San Juan Capistrano Dog Bite Attorneys

Let’s face it: Man’s best friend isn’t always friendly. Unruly domesticated dogs can – and often do – go rogue and hurt people. And while bite wounds can be superficial and minor, more often than not, bites that break skin can lead to serious infection if untreated. Fortunately, though, dog bite incidents are almost always preventable – and even when they do happen, you can be compensated monetarily if the animal’s owner was responsible for the attack. The dog bite lawyers in our San Juan Capistrano office have years of experience representing victims of dog bites. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys today. If you cannot make it to our office, we will come to you.

California Dog Owners Face an Uphill Battle in Defending Claims.

California is one of the states that has clearly defined laws regarding dog bites and animal attacks: Generally, pet owners in California are “strictly liable” for injuries that their animals cause. This means that if a domesticated animal bites you and you suffer injuries, you do not need to prove that the owner was negligent. Rather, you simply need to show that 1) the owner owned the dog, 2) the dog attacked you, and 3) you were injured as a result. This is true whether you are attacked in a public place or on private property. As such, dog owners in California often have a tough time defending dog bite claims. If you’ve been injured by a dog (or know someone who has), it’s worth sitting down with a personal injury attorney to see what damages may be available to you.

I’ve Been Bitten by a Dog. What’s Next?

After a dog bite or animal attack, there are certain steps you can – and should – immediately take to ensure that you are well-positioned to recover fair compensation:

• Take photos of your injuries as soon as possible after the attack and in the hours and days after the attack to track any changes in your wounds.
• Take pictures of the dog that attacked you.
• Locate the owner and obtain his or her contact information. Confirm that this person owned the dog.
• Report the attack to your local police station or animal control agency to ensure the dog doesn’t attack anyone else.
• Visit a doctor to properly treat your bite wounds.

Compensation for Dog Bites and Animal Attacks in San Juan Capistrano

Before you speak with an insurance adjuster, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your claim. Additionally, never sign paperwork or agree to a settlement with the dog’s owner before first speaking with your attorney. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we routinely represent victims of dog bites in insurance claims, and as such, are positioned to help you walk away with the compensation you deserve. If you’ve suffered from dog bite injuries, it is possible to receive compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses;
• Lost wages;
• Reduced earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Disfigurement;
• Disability; and
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

Discuss Your Claim with A California Personal Injury Lawyer.

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we are poised to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and are here to answer all of your questions. During our free initial consultation, we will evaluate your case and provide you with an overview of the next steps to take in pursuing the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. With our in-depth knowledge of the relevant law, our team can guide you throughout each stage of your case. Schedule a low-risk consultation today by calling 1-800-GO-Harris or by sending us a message online. We look forward to serving you.