Are You a Victim Of a Dog Bite Injury?
According to the CDC statistics, up to 5 million people in the US suffer dog bites annually, half of which are kids. All of these victims require medical attention, which can inconvenience their families. With the larger population in Burbank owning dogs, you can fall victim to a dog bite. This is because no matter how friendly a dog is, it can still bite. A dog bite injury can cause physical, mental, or emotional damage, so you should contact our experienced Burbank dog bite attorneys at Avaness Law to assist you in recovering the damages.
Whether you were bitten by a dog or knocked over by one, you should speak with an attorney about your right to compensation for your injuries. The majority of dog bite injuries can result in permanent disfigurement. It is crucial to seek the proper medical care to ensure you are healed to the best of your abilities.
California Law
In California, a dog owner/ insurance company is liable to pay full compensation to a dog bite victim. It is no defense that the dog had never shown prior viciousness or that the dog was on a leash.
TO PROVE YOUR CASE, WE MUST DEMONSTRATE
- The dog owner owned the dog in question,
- You were in a public place or lawfully on private property at the time, and
- You had significant injuries as a result.
What Injuries Will Result From a Dog Bite?
While some dog bites are minor, not everyone is lucky to walk away unscathed. A dog bite injury can cause severe physical damage, especially to children. Due to their size, children will likely sustain facial injuries requiring surgical intervention. Some of the injuries may persist for years, requiring therapy.
Other common victims of dog bites include post-letter carriers and the elderly. Dog bite injuries can derail your life, and liaising with our Burbank dog bite attorney is advisable to pursue compensation and restore normalcy.
Whether a dog bites your arm, foot, or neck, you will likely suffer from the following common injuries:
- Puncture wounds
- Scratches, cuts, and bruises
- Nerve damage
- Tearing
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Amputations
- Head and brain injuries
- Disfigurement
- Emotional injuries, including anxiety, fear, depression, and PTSD
Actions to Take After a Dog Bite in Burbank
A dog bite can leave you confused, injured, and in so much pain. However, if you are in a position to, or with the help of a second party, follow the steps below to be safe:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the injury to the authorities and obtain an accident report
- If possible, get the name and contact of the dog owner
- Take photos of the dog that bit you together with the location
- Take photos of visible injuries from the incident with the dog
- Keep the clothes you had that the animal damaged
- Take photos of property damaged by the animal during the incident
- Contact a dog bite attorney for guidance
Who is Responsible for My Dog Bite Injury?
Most of the time, the dog owner will be liable for your dog bite in Burbank, whether or not the dog has ever bitten another animal or person. The California Civil Code (CIV) §3342 allows you to hold the dog owner, caretaker, property owner, or landlord accountable for dog bite injuries if your case meets the state requirements for such cases. Hiring a Burbank dog bite at this stage is advisable to help you establish the best course, depending on your circumstances.
In proving your dog bite injury, we will use negligence as the cause of action when a second party is wholly or partially liable for your damages. Negligence is also applicable where the dog’s owner violated animal regulations.
No matter the negligence in your case, contact our Avaness Law attorney to investigate the incident and establish who is liable for your damages. Assisted by the evidence you gathered when the incident occurred, we will help you pursue a lawsuit for favorable compensation.
WHO PAYS FOR INJURIES?
The homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company will pay your claim. If you know the dog’s owner and worry that he/she will have to pay, they won’t. It will all come from the insurance company.
Will an Injury Claim Damage Your Relationship With Your Friend or Relative?
75% of the time, the dog owner is the victim’s family member, neighbor, or friend. You may be reluctant to sue your relative (neighbor, friend), even if you suffered serious injury in a dog attack. The compensation we seek will come from the insurance company. Hence, the claim will be handled between the insurance company and your lawyer and there’s no reason why the incident should harm your relationship. In fact, if that person truly cares about you, he/she should be happy to see you receiving compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered.
Financial and Medical Recovery
The dog attack can result in more than physical harm; it can also continue to hurt you psychologically long after the event. That is why we believe it is essential that you are fully compensated for the physical, emotional, and financial toll the attack will have on you. That should be a greater consideration than any fear of your friendship with the dog’s owner being hurt.
We always recommend that you get evaluated by a plastic surgeon if the dog bite left you with a permanent scar. We can refer you for cosmetic surgery, which can be handled on a lien basis so you pay nothing up front if need be.
Types of monetary compensation available in a slip and fall include:
- Medical Expenses
- Pain and Suffering
- Punitive Damages
- Lost Wages
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of Consortium: Your spouse is compensated for the loss of your moral support, help around the house and physical intimacy.
The effects of a dog attack can linger throughout your life, so it’s critical that you enlist the services of an expert dog-bite attorney. You’ll find that caliber of lawyer at Avaness Law.
Contact Our Burbank Dog Bite Attorney
A dog bite is an unfortunate and life-impacting accident, whether on a child or adult. The victim sustains injuries and suffers financially, especially where the damages necessitate a series of treatments for correction. While you can pursue claims from insurance with the evidence of your medical reports, most insurances disburse lower amounts due to unwillingness to cater to their client’s negligence. By contacting our Burbank dog bite attorney, you can focus on getting well as we pursue the best possible compensation. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites In Burbank
WHO IS LIABLE FOR A DOG BITE IN BURBANK?
In Burbank, California, the owner of the dog that bites someone is typically liable for any damages caused by the bite. However, other parties, such as landlords, pet sitters, or dog walkers, may also be held responsible in certain circumstances.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M BITTEN BY A DOG IN BURBANK?
If you’re bitten by a dog in Burbank, you should immediately seek medical attention, report the bite to the local animal control authority, and get the contact information of the dog’s owner. You should also consider taking photos of the bite and preserving any evidence related to the incident.
WHAT COMPENSATION CAN I GET FOR A DOG BITE IN BURBANK?
If you’re bitten by a dog in Burbank and the owner is liable, you may be able to recover compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The specific compensation available will depend on the circumstances of the bite and the laws of California.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE DOG’S OWNER DISPUTES LIABILITY FOR THE BITE?
If the owner of the dog that bit you disputes liability, you may need to provide evidence of the bite and the owner’s responsibility, such as witnesses, photographs, and medical records. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT FOR FILING A DOG BITE CLAIM IN BURBANK?
Yes, there is a time limit for filing a dog bite claim in Burbank. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite claims, is generally two years from the date of the incident. It’s important to take action promptly to preserve your rights and ensure that you’re able to recover compensation for your damages.
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