Pet Sit Pros Dog Bite Attack Lawsuit Attorneys

Californians love their four legged companions, and dogs are the most popular pet of choice, which is understandable considering the love, loyalty, and joy these animals give us on a daily basis. But taking care of a dog or any pet is a full time endeavor, which is a problem when most of us go to work and have other duties that require us to leave our pets behind. For these instances, there are companies like Pet Sit Pros that offer pet sitting and dog walking services. The vast majority of people that use Pet Sit Pros request dog walkers to take their pooch out for a stroll, which gives them much needed attention and exercise during the day.

However, dogs that are out on walks must be supervised and handled appropriately to ensure that they don’t cause injuries to others. In some cases, even if the dog walker has taken all the right precautions, a dog can lash out unexpectedly and bite or attack someone. So, the question is, who is responsible when you are injured by a dog that’s being walked by someone from a pet sitting service? Can you sue the responsible party for the cost of medical services and other monetary losses?

These are some of the issues we will cover in this article, but there are many questions that we cannot answer without talking to you in person. For a free consultation with a Pet Sit Pros dog bite injury attorney, contact us today.

Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements

Can I Sue if Someone Else’s Dog Bit Me?

Yes, California’s strict liability laws allow you to sue if you are bitten by someone else’s dog, even if the animal has no previous history of biting or attacking anyone. There are a few exceptions to the rule, but these involve extreme circumstances, like the dog defending itself from physical abuse or trying to protect its owner from an attack. Otherwise, the owner is 100% responsible for bodily harm and property damage that is caused by their dog.

But things are more complicated when the animal is under someone else’s care, like a dog walker. In these cases, it’s possible to sue the dog walker or pet sitter, as they are in charge of the dog’s conduct at the time of the incident. Alternatively, you may have grounds to sue the pet sitting service, though this would depend on the contract between the company and the dog owner.

Pet Sit Pros operates under a franchise model, so each franchise may have their own rules on third party injury coverage, i.e., injuries caused by pets that they are taking care of. Some pet sitting services like Wag explicitly state that they are not responsible for damage caused to third parties, so the language in the contract and the company’s Terms of Use will dictate who you can sue.

You may be overwhelmed by all this information, but rest assured that our legal team has decades of experience with lawsuits for dog bites and other pet-related injuries. We will get to the bottom of who is liable for your accident if you were harmed by a dog that was being walked or taken care of by a Pet Sit Pros pet sitter.

How Much is the Average Dog Attack / Bite Lawsuit Settlement?

If you go by the national average according to the Insurance Information Institute, the average compensation claim for a dog bite injury lawsuit was $64,555 as of 2022. However, settlement amounts in California are typically higher than the national average, and many of the claims at our law firm are settled for over $100,000. Having said that, the value of a lawsuit is based on details that are specific to each dog bite incident and the harm that was suffered by the victim. Frankly, we have had cases that were settled for under $15,000, along with lawsuits that result in verdicts of over $2,000,000.

Instead of relying on average values, we suggest that you contact us and talk to a lawyer who can help you figure out what your Pet Sit Pros dog bite injury case is worth.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Dog Bite Incident Claim?

A lawsuit for injuries caused by a pet can take 4 to 6 months on average if you have mild to moderate injuries that will fully heal with medical treatment. However, if you have severe injuries, including emotional trauma (very common among those attacked by dogs), reaching a settlement can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years. Generally, dog bite claims are settled through back-and-forth negotiations between the victim’s lawyer and the defendant’s insurance company, so it’s very rare that a trial is needed to obtain compensation in these cases. However, if your case does require a trial date, receiving payment through a jury verdict usually takes over 3 years.

Statute of Limitations – How Much Time Do I have to File a Lawsuit?

If you were bitten by someone else’s dog, you have 2 years from the date of injury to file a claim against the owner or the person / company in charge of the dog at the time of the incident. Please note that missing the deadline will most likely invalidate your right to sue. Thus, it’s essential that you start the legal process immediately with help from a Pet Sit Pros dog bite accident attorney. We are ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so contact us right away if you were injured by a dog or any other pet that was under the care of a Pet Sit Pros dog walker / pet sitter.

Free Legal Services from a California Dog Bite Attorney

The physical and emotional injuries from being attacked by a dog merit compensation, but it can be difficult to navigate the legal system and receive the payment you deserve. The dog bite injury lawyers of Normandie are here to represent your interests and fight for the damages you are entitled to. Part of the settlement we demand on your behalf includes legal fees, so you don’t have to worry about paying us if you choose to go ahead with a lawsuit. In the event we don’t recover your settlement, you owe us absolutely nothing under the Zero Fee Guarantee we extend to all our clients.

If you’re ready to explore your rights and legal options, contact us and speak with a Pet Sit Pros dog bite lawsuit attorney.

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