Dogs are rightfully called “Man’s best friend”. Unfortunately, not all domesticated dogs have the same temperament. If you injured because of a dog bite anywhere in California, you may have the scope to file a personal injury lawsuit against the owner. Dog bites can be really painful, and some breeds end up causing more harm than others. Besides the physical pain, you may have to deal with potential trauma and psychological distress. In this post, we are sharing more on filing a dog bite lawsuit in California.
Understanding the state laws
Dog bites are covered under personal injury law. Dog owners are responsible for ensuring safety of neighbors and anyone on the road, who gets close to the canine. If the dog ends up biting or injuring someone, the owner can be sued for negligence. The compensation will cover for the losses of the plaintiff, such as medical bills, lost income, lost future earnings, pain, suffering & possible disfigurement.
No “one bite rule” in California
For the unversed, the “one bite rule” is not applicable in California. States that follow the “one bite rule” allow owners to be held responsible, only when the dog has a history of violent tendencies, or has injured someone in the past. The number of dog bite cases filed in California is higher than most states. Also, in California, you can recover punitive damages in cases related to dog bite, although it depends on the facts surrounding the case.
Do you have a valid case?
If you have suffered injuries because of a dog bite, meeting an attorney is important. A good dog bite lawyer knows what it takes to investigate the matter, and you may have a valid claim, as long as you were not trespassing the property or provoked the dog. Your lawyer can help in understanding the fair settlement you can expect from the case and negotiate further. If things don’t get resolved as expected, your lawyer can fight it out at trial.
How much do dog bite lawyers charge?
Personal injury attorneys in California typically work on a contingency fee. This means that they only get paid, if they win the case for you. In case of dog bites, the lawyer will charge a fixed percentage of the settlement, typically between 20% and 40%. Some experienced lawyers may charge a tad more.
Don’t delay in calling a dog bite lawyer. You have limited time to take action.
