While dogs can make wonderful pets and companions, they also have the potential to be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. According to data provided by the Canine Journal, approximately 4.4 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year—with 20 percent of dog bites requiring emergency medical care.
At Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, our Huntington Beach dog bite lawyers are committed to strong advocacy for victims and their families. With over $1 billion recovered across our practice areas, we are committed to providing reliable legal guidance to our clients. To set up a free, no commitment case evaluation with a California dog bite attorney, please contact us today.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Huntington Beach, CA
If you suffered a serious dog bite injury in Southern California, it is crucial that you take action to protect your health, well-being, and ability to bring a successful legal claim. Here are four things you can do if you are bitten by a dog in Huntington Beach:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: All serious dog bite injuries require medical attention. When a dog’s teeth puncture a person’s skin, there is a significant risk of infection. A dog bite injury should be evaluated by a medical professional.
- Report the Dog Bite to the Appropriate Parties: A dog attack should be reported to the proper parties, including the dog’s owner(s) and the property owner where the incident occurred.
- Gather and Secure Relevant Evidence: While California has a strict liability dog bite statute in place, the specific circumstances of the attack still matter. Try to gather and secure as much information as possible after a dog bite incident.
- Consult With a Huntington Beach Dog Bite Attorney: Injured victims do not have to navigate the personal injury claims process all alone. Dog bite claims are complicated. Call an experienced Huntington Beach dog bite lawyer to discuss your potential case.
An Overview of Dog Bite Laws in California
In California, there are multiple potential basis for liability in a dog bite case. Here are the key things that you need to know about California’s dog bite laws:
- Strict Liability: California has a strict liability statute for dog bite injuries. Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner can be held strictly liable when their animal bites another person. This statute only applies to dog bites, not to other types of injuries caused by the animal (jumping).
In some circumstances, a third-party property owner may also be liable for an injury caused by a dangerous dog. If a business or property owner was negligent, they may be legally responsible for a dog bite through a premises liability claim.
Compensation in a Dog Bite Injury Case
Following a dog bite, you may be wondering: What damages can you recover in a dog bite injury claim in California? The answer depends entirely on the circumstances of the case. A Huntington Beach dog bite injury lawyer can review your claim and help you understand the potential compensation that may be available. Compensatory damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement/disability, and wrongful death of a loved one.
No Fee Unless You Recover Compensation
You can afford to hire an experienced Huntington Beach dog bite attorney with our law firm. At Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, we represent injured victims on a contingency fee basis. If you become a client, there is no legal fee unless we obtain a verdict or a settlement on your behalf.
Contact Our Huntington Beach, CA Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Today
At Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, our Huntington Beach dog bite injury attorneys have the professional expertise that injured victims can rely on. Contact us today for a free, no obligation review of your case. We represent injured victims in Huntington Beach and throughout the region, including in Newport Beach, Garden Grove, Westminster, Irvine, Long Beach, and Santa Ana.
No attorney-client relationship has been created between the reader, user or browser, and website authors.