It has been said that dogs are man’s best friend, but that is not always true. Even the friendliest dogs can sometimes lash out and bite or attack a person, and when they do, the injuries they cause are typically serious. The law in Anaheim, as throughout the rest of California, allows dog bite victims to file a claim for damages that can help them recover their losses. However, dog bite claims always have the potential to become complex. If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog, it is important to speak to an Anaheim dog bite lawyer who can help you claim the full settlement to which you are entitled.
Strict Liability Governs Dog Bite Cases in AnaheimAs throughout the rest of California, dog bite claims in Anaheim are ruled by strict liability laws. This means that, unlike in other personal injury claims, victims do not have to prove the owner of the dog was negligent. They do not have to show that the dog had bitten someone in the past, or that the dog owner knew of the animal’s aggressive or violent history. Victims must only show that the dog bit them and caused injuries.
Still, there are some exceptions to the law. If a dog bites someone who is unlawfully on the premises of the dog and the owner, that can provide a defense in a dog bite claim. Additionally, if the victim was partly at fault for the bite or attack, that could also make it more difficult for victims to claim compensation. For example, if someone provoked a dog that then bit them, the individual may not be able to claim the full damages they deserve.
The defenses in dog bite claims can result in a claim being complicated, even though the law allows for owners to be held strictly liable. A dog owner, for instance, may claim a victim provoked the dog before they were bitten, even when that is not true. It is for this reason it is so important to speak to an Anaheim dog bite attorney after being hurt.
Common Dog Bite InjuriesThe injuries that result from dog bites are unique from those that are seen in other personal injury cases. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:
Any of the above injuries have the potential to cause permanent scarring and disfigurement after a dog bite, leaving victims feeling shame and embarrassment for many years to come. Due to the fact that a dog’s mouth is also often filled with bacteria, the injuries suffered can also become infected quite easily.
Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Anaheim Can Help After an AttackIt is possible to hold a dog owner liable for paying damages that result from a dog bite or attack, but that does not mean it is always easy. At Brod Law Firm, our dog bite attorney in Anaheim can help you through the claims process so you obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.