What can I sue for?

Even if a dog grabs a person with its teeth but doesn’t break the skin, it could still be considered a bite. The owner could not only be responsible for the actual dog bite, but also for injuries caused as a result of the dog bite. For example, in one example, the owner was held liable where a worker fell from his ladder after the dog closed its jaw on his pants.

If you are unsure whether you have grounds for legal recourse against a dog owner, it is crucial that you consult a Sacramento dog bite attorney as soon as possible. You have a limited time in which to pursue compensation for your damages, and it will take time to compile the various elements of any personal injury case. The sooner you consult legal counsel, the sooner your attorney can verify that you have grounds for legal action and help you start building your claim.

What is considered a dog bite in Sacramento, CA?

California laws make a pet owner “strictly liable” for dog-bite injuries. When a victim sues for damages from a dog bite, it doesn’t matter whether the owner knew their dogs had never been vicious before. That means, that a dog owner cannot argue that they didn’t know their dog could be dangerous. However, there are some exceptions as to when a dog owner can be held with strict liability.

An owner is strictly liable only if the injured person was:

• Bitten, and
• Was in a public place or was lawfully in a private place when the bite happened.

That means that if the person was trespassing on private property when bit, then the owner would not be strictly liable. Your Sacramento dog bite attorney can help gather any evidence you may need to prove that you were legally present wherever the attack occurred and that you did not provoke the attack in any way. If a person abuses a dog or attacks a dog owner and the dog retaliates, strict liability will not apply because the dog clearly acted defensively.

Criminal and Civil Liability?

In some instances, criminal charges may be filed if a dog bites a person. Criminal charges apply when a dog owner knew that their dog was prone to “mischievous” behavior, but did not control their dog, and their dog injured or killed a person.

Even if criminal charges are filed, the injured person may nevertheless sue the owner for damages. The civil suit must generally be filed within two years after the injury.

If you need a Sacramento wrongful death attorney, Kreeger Law Firm will be here for you. We maintain offices in Roseville and Sacramento. Call 916-313-0986 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

Defenses in California Dog Bite Lawsuits

Dog owners may have several defenses in civil lawsuits if their dog bites another and causes injury to that person. They may argue that the victim was trespassing at the time of injury, was partly at fault for the accident, or voluntarily took a risk of injury. In criminal cases, a dog owner may also have defenses in charges resulting from a dog bite.

Filing Your Personal Injury Claim In Sacramento

An experienced Sacramento dog bite attorney can be invaluable for the help they can provide in constructing and filing your dog bite claim. When you choose Kreeger Law Firm to represent you, our firm will guide you through each step of the claim filing process. First, we will help ensure the criteria for strict liability apply, and you can hold the dog owner accountable for your losses. Next, we will help accurately calculate those losses, including projected future damages like your ongoing medical treatment costs and lost earning potential if you have been disabled from the attack. We will also help maximize the compensation you receive for your pain and suffering.

Our goal for every client is maximum recovery in the most efficient manner, and this usually means negotiating a settlement on their behalf. However, settlement is not always a viable option, and our team is ready to represent you in court if you must litigate your case. The sooner you reach out to our firm, the sooner we can start guiding you toward the recovery you legally deserve.

Common Causes of Dog Bites

Dog bites can occur due to a wide range of triggers or states that are associated with the animal in question. Typically, dogs will bite humans or other animals out of a reaction to external stimuli. For example, if a dog is stressed or triggered by something that startles or frightens them, they might bite to protect or defend themselves, their owner, or their territory. In situations where a dog has puppies, they might have an increased risk of biting due to the need to defend their young.

Dogs may also bite if they are experiencing an illness or condition that causes them to feel unwell and have pain or soreness. They may bite or growl as a warning sign that they would prefer to be left alone.

It’s important to note that dogs may bite based on positive emotions as well. For example, they may be playing or excited and nip or bite in a friendly manner. While the dog may have had good intentions, this can lead to serious harm to humans. It’s critical to understand that there are a variety of reasons that a dog may bite, including the circumstances under which the dog bite may occur.

What to Do When a Dog Bites You in California

Being bitten by a dog in California can be a startling and overwhelming experience. While the actions you should take may vary, depending on the circumstances of the dog bite incident, including the severity of the injury sustained, the general steps that should be followed include:

1. Procure Information:
   If you have been bitten by a dog, then the first action you should take is to get the contact information of the owner of the dog, including their name, address, number, e-mail, and accident or homeowner insurance, if they have any. Try to discern the breed of the dog as well.
2. Contact Law Enforcement:
   If the dog bite incident was particularly severe or malicious, then it is important to call 911. After law enforcement arrives, provide pertinent details associated with the incident. Get a copy of the police report after it is finished.
3. Document the Dog Bite Scene.
   If possible, take pictures and videos of the surroundings where the dog bite occurred, the dog, and the associated injuries. Take notes about the time and location where the incident occurred, along with any pertinent details associated with the case.
4. Seek Medical Assistance:
   Even if you are convinced that your dog bite is not serious, it’s important to get medical assistance. This can help avoid complications later, such as an infection.
5. Work With a Personal Injury Lawyer:
   By working with an animal attack attorney CA, you can determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company of the dog owner (if they have one), and advise you on whether a claim would be feasible.
6. File a Personal Injury Claim:
   If you have a sufficient case, it is advisable to file a personal injury claim against the dog owner or their insurance company. That way, you can be properly compensated for your injuries.

If the dog owner has accident insurance or homeowner’s insurance that covers dog bites, then the personal injury claim will be filed against their insurance company. If they do not have proper insurance, the claim will be filed directly against them.

After suffering a dog bite incident, it is critical to get in touch with a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Even if the dog bite did not break the skin, there still may be a viable personal injury case, depending on the circumstances of the incident. A Sacramento dog bite lawyer from Kreeger Law Firm href=”/about-chris/” can assist you with your personal injury claim.

How Can a Sacramento Bite Attorney Help?

Filing a personal injury claim after a dog bite injury can be a complex process. A Sacramento dog bite injury lawyer can assist you if you have sustained any injuries related to a dog bite. They can work with you to understand the details of what happened and address your worries or concerns. A Sacramento personal injury lawyer can help negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive a fair and optimal settlement. They can also use tactics and their understanding of how to value a client’s damages to ensure that you are not taken advantage of. If your lawyer cannot reach a fair settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company or the dog owner, they can assist you in filing a claim in court, using their knowledge of dog bite laws. A dog bite lawyer can represent your case and use the case evidence and their knowledge of local personal injury law to prove that the dog owner is liable. By working with a Sacramento bite attorney from Kreeger Law Firm, you can be assured that your case is being comprehensively managed, allowing you the space and time you need to focus on healing.

Why Hire Kreeger Law Firm for Your Dog Bite Claim?