A Service Dog Bit Me, Can I Sue?

There are many different types of service dogs working in California and over 500,000 dogs working across the United States. In California, a person with a disability can have a trained service dog or psychiatric dog with them in almost all public areas. So it is becoming more and more common to see these dogs in places that do not allow most animals. Most of the time, these dogs are well-trained and behave in a manner that is not disruptive or aggressive. However, even the most intelligent and well-manner dogs can react surprisingly when they become upset or uncomfortable in new surroundings. And when that happens, these dogs tend to lash out as any other dog would. They growl, lunge, and bite.

If you have been bit by a service dog, you are sure to have many questions, including whether you sue the dog’s owner for your injuries and losses. Fortunately, the personal injury experts at Normandie Law Firm are here to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need during this trying time. All you need to do is contact the Normandie Law Firm to request your free consultation. The staff is available 24/7 to answer any urgent questions and help you understand your rights as the victim of a dog bite injury, even when it was a service dog that bit you.

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What Is A Service Dog?
Most people have seen service dogs wearing a vest or other identification to let people around them know they are trained to help their owner. Assist dogs for the visually impaired were some of the first to become familiar in public areas. However, now service dogs are being trained to assist the hearing impaired, those with mobility issues, and even to alert when a diabetic or seizure victim needs assistance. To be a service dog, the animal must be certified by the Americans With Disabilities Act. Certified service dogs can be issued to people with physical or mental limitations.

Another common event today is seeing a dog wearing a badge or collar denoting an emotional support animal. It is vital for the public to understand that these dogs are not trained in any way for this duty. They are simply used as a tool that helps their owner feel more comfortable. As such, these dogs have very few special exemptions in public spaces.

The most crucial fact about service dogs is that even though they are certified, they are still considered dogs. Therefore, dog bite laws still apply to them. So being bitten by a service dog in California will be handled in the same manner as every dog bite incident. In addition, you can sue the owner of the dog for your losses and damage.
What You Need To Know About Dog Bites
Any dog bite victim should understand that even healthy dogs carry many germs and bacteria in their mouths and saliva. So even a tiny nip that just breaks the skin can result in a severe or life-threatening infection. So while you might think a dog bite is minor, it could quickly become infected and require costly medical care or even surgery. So always get the dog owner’s contact information and any witnesses that saw the dog bite you. It is also helpful to get the contact information of the dog’s vet in case you develop an illness or infection from the bite.

Some of the most common health issues related to a dog bite include:

• Rabies
• Staph Infection
• Cellulitis
• Strep Infection
• Bone Infection
• Blood Infection

These are all potentially life-threatening issues that could result from even a tiny puncture wound from a dog bite. Therefore, it is always best to seek a medical evaluation of any dog bite to ensure your safety and health.
Dog Bite Laws In California
California is considered a strict liability state when discussing dog bites. That means the owner of the dog that bit you is almost always responsible for your injuries. These laws apply to public and private property. The only time a dog bite victim cannot hold the dog owner accountable is if the victim is unlawfully on private property. For example, a person tries to break into your home, and your dog bites the intruder. That dog bite victim was illegally entering your property, so you are not financially responsible for their dog bite injuries.

The only other common exception to this law is if the dog bite victim abuses or injures the dog. In that case, they are liable for their dog bite injuries. So in the case of your original question, you can sue the owner of a service dog that bit you, just as you could any other dog owner whose dog bit you.
How Long Do I Have To File A Dog Bite Lawsuit?
In California, the Statute of Limitations on any personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the injury. However, you should seek legal counsel soon after the dog bite incident to ensure the best possible outcome for your legal matter. In some cases, a dog owner is more than willing to take responsibility for their dog’s actions and will pay all of your expenses related to the injury.

But not every dog owner is that upstanding and honest. In some cases, the dog owner will deny that their dog bit you or try to mislead you and trick you into not filing a lawsuit during the two-year window or at all. The best way to move past any dog bite is to contact Normandie Law Firm for a free consultation. Our expert dog bite personal injury lawyers will explain your rights and how to protect them if the dog owner becomes adversarial.
Protecting Your Future
When you suffer any dog bite, it is essential to gather some information to protect your health and financial future. Of course, you hope that the dog owner is honest and will follow through on any promises to pay for the damages caused by their dog. But you never know. So as long as your wound is not life-threatening, gather some basic information before heading to have the dog bite evaluated by a medical professional.

Be sure to get:

• Contact information for the dog owner and the dog’s vet
• Get a picture of the dog
• Take photos of the bite injuries
• Get the contact information for any witnesses of the dog bite incident and ask that they send you a written statement of what they saw

It should only take a few minutes to gather this information. And if the dog owner takes responsibility, you can forget about using the information. But if the dog owner tries to avoid taking financial responsibility, you have the information to pass along to your legal team at Normandie Law Form when you pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

How Long Does A Lawsuit Take To Complete?
Your legal team at Normandie Law Firm might be able to provide a rough estimate for the time to complete your dog bite lawsuit. However, there is no way to make a very accurate prediction because each case is unique. In addition, the workload of the court and the defendant’s actions can significantly impact how long it will be before your case has made its way through the legal system.

The best way to ensure that you get your settlement or verdict as quickly as possible is to contact Normandie Law Form as soon as possible after your dog bite incident. Our team will immediately gather the information needed to file your claim and get your lawsuit on the docket.
What Is The Value Of My Dog Bite Lawsuit?
Your compensation amount is based on the expenses and losses you suffer due to your dog bite injuries. The staff at Normandie Law Firm will assist you in compiling all the acceptable expenses to include in your lawsuit for compensation. Some of the most common costs include:

• All of the medical bills for the care of your dog bite wounds
• The cost of your legal representation for the dog bite lawsuit
• Any lost wages if you were unable to work or for work missed to attend medical appointments
• A dollar amount to account for your pain and suffering due to the dog bite injuries

Why Normandie Law Firm Is Your Best Choice
At Normandie Law Firm, we are here to help injury victims, not just win a lawsuit. We understand that these injuries you sustained have been traumatic and have likely created stress and challenges in many parts of your life. We are here to see that justice prevails and that you get the compensation you deserve for all that you have endured. And we are willing to provide our services with no upfront fees. So you owe us nothing if we do not secure the verdict or settlement you need to pay your bills. We stand behind our pledge to never get paid until our valued clients have been paid. Contact Normandie Law Firm today and know that we will never stop fighting to defend your rights.

Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
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I Was Bit By A Dog While Working As A Contractor In A Private Home – What Can I Do?
Can I Sue The Airport Or Airline If I Was Bite By Dog On A Plane?