Santa Monica Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are more than pets to Santa Monica owners. They are members of the family. Unfortunately, even the friendliest and most lovable of dogs can be prone to attack and bite, and when they do, they cause serious injuries. When a dog is considered dangerous under the law, they are even more likely to bite and attack innocent victims. If you have been hurt by a dog, you may be able to file a claim for financial compensation. When filing a claim, it is important to work with a Santa Monica dog bite lawyer. These cases always have the opportunity to become complicated, and the law is not always as straightforward as it seems. An attorney can provide sound legal advice so you obtain the full and fair damages you justly deserve.

Dog bite claims in Santa Monica, as throughout the rest of California, are governed by strict liability law. Unlike other personal injury cases, it is not necessary to show that the dog owner was negligent or that they even knew of the dog’s aggressive or violent history. You also do not have to prove that the dog has bitten someone in the past. You must only show that the dog bit them and caused serious injury.

Although the law is very clear, there are certain exceptions to it. The strict liability law only applies when someone is on public property or when they are lawfully on private property. For example, if a trespasser enters the property of a private home illegally and a dog bites them, they may not have a valid claim. Additionally, if the victim provoked the dog or was otherwise at fault for the bite, that can present a challenge when trying to claim financial compensation.

Dog owners will often present certain defenses that can make filing a claim more complicated. For example, an owner may state the victim was on their premises illegally, even when the claim is not true. This is one reason it is so important to speak to a Santa Monica dog bite attorney after being injured. An attorney will know how to refute these claims so you obtain the fair settlement to which you are entitled.

Dog bites cause serious injuries that are unique from those seen in other personal injury cases. Some of the most common of these are as follows:

• Puncture wounds
• Lacerations
• Hematomas
• Contusions
• Avulsions
• Abrasions
• Fractures and dislocations
• Amputations
• Crushing injuries

The above injuries are always painful, but they can also result in permanent scarring and disfigurement. This can leave victims feeling a lifetime of shame and embarrassment. The mouth of a dog also contains many different kinds of bacteria, which can cause complications such as serious infections.

While a dog owner may be liable for paying damages after their pet has caused you injury, obtaining compensation is not always easy. At Brod Law Firm, our dog bite attorney in Santa Monica can help you navigate the claims process so you receive the full and fair settlement that is justly yours. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case.