Dog bites are some of the most traumatizing injuries you can sustain. Even though some people are raised around dogs and are extremely comfortable in their presence, they may still be scared and suffer an attack. Not all dogs are well-behaved; some are aggressive and over-protective of their owners, and they are more likely to bite strangers if they feel threatened. There are certain legal actions you can take if you were bitten by a dog, and our experienced Tulare dog attack attorneys at Normandie Law Firm can help you earn a settlement for your injuries. We know that a dog bite incident can be very harrowing and confusing, and we want to make sure you are not at a disadvantage or unable to earn your fair compensation. Our clients often call us with questions regarding the legal process after a dog bite. Some of these types of questions include:
- Where can I find a dog bite lawyer in Tulare?
- How can I find a Tulare dog bite law firm?
- Which Tulare law firm can help me sue for dog bites?
- I need a Tulare County law firm for my dog bite injuries. Who should I call?
Reasons for Dog Bites
There are numerous reasons that a dog may bite an individual. The individual may be too closet o the dog for its own comfort, or it may be too close to its owner or property. Dogs are naturally protective, and some will not hesitate to do what they think is best to protect their
surroundings. This involves attacking and biting a potential threat. Of course, some dogs may lash out for no reason and bite people on the street or even guests in a home. Given the circumstances, you may be able to sue for financial compensation.
A Tulare lawyer with experience in dog bite lawsuits can give you more assistance.
Laws behind Dog Bites
In many other parts of the country, dogs are afforded a “one bite rule,” which means they can essentially lash out once without heavy repercussions. The dog may have no history whatsoever of violent outbursts or a tendency to hurt anyone, and under the rule, the dog is given the benefit of the doubt, and the owner does not have to be punished.
In California (and in Tulare County), however, there is no “one bite rule.” The owners are strictly liable for the actions of their dogs – there is no freebie that is given out for a first offense. This law essentially says that the owners are completely responsible for the actions of the dog, and thus, can be held responsible for all damages stemming from any injuries.
Of course, this law would be unfair and unconstitutional if it were a blanket practice. There are exceptions to the law that occur fairly frequently. For example, dogs that are in the law enforcement communities that work as drug dogs or attack dogs are not included under this law. The job of the animals is to catch criminals or prevent them from getting away. Provided there was no overly excessive force, the victim will likely not have the ability to file a lawsuit, given that he was likely involved in criminal activity at that point in time.
Additionally, if the victim were present in an area that he had no lawful or legal right to be in, he would not be able to file a dog bite lawsuit. If he were trespassing, walking through private property, or inside a yard at night time when a dog bit him, he would have no legal recourse. It is hard to be protected if you are breaking the law.
Provoking the dog may also not work out in your favor for both your health and your lawsuit. At the end of the day, dogs are animals, and animals act on instinct; if you actively provoke a dog and goad it into hurting you, you cannot file a lawsuit for any damages because you brought the bites upon yourself.
Also, you must be the owner of a dog in order for you to be sued for compensation. Sometimes, dog sitters and dog walkers, as well as those who merely take care of dogs for a few days at a time, are blamed for the actions of the dog that bit someone. This is not lawful, and the person, whether he is a worker or friend, will be let off the hook more often than not. The owner will be held responsible for the actions of his dog.
It is very important to note that the laws apply to dog bites only, and not dog attacks. The dog must have bitten you in order for you to file a dog bite lawsuit – if you were merely knocked down and scratched, or if the dog tackled you but did not actually bite you, you would not have a successful lawsuit. Our experienced Tulare dog bite lawyers can give you more information, including details regarding the statute of limitations. In general, you only have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim; any later, and your claim will be ineligible for consideration. There are ways to toll the statute however; if a minor were bitten, for example, the statute of limitations would not start until the day he turned 18. An attorney in Tulare can help you understand the finer points of dog bite laws.
Proving Negligence
Dog bit lawsuits all under the concept of negligence, or negligent actions from the dog owner. All dog owners have a duty of care that they must give to other people when their dogs are out in public. This is the first point of negligence that must be proven. If there is a breach of that duty – whether by encouraging a dog to attack someone or by letting the dog roam about unleashed, the second point is fulfilled. If the dog bites someone and causes injuries, the third and fourth points are completed, and you can file a lawsuit. All of the points of negligence need to be shown to be true; in a lawsuit featuring a dog that bites a person but leaves no injuries, there would be a very low chance for compensation.
Injuries from Dog Bites
Dogs are very strong creatures, and they have one of the hardest bites in domesticated animals. They can shake their heads and cause additional damage, and people have been known to get mauled by particularly vicious dogs. Some of the types of injuries that you can sustain from dog bites include:
- Skin lacerations
- Scarring
- Nerve and muscle damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Infection
- Gaping wounds
- Severed limbs and body parts
It is important that you seek medical attention as quickly as possible if a dog has bitten you. If you need legal assistance, contact one of our Tulare County dog bite lawyers for further help.
Earning a Settlement
If you have been injured by a dog that bit you, you may be able to earn a settlement for your injuries. A Tulare lawyer will be able to give you an overview of the case and determine your case’s potential value. With the dedication of an expert attorney, you may be able to earn various types of compensation for your damages. This includes:
- Covered medical expenses, such as hospitalization, medication, ambulatory transportation, surgery, physical therapy, and more. There is also the opportunity to receive compensation for future medical procedures if a doctor claims you will need further treatment.
- Property damage, which can have been destroyed in the attack. You may have to replace clothing or other belongings.
- Lost wages, which can be reimbursed from both the past and future. Time missed at work may result from the injuries or the recovery time.
- Pain and suffering, or noneconomic damages that include post-traumatic stress disorder, fear, psychological scarring, mental trauma, emotional damage, and anxiety.
Reach out to one of our Tulare attorneys who have experience in dog bite cases for the best assistance possible.
Normandie Law Firm is Here to Help
Our Tulare dog bite attorneys at Normandie Law Firm have years of experience in dog bite cases. We are well-versed in negotiating with insurance companies and will tirelessly work to bring you a fair settlement. Our lawyers are aggressive when it comes to earning your compensation, and we will not stop until you are satisfied.
Call us today for a free consultation about your dog bite case. We will give you all the information you need to know about the legal process and what you can expect out of a settlement. We encourage you to ask us questions and learn more. Further, we will also inform you to our zero fee guarantee, which promises that you will never pay any out of pocket expenses for our services. Your fees come from the settlement we win you; therefore, if we lose, you don’t owe us anything at all.
Contact Normandie Law Firm to speak with a Tulare lawyer about your dog bite claim.
