Oakland Dog Bite Attorney
Even though dogs are arguably the most popular pet in the US, a dog bite can lead to significant injuries. At Milanfar Law Firm, PC, we are here to help if you need an Oakland dog bite attorney by your side. We understand the laws surrounding dog bites in California, and we know what it takes to help clients recover the compensation they need for their injuries and other damages caused by the incident.
Why Choose Milanfar Law Firm for This Case?
- At Milanfar Law Firm, PC, our team has decades of experience handling complex personal injury claims, and we understand dog bite laws.
- We handle dog bite injury claims in Oakland on a contingency fee basis, which means clients never worry about legal fees until after we recover compensation for their losses.
- We focus on putting the client’s needs first. If you have any questions or concerns about your case, you will always have access to your attorney.
Dog Bite Injuries and Complications
Information about the World Animal Foundation states that more than 12,000 Americans end up hospitalized as a result of dog attacks each year. Many others are not technically hospitalized but sustain injuries severe enough to warrant medical treatment.
Some of the most common injuries associated with a dog bite incident include:
- Severe puncture wounds and lacerations
- Torn ligaments, tendons, and nerves
- Severed arteries or veins
- Major scarring and disfigurement
- Significant infections
- Amputations of fingers or partial hand amputations
- Major facial injuries
Individuals are often able to make a complete recovery after a dog bite incident, but this recovery could leave scarring and disfigurement. There can also be immense physical and emotional pain and suffering associated with dog bite incidents, including longer-lasting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Who Is Considered Liable for Your Dog Bite Injury?
There may be various parties who could be held liable after a dog bite occurs, including the dog’s owner or another individual or entity caring for the dog. However, certain laws apply depending on the nature of the incident.
When we examine California Civil Code § 3342, we can see that California has a strict liability dog bite law in place. This means that the dog’s owner will be held strictly responsible if the dog bites somebody and causes an injury, even if the animal has never bitten anybody before or shown a propensity for aggression. In order for the strict liability dog by law to apply, the injury victim must have been either on public property or lawfully on private property at the time of the attack, and they must not have provoked the dog in any way.
Other parties could be held responsible if they were caring for the dog and knew that the dog was dangerous or vicious or had a propensity for aggression.
The strict liability dog bite law may not apply in every situation, but a dog bite victim may be able to file a civil personal injury lawsuit and claim that the negligence of another party caused the dog bite. This can include claims against the dog’s owner, dog sitters, veterinarians, or dog trainers if their failure to use reasonable care to control the animal caused the bite incident.
How Can an Oakland Dog Bite Attorney Help You
A skilled dog bite injury lawyer in Oakland will be a strong advocate on your behalf when it comes to filing your claim. Even if a strict liability situation applies, that does not mean the claim will be straightforward. Insurance carriers will likely fight against paying full compensation for their losses, but an attorney can step in and help you every step of the way.
The role of an attorney after a dog bite occurs is multifaceted and includes:
- Examining the initial facts of the case
- Conducting a thorough investigation to determine if possible liable parties
- Ensuring their client is evaluated by trusted medical and economic professionals
- Filing a claim against the negligent party and the insurance carriers
- Handling all negotiations for a fair settlement
- Fully preparing the case for trial if one becomes necessary to help the client recover compensation
Your attorney will be your advocate. They will handle every aspect of the claim on your behalf so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and getting back to living your day-to-day life.
Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Oakland
Per Civil Code section 3342, we can see that dog owners in California will be held strictly liable for any bite injuries that occur on public property or on private property where the victim was lawfully located. It is not necessary for a dog bite victim to prove that the dog owner was negligent in order to recover compensation.
Under California’s strict liability laws, dog bite victims are typically able to recover compensation for all medical bills associated with the incident. If a dog bite victim wishes to recover compensation for various types of physical and emotional pain and suffering associated with the incident, they will have to file a civil personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner. In order to recover pain and suffering damages, it will be necessary to prove that the dog owner was negligent in their actions leading up to the dog bite.
The total amount of compensation available will depend on factors such as injury severity, how long it takes the individual to recover, whether or not there was any negligence on the part of the dog owner, and more.
California Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims
Dog bite victims in Oakland have a limited amount of time to file their claims in civil court. The personal injury statute of limitations for California is two years from the date the injury occurs. This means that dog bite injury victims have a two-year window from when the bite occurs to file their claim in civil court against the dog owner or other party. Failing to meet this time frame will mean the case gets dismissed, leaving the dog bite victim unable to recover compensation for their losses.
Call an Oakland Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or somebody you care about has been bitten by a dog in the Oakland area and are struggling to recover compensation, turn to the team at Milanfar Law Firm, PC for assistance as soon as possible. We have extensive resources at our disposal, and our number one goal is to ensure that you recover the compensation needed to get through this. We will handle the insurance carriers and other parties on your behalf. When you need an Oakland dog bite attorney, you can reach us for a free consultation of your claim by filling out our contact form or calling us at (925) 433-6003.