Can I Sue The Timeshare Where I Was Bitten By A Dog?

Timeshares are a popular way for many California residents to enjoy partial vacation property ownership. Unfortunately, in many cases, it is not possible to own the ideal beach house or mountain cabin you want for your annual vacation. Nor do you have time to use the property more than once or twice each year. So paying for the property year-round is not a wise financial choice. However, when you can become a partial owner in a timeshare, you get the amount of access you need or want at a substantially reduced rate.

All the owners of a timeshare property are equal partners in the ownership of the property and have equal access in most cases. Typically, a management company oversees the scheduling and maintenance of the property to ensure that it remains in good condition and is safe for all guests. The fees you pay monthly or annually cover the cost of the property, maintenance, insurance, and other expenses such as utilities and property management services. In some cases, the timeshare is a single property in a larger complex, while in others, the entire complex is nothing but timeshares.

By now, you might be excited to learn more about timeshares and how to get in on this great vacation property ownership plan. But there can be some unexpected issues that will make help you understand that no timeshare is perfect. For example, what are your rights if you or a loved one gets bit by a dog while staying at the timeshare? If the dog belongs to another guest or part owner of the timeshare, can you sue the timeshare? Is the property management company liable for the injuries you suffered? And how can you sort out all of these vital questions?

The answer is as simple as contacting the Normandie Law Firm to request a free consultation. The staff is available 24/7 to answer time-sensitive questions and ensure that you understand your rights as the victim of a dog bite injury in California.

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Understanding Dog Ownership And Responsibility In California
The State of California is known as a strict liability state when evaluating dog bite laws. What that means for dog bite victims is that the dog owner is almost always responsible for their dog’s actions and any damage it causes. So when you are bit by a dog at a timeshare, the dog’s owner and not the timeshare is financially responsible for the damage caused.

The primary exceptions to this rule include any dog bite victim who is illegally at a property or anyone who is injuring or abusing a dog. For example, if a prowler is trying to break into your home or timeshare property, they are there without authorization, and a dog owner is not liable for injuries when the dog bites the intruder. Likewise, if you abuse or hurt the dog, the owner is not responsible for your medical bills should the dog retaliate and bite you.

It is also critical to understand that dog owners’ strict liability for their dog’s actions applies in public and private areas. So dog owners must remain in control of their dogs at all times. For additional information about your rights as a dog bite victim, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Normandie Law Firm to request a free consultation with a personal injury dog bite lawyer.
The Health Hazards Of Any Dog Bite
Unfortunately, many dog bite victims do not take a minor bite seriously. Instead, they dismiss it as nothing to worry about until it becomes red, painful, and swollen. But by that point, it is too late to find the owner of the dog and gather the information that could be vital in filing a lawsuit. So it is essential to understand that all dogs have bacteria and germs in their mouths that can be very harmful to humans. And it only takes a tiny puncture wound to introduce those toxins into your body.

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

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

While rabies is the most well-known complication from a dog bite, it is infrequent when the bite comes from a pet that has regular vet treatment and shots. However, even a healthy dog can transmit the germs and bacteria that cause all the other infections and illnesses. So it is crucial to contact the owner of the dog that bit you and to seek a medical evaluation of the injury to ensure your safety and long-term health.
What To Do After Suffering A Dog Bite
Even if the dog bite looks minor, it is essential that you:

• Get the contact information for the dog’s owner and the dog’s vet in case you need to verify the health records for the dog
• Take a picture of the dog, ideally with the owner in the picture as well
• Document the dog bite injury immediately after the incident and as the appearance changes
• Get a statement and contact information from any witnesses to the dog bite

Gathering this information will only take a few minutes. But it could be very beneficial if the wound becomes infected, hidden soft tissue or nerve damage, or other complications arise due to the dog bite. You could face mounting medical bills and even lost wages if the injuries are severe and you cannot work while you recover. And you might need to file a lawsuit against the dog owner if they refuse to take responsibility for the injuries caused by their dog.
How Long Will My Dog Bite Lawsuit Take To Complete?
Any honest lawyer will tell you that there is no way to determine how long it will take to complete your dog bite lawsuit and secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and medical bills. So it is always best to begin preparing the case as quickly as possible after the incident. The best option for many dog bite victims is a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer at Normandie Law Firm.

At this meeting, you can ask any questions about your rights, the process of filing a lawsuit, and other options to get the money owed to you from the dog’s owner. You are not obligated to hire Normandie Law Firm or file a lawsuit. However, it will provide reliable answers and guidance should a lawsuit become necessary.

In addition, it is crucial to understand that the Statute of Limitation on a dog bite personal injury claim in California is two years from the date of the incident. Therefore, if you do not have your lawsuit filed with the court system by that date, you will lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries in most cases. The Normandie Law Firm staff will explain any exceptions to this rule that apply to your case and how they might benefit the outcome of your lawsuit.

What Is The Potential Value Of A Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit?
Most lawsuit values are based primarily on the expenses and losses incurred by the victim. In the case of a dog bite injury, the plaintiff can often include any of the following items in their claim for compensation:

• The total of the medical bills for treatment of the dog bite injuries, including medical devices and prescriptions prescribed by your medical team
• Any lost wages if you were unable to work while healing or you missed work to attend medical appointments
• Your legal fees for your lawsuit against the dog owner
• In some cases, a dollar amount can be added to account for your pain and suffering

Why Is Normandie Law Firm The Right Choice?
The team at Normandie Law Firm is here to assist personal injury victims by seeing that justice is served. We understand how the law is intended to protect the rights of those injured due to someone else’s negligence. And we will work tirelessly to ensure that you get the full settlement or verdict due to you for your injuries and suffering. Our decades of combined expertise and genuine concern for the best interest of our clients are sure to get you the most robust compensation possible.
No Upfront Legal Fees Or Added Stress
Many dog bite injury victims face significant financial challenges while waiting for their lawsuits to be settled or completed. Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality for most personal injury victims we work with each day. In an effort to eliminate some of the added stress and financial challenges, the team at Normandie Law Firm has a strict policy to get paid only after we have secured the settlement or verdict that our clients deserve. And if we fail to win your case, you owe us nothing.

There is no better way to instill confidence in our ability to win your lawsuit that to be willing to work for free if we fail. So please get in touch with Normandie Law Firm today to learn more about your rights as a dog bite injury victim during your free consultation. And we are here 24/7 to answer any time-sensitive questions related to your case.