Dogs, man’s best friend, right? Well, not always. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you might think the exact opposite in fact. While it’d be nice for every dog to be a furry, cuddly friend, we know that some are more aggressive than others. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be able to sue for compensatory damages. Contact Eldessouky Law at 714-409-8991 to get free legal advice from one of our dog-bite lawyers serving Lakewood, California. You will be able to learn about your rights, and what steps you can take to win compensation based on your own personal situation.
What is dog-bite law?
California’s statute of limitations for a dog-bite case is two years, just like any other personal injury case. Specifically, section 3342 of California’s Civil Code lays out the laws pertaining to dog bites. It states that the owner of a dog is liable for damages if the damages were caused by a dog bite and if the person bit was in a public place or legally in a private place. There are exceptions to this law when it comes to police or military dogs. Also, section 3342 only applies to injuries from a dog bite not another type of action from the dog. If you were injured in a different way from a dog you would want to take steps to prove negligence on behalf of the owner in a personal injury suit.
California is a strict liability state, which means, in the case of a dog bite, an owner cannot escape liability. Other states may require negligence to be proved like other personal injury states, but in California, the owner is responsible for all damages even if they were not aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior or if the dog doesn’t have a history of biting. If you were bitten by a dog, all you’ll have to prove in a dog-bite case is that you were bitten in a public place or legally in a private place.
Why would a lawyer be needed in a dog-bite case?
While the law may seem simple and easy to prove, there is always a likelihood the defendant may claim trespassing, or if it is a military or police dog, they may claim you provoked the dog. To avoid losing a case in these situations, it would be wise to get help from a lawyer for your dog-bite case. Get help from one of our lawyers to assure that you can knock down any defenses and still get compensation for your injuries from a dog bite.
If you are psychologically struggling after a dog bite, it will ease your mind to know that dogs that have bitten may be quarantined for up to ten days according to California dog-bite quarantine laws. If a dog has bitten someone on at least two separate occasions, California laws allow for the dog to possibly be euthanized. Eldessouky Law’s skilled dog-bite attorneys are ready to serve the residents of Lakewood and help make the community a little safer.
What type of compensation is covered in a dog-bite claim?
If you have been bitten by a dog in Lakewood, you may be able to receive compensatory damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Physical or vocational therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring
- Loss of the use of a limb
Punitive damages are less likely, but if you face a situation of extreme malice, then you may be able to receive damages that work as punishment to particularly bad behavior by the defendant. There are no restrictions in California from awarding a plaintiff punitive damages, you just must be able to prove malice. Work with one of our extremely experience lawyers serving Lakewood and we will do our best to win you maximum compensation.
What does Eldessouky Law do to stand out from other firms in representing clients in their dog-bite cases?
Personal Injury Law firm Eldessouky Law is different than other firms because of our dedication to each individual’s story and their well-being. If you work with one of our lawyers, you are not just a number, you are a human being with a story that needs to be told. Contact our firm to get a free consultation and we will build you a strong case. Dog-bite cases are important to us because we believe owners should be responsible for heir aggressive dogs, and dog bites can leave emotional and financial scars on a person. Do not let an violent dog take away your quality of life. A lawsuit with Eldessouky Law will be a step in the right direction. On top of this, we will happily take on your case for free. Our zero fee guarantee means you will not have to pay any upfront fees and we will only ask for a small fee if we win your case. It’s time for you to seek redemption for being bitten by a dog.
