Rancho Cucamonga Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog Bites, Attacks and Maulings in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

While dogs add friendship, pleasure and even protection to so many families, dog bites occur in far greater frequency and severity than most people would believe. Unfortunately, thousands of people being bitten, mauled or attacked by a dog each year across the United States.

Most dog bites are fairly minor and can be treated at home. However, the more serious dog bites can cause painful and life altering injuries, including permanent disfigurement, scarring, psychological trauma and sometimes death. These injuries will require emergency medical treatment, often resulting in expensive medical bills that can last several years.

Dog Bites in Children

A furry pooch is often an irresistible lure to small children, who tend to be at an increased risk for face bite injuries since they are more likely to be at a height where they are interacting at eye-level and their actions are often startling to a dog.

Especially if it is unknown how a particular dog behaves around kids, parents should always be present and alert when their children are interacting with animals. However, even the most vigilant parents cannot always prevent a sudden attack from happening.

Strict Liability for Dog Owners

Unlike some states where plaintiffs must prove that the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s aggressive tendencies, California is a strict liability state. This means that owners are responsible for their dogs and may be held liable if their dog attacks a person, whether or not the owner knew that the dog was aggressive or likely to bite someone.

In any lawsuit brought about due to a dog bite or dog attack, the dog owner may be held personally liable. In some cases, the bite or attack is covered by their homeowner’s insurance, depending on where the bite occurred and what the insurance policy explicitly covers. If the dog is a stray and there is no known owner, a person who was bitten may not have legal recourse.

As the plaintiff in a dog bite lawsuit, the victim or the person suing on their behalf must prove, with evidence, that the defendant is responsible because they were the owner of the dog at the time the bite occurred. Furthermore, owners are only liable if the person bitten was in a public place or on private property “lawfully”. In the case of trespassing, the dog owner may have a defense to a dog bite lawsuit.

Consulting a Lawyer

If you or a loved one ever find yourself attacked by a dog or other animal, you will likely have questions about your rights and probability of recovering damages. Contacting a personal injury attorney with experience handling dog/animal bite cases may be your best chance at receiving compensation for your injuries. Keep in mind that time is of the essence when filing a case because the statute of limitations for a dog bite lawsuit in California is 2 years. That means claims filed after this time period will be time-barred and dismissed.

A serious dog bite can result in expensive medical bills, lost wages for an undetermined amount of time, and costs that are more difficult to measure like pain and suffering. Some victims may need facial reconstruction surgery or other plastic surgery as a result of their injuries. Those with permanent injuries may also wish to seek compensation for future lost earnings, if the effects of the dog bite will likely affect their future job prospects.

If you believe you have a case because of a vicious dog attack in Rancho Cucamonga, contact our Rancho Cucamonga Dog Bite Lawyer today for more information and a free consultation. We are here to help you get through this.

Contact our Rancho Cucamonga Personal Injury Attorney at 1-877-241-9554 to learn more about your legal options. A free consultation is just a phone call away. You can even use our online contact form, and we’ll reply to you quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, dog owners can and should be held accountable when their pets bite or attack others. California law states that they can be held liable for the injuries their pets cause another person, but there are exceptions to the rule. Therefore, it’s best to contact a dog bite attorney to see if you have a case.

Each dog bite case is different, but there are a few similarities. Our team would compile the evidence needed to prove liability, which can include:

• Ownership of the dog
• Identity of the dog
• Severity of the dog bite injuries
• Negligence on the dog handler or owner’s part
• Negligence of the handler
• Property owner and landlord liability

The first step is to retain a dog bite lawyer. Rancho Cucamonga, CA, residents who become dog bite victims can receive compensation for these things:

• Bystander pain and suffering
• Lifestyle changes
• Reduced earning capacity
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Lifelong care
• Long-term medical bills
• Immediate medical bills

Your Rancho Cucamonga dog bite lawyer will create a defense, which can include:

• The dog bite victim provoking the dog.
• The victim assumed risk while interacting with the animal.
• The victim showed comparative negligence.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA, is a beautiful place to live and work, and many people have furry friends to help them. However, dog owners are responsible for their pets. Victims can get injured if the animal gets upset. Here are a few common injuries caused by dogs:

• Lacerations and Puncture Wounds – Most attacks involve lacerations and puncture wounds, which can show on any part of a person’s body. The victim should seek medical attention to reduce scarring and infection. Then, they should contact a dog bite attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
• Nerve Damage – Nerve damage indicates a limited range of motion or loss of sensation. Most victims in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, can recover through physical therapy, but there could be lasting problems.
• Broken Bones – A dog’s jaws are forceful and can break bones. Victims might also deal with fractures if they fell or were pushed to the ground. Overall, the dog’s owner is liable for these things.
• Death – Rarely, dog bites can be fatal. They often happen when a child or many dogs are involved. Parents, spouses, adult children, and next of kin should file a wrongful death claim with a personal injury attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. This is a special case that focuses on compensation for the accident and the loss of life because of a negligent dog’s owner.