You know the old saying: “dogs are man’s best friend.” Unfortunately, this is not always the case. A well-trained dog can still bite under certain circumstances. If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, you could recover a generous settlement with the help of a dog bite lawyer from Jacoby and Meyers, capable of defending clients from any location within the state of California.
Should I Call a Dog Bite Lawyer if the Dog was Small?
Whether it’s a tiny dog or something that resembles Cujo, all dog bites are capable of causing permanent nerve damage, scarring, and even life-long pain. That said, regardless of the bite, you should seek immediate medical attention and call one of our experienced dog bite lawyers.
Regardless of the dog’s size, it is also highly advantageous to call a dog bite lawyer, as the owner’s insurance company and lawyer will try to show that part of the responsibility falls on you, the victim. They may say you agitated the dog (teasing it, etc) and if they are successful, you will lose a significant amount of money in your claim. For example, if they argue that a certain percentage of the fault rests on your shoulders, then that same percentage rate can be withheld from your potential settlement amount. By calling a Jacoby and Meyers dog bite attorney, you can prevent such tactics by letting a skilled expert ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.
Why Do Dogs Bite People?
Dogs bite people for a number of reasons. Establishing this will help strengthen your case, and this is where your dog bite attorney will step in with their experienced team of experts to uncover that cause and use it to strengthen your case. Furthermore, some people may want to argue a reason for the bite that wouldn’t help their case, so it is imperative to have a dog bite lawyer on their side to keep them on the right track.
For example, many people believe that dogs can be racist and bite people for the color of their skin. However, studies prove that dogs can bite people if their body’s natural skin oils are vastly different from their owners, so claiming a hate crime took place can weaken one’s credibility. Instead, a dog bite attorney would likely argue that the canine’s owner refused to control his dog, knowing full well of the risk.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, here are some common reasons for dog bites:
Stress
If the dog is in a stressful situation, it may bite people. Various situations can cause do stress, such as a vet visit or excessive noise. Regardless, the owner must ensure the dog stays away from others when under stress.
Startled
Dogs can also bite people when they are startled. Any dog owner will know their animal well enough to identify this as ongoing behavior. If you try to play “got your nose” with your neighbor’s Doberman, or you jump out and yell “boo” at a beagle, it may bite you simply because it is stunning. Its owner is responsible to keep nervous dogs away from visitors.
Sickness
Dogs can also bite people if they are sick. Similar to humans, illness can agitate dogs. Their owner needs to keep them away from other people until they fully recover.
Playing
A gentle bite is normal to experience when playing with dogs and cats. However, some dogs can bite too hard, whether or not it was intentional. Owners know if their dogs bite during play, and it is their responsibility to keep people safe from their pooch’s aggressive playing styles.
Lack of socialization or training
Dogs can lash out and bite people without the proper training. There have been cases where failing to train dogs has resulted in injured people seeking compensation from the owner.
Trespassers
People entering another person’s property can end up with a dog bite. For example, if your child and his friends hit a baseball into the neighbor’s yard, and they go to retrieve it only to get injured by a dog, the homeowner may be liable under certain circumstances. Was there a “beware of dog” sign posted in full view? A dog bite lawyer will be able to examine a case like this, to see where the liability rests.
How a Dog Bite Attorney Determines Liability in California
According to the state of California, anyone owning a dog can be held liable in a case if these statements are true: (1) the victim’s injury was caused by a dog bite, and (2) the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property when the dog bite took place.
California is a “strict liability” state, which means that the dog’s history of attacking people is, for the most part, irrelevant. It is important to work with a dog bite lawyer who knows these laws inside and out. Some insurance companies can mislead and manipulate victims into waiving their rights to pursue action upon accepting a settlement.
What Jacoby and Meyers Dog Bite Lawyers Tell Clients to do After a Canine Injury
Our Jacoby and Meyers dog bite lawyers advise victims to first get to a safe place away from the dog. Some scents can drive dogs because of adrenaline. They could look for the person to attack a second time. This especially applies to dogs victimized by illegal fighting rings.
Once you are safe from the dog, seek medical treatment right away. You never know how severe the injury is until a doctor can examine you. If the injury is really bad, call 911 for an ambulance. Then call the police. They may take the report before the ambulance gets there. They can also take it while you are in the hospital. Once you receive medical treatment, call our Jacoby and Meyers dog bite attorneys. We’ll then begin collecting evidence, going through police and medical reports, as well as any evidence you might have.
Call Jacoby and Meyers Dog Bite Lawyers Today, and Secure Your Future
Your goal is to be and stay healthy, not incur any medical bills, and get the maximum compensation. Our Jacoby and Meyers dog bite lawyers are some of the best personal injury attorneys in California. Our team specializes in dog attacks. Call us today, and let our experts remove your stress, and fight to get you the outcome you deserve.
Common Types of DOG BITE INJURIES
The following are some of the most common dog bite injuries questions:
How Many People Really Get Bitten by Dogs?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 4.7 million people in the United States sustain dog bites annually. Most people who die from dog attacks are senior citizens or young children (below 14 years old).
How Does California Law Treat Dog Bite Attacks?
The state of California has a strict liability dog bite statute. This means that whenever a dog bites someone, its owner is responsible. This is true whether or not the owner was negligent or the animal has ever bitten anyone before.
What Are the Effects of a Dog Bite Attack?
Some dog breeds have extremely sharp teeth that can rip flesh and strong jaws that can break the bone underneath. Dogs likely bite children and infants in the face. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 65% of dog attack victims (children less than four years old) received neck and head injuries. Adults are more likely to sustain arm and leg injuries, including broken bones, amputation, scarring, nerve damage, and more.
Dog bites can cause permanent injuries and lifelong phobias. They can affect your ability to care for yourself and your family, as well as the quality of your life. The law firm of Jacoby & Meyers is a group of skilled personal injury attorneys with your interests in mind. Jacoby & Meyers has extensive knowledge and experience about the legal ramifications of dog bite attacks. We can help you get the money you deserve.
What Do I Do After a Dog Bite Attack?
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite attack, document the details and seek legal assistance immediately. Write down the name of the dog breed, its owner, and any witnesses. Also, take note of the injuries you have sustained. The sooner you take action, the more viable your case will be. Contact a personal injury attorney Jacoby & Meyers to find out what you are entitled to. Email or call us for a free consultation today at (888) 522-6291.
Michael Akiva is Managing Partner of Pre-Litigation of Jacoby & Meyers. Having started his career as an attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP, a prestigious, global corporate law firm, Michael quickly realized that representing big corporations was not for him. After leaving the firm, Michael dedicated himself to fighting for the rights of the injured. Education J.D. UCLA School of Law, Editor, UCLA Law Review B.S., Finance, University of Southern California, Magna cum laude