While many people love dogs and welcome them into their families, nature gave canines a cruel side. Dog bite accidents are painful experiences that can traumatize victims emotionally and physically, no matter the cause. If you or a loved one suffered such an accident, you can earn compensation with a dog bite lawyer’s help. An experienced attorney can file your claim, build your case, prepare for counterarguments, and ensure you have the time and space to heal from your experience.
Davana Law Firm offers legal guidance and services to all California residents seeking justice. In addition to dog bites, our personal injury lawyers specialize in automobile accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, and more. We also speak more than 3 languages and have won over 500 cases for our clients. To learn more about your options and receive a free consultation with a member of our legal team, call (818) 501-1055.
Below, we discuss 4 critical considerations you should keep in mind when seeking a dog bite attorney:
Decisions During the Aftermath
In the aftermath of a dog bite, take care of yourself first and foremost. Seek medical attention without delay—doctors’ notes and observations could substantiate your dog bite claim. Conversely, waiting to seek help may cast doubt on your claims in the future.
Your grounds for pursuing a claim depend on the consequences of your accident. Did you have to pay hospital fees out-of-pocket? Did you take time off work to heal? Only you can decide whether to seek compensation, but remember that California’s statute of limitations for dog bite cases is 2 years.
If you decide to pursue litigation, hire a lawyer with ample experience in dog bite cases. Also, ensure you feel comfortable speaking and working with them—you’ll need to do so often while building your case. Finally, don’t forget to discuss your dog bite lawyer’s cost upfront—Davana’s attorneys, for instance, work on a contingency fee basis.
How to Build Your Case
Once you’ve hired them, your lawyer will start building a case for your claim. However, they must do so within the legal framework of your state. For example, California is a strict liability state for dog bites—owners are responsible for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of prior knowledge of aggressive behavior.
Whether or not your claim goes to court, it will need robust evidence to earn you compensation. Medical records, photographs, witness statements, and police reports offer excellent documentation of the dog bite incident and its impacts on your life. Your lawyer can contact the appropriate sources for these materials and gather them for you.
Filing a Claim and Negotiations
Once you file a claim against the dog’s owner, they will probably seek recourse with their homeowner’s insurance or hire a lawyer. Those parties will try to keep the case from going to court if you have strong evidence, and your lawyer will negotiate a settlement with them. While most dog bite cases do not go to court, your lawyer will represent you if yours does.
The Compensation You May Receive
The nature of your injuries and their financial repercussions will determine the compensation you are entitled to. That said, dog bite compensation can include:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost income due to injury
- Psychological counseling
- Pain and suffering
All these aspects will require evidence to substantiate, but a dog bite lawyer can help you gather the necessary materials.
Professional Dog Bite Lawyers Working throughout California!
An experienced dog bite lawyer will fight for your compensation while you heal from injuries. California residents can turn to Davana Law Firm for unrivaled legal expertise and guidance in building a case. Our team charges nothing until we win your case, and we’ve won over 500 of them. To learn more about our legal services and specializations, call (818) 501-1055.
