leash rules or let the dog run loose, they’re responsible for what happens.
Even if the owner says “my dog never did this before,” they can’t avoid paying under California’s strict liability rules. If an owner knows their dog is dangerous and does nothing, it strengthens your claim. An aggressive dog lawsuit shows that the owner ignored the risk. A successful dog bite injury claim depends on gathering evidence and demonstrating liability under California law.
What to Do After a Dog Attack
After an attack, always report a dog bite in Beverly Hills to local animal control. Documenting the dog bite incident is crucial for any future legal action. This creates an official record that shows when and where it happened. Animal control may quarantine the dog to check for rabies or other diseases. Your report can help other neighbors stay safe, too. In addition, you should do the following:
- Seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite. Even small bites can get infected.
- Wash the wound and stop bleeding.
- Get the owner’s contact info.
- Take photos of your wounds and where the attack happened.
- Keep records of doctor visits, bills, and any missed work.
- Contact an experienced dog bite attorney in Beverly Hills who understands California dog bite laws.
Dog bite victims should also monitor for subsequent injuries or complications and keep detailed records.
What Happens If You Do Nothing?
Dog bites don’t just heal overnight. Deep wounds may reopen or get infected later. Scars may need surgery. Fear of dogs can stay with you for years. When you don’t file a claim, you pay out of your own pocket for medical care. You may lose paychecks if you can’t work. Owners who don’t face consequences may let their dogs bite someone else. Filing a claim is the only way to recover fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Filing a claim holds them accountable and keeps other people safer.
How Long Do You Have to File?
California has a time limit dictated by the statute of limitations. For personal injury from dog attack cases, you usually have two years from the date you were bitten to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner. If you miss that deadline, you lose your chance to get fair payment through the courts.
The sooner you talk to a Beverly Hills dog bite attorney, the better.
How Do Dog Bite Settlements Work?
When you file a dog bite claim, your dog bite lawyer’s job is to build a strong case that clearly shows what happened and how the bite changed your life. They collect proof, such as medical reports, photos of your injuries, and statements from witnesses who saw the attack or the dog’s behavior before it happened. They may also gather vet records or animal control reports to show the dog’s history.
Once they have the evidence, they send a detailed demand letter to the dog owner’s insurance company. This starts your dog bite insurance claim and shows what you need to cover medical bills, lost income, and emotional pain. Many dog bite cases settle outside of court because the insurance company wants to avoid expensive trials. If the insurance company refuses to settle after a bite occurred, dog bite lawsuits may be necessary to pursue fair compensation.
However, there are instances where they may refuse to pay what’s fair. If that happens, your dog bite lawyer in Beverly Hills can file a lawsuit and prepare for trial. A well-prepared case often pushes the other side to settle before a judge gets involved.
Do You Need an Animal Attack Lawyer?
You could try to handle your claim alone, but you risk getting pushed around by experienced insurance adjusters who look for ways to pay you less. Experienced dog bite attorneys and Hills dog bite lawyers have the skills to handle complex cases and protect your interests. They may claim you didn’t really need that surgery or argue your scars aren’t as serious as you say. They might even try to blame you for “provoking” the dog, even when that’s not true if a dog bite occurs.
An animal attack lawyer knows how to push back when insurance companies play these games. They build a strong case that shows exactly what you went through and what you still need to recover. They handle all the paperwork, phone calls, and tough conversations, so you don’t have to. Reputable law offices and Hills dog bite attorneys can provide the support and guidance you need. With a Beverly Hills dog bite lawyer by your side, you can focus on your health and your family instead of fighting a battle alone.
How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
Our Beverly Hills injury legal services for dog bites work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay anything upfront to hire a lawyer for your case. The lawyer only gets paid if they win money for you through a settlement or verdict. This setup helps families get the legal help they need without the stress of huge bills while they’re trying to recover. It also gives your lawyer an extra reason to fight hard for every dollar you deserve because they don’t get paid unless you do.
Talk to a Beverly Hills Dog Bite Lawyer Now
You didn’t choose to get bitten. However, you can choose what happens next. You can ask for help and stand up for your rights with our law firm. By filing a claim or lawsuit, you can recover what you need to get medical care, therapy, or surgery to heal inside and out. You don’t have to face insurance adjusters or the dog owner’s excuses alone. Let our Beverly Hills personal injury lawyer fight for you so you can focus on your recovery while getting the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love has been hurt by a dog, reach out to Dordick Law Corporation today at (310) 736-2866 to get started with a free consultation. Take back your peace of mind and find out what’s possible for your family with our legal services.
