Every day, nearly 1,000 U.S. citizens require emergency care due to dog bite injuries. These injuries can be traumatizing experiences and require resilient mental, emotional, and physical strength to endure. Individuals who wish to pursue litigation for damages afterward should first study their legal options and standings. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help them to do so, particularly with negotiating settlements or representation in court to ensure they receive justice.
Residents in Los Angeles, CA, can turn to Davana Law’s legal team to handle their dog bite claim and advocate for their just compensation. With more than 500 successful cases under our belt, we’re confident we can win your case and help you find closure from the traumatic incident. To speak with a dog bite lawyer, call (818) 501-1055 or visit our website and schedule an appointment.
Below, we discuss 4 things you should know before hiring a dog bite lawyer:
1. Details of the Bite
The most important thing to compile before hiring a professional dog bite lawyer is documentation and details of the incident. You must create an accurate incident record to share your story with your lawyer and, if necessary, other legal authorities. Write down everything that happened, such as:
- The time of day the dog bite accident occurred
- Your actions before the incident occurred
- The site and circumstances of the incident
- Whether or not the dog’s owner was present
- Whether or not there were witnesses
- Doctor’s notes/medical records if you received treatment
- An incident report if the police were called and wrote one
- Other important information you find necessary to the case
The more details you provide your dog bite lawyer—no matter how minuscule they may seem—the better they can represent you and argue your case. Your side of the story will be only complete by looking over every detail and ensuring no gaps are present.
2. Your Legal Options
Many people try to pursue an insurance claim in the aftermath of a dog attack. However, you may also be able to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner. Those who wish to pursue the first course should trade insurance information with the dog’s owner and coordinate with their policy provider.
If you want to file a lawsuit, check local laws detailing dog bite victims beforehand to ensure the owner can be held responsible. For instance, dog owners in California are liable for damages suffered by their dog regardless of former viciousness or the owner’s awareness of its brutality. For help in this effort, find a professional personal injury lawyer to examine your case.
3. Defenses You Might Face
If you hire an attorney, the dog’s owner will probably hire one to defend themselves against your accusations. So, you should anticipate the potential defenses the owner may wield against you, including:
- Dog provocation: The owner may claim that the dog attacked you after you provoked or forced it. A person who injures an animal and receives an injury during the violence cannot count on receiving compensation.
- Trespassing: If a dog bite victim trespasses on private property or enters someone’s home uninvited, they cannot sue for personal injuries. Nonetheless, review your state’s trespass laws. In California, trespassing means going or remaining on someone else’s property without the right to do so or the property owner’s consent.
- Assumed risk: A gray area in dog bite cases, assumed risk refers to scenarios wherein a victim receives a warning of a dangerous dog yet proceeds onto property nonetheless. Likewise, a visitor to a dog park may assume they are at risk of a dog bite.
Lawyers know the defenses you may face when taking someone to court for a dog bite injury, and they can craft a strong rebuttal.
4. A Lawyer’s Level of Experience
Before hiring any lawyer, ask about their experience with trying dog bite injury cases. Seek someone with an extensive history of success, good reviews, and a strong reputation. Law practices’ websites likely house information detailing their specialties, experience, reviews, and more. A proper lawyer can gather evidence, calculate damages, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court. Find a capable attorney so you can receive the appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Reliable Dog Bite Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a dog bite attack, hire a qualified dog bite lawyer to determine the best next steps. At Davana Law, we put our clients at the forefront of everything we do to ensure your time with us is stress-free. Our experienced team of lawyers can handle everything from personal injury to slip-and-fall claims. For a free case evaluation and to get acquainted with a lawyer you can trust, contact us at (818) 501-1055.
