After a serious dog bite, get the proficient legal support you deserve.

Family pets have an important role in the average American home, but dogs are by far the most favored. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has estimated that there are about 78 million pet canines in homes across the United States. Although dogs are regularly referred to as “man’s best friend” not every dog will be friendly to a person encountered. When a dog feels threatened, scared, or anxious, it can attack an unsuspecting person without notice.

In the State of California, dog owners are held strictly responsible when their pet bites and injures a person. There are exceptions to this, however. If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries after a dog bite attack, it is imperative that you seek legal representation from a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible.

Dedicated Law Firm Serving Those Who Have Been Injured in a Dog Bite Attack

Dog bite cases can sometimes be complicated and hiring a qualified dog bite attorney can help secure a favorable settlement. After a dog bite attack, many injured victims can be left bewildered and can downplay the seriousness of their injuries, leading to the common failure of having the injuries evaluated by a medical professional. Seeking legal representation shortly after the incident occured can help ensure the right steps are taken, and this will ensure a maximum compensation is secured.

Attorney Gary G. Goldberg has the legal experience needed to handle the most complex dog bite cases in California. Attorney Goldberg has the skills and dedication necessary to handle the legal procedure, including developing a strong case strategy, collecting important evidence, and securing a fair monetary compensation. For more than 39 years, Attorney Gary G. Goldberg has advocated on behalf of injured victims. Following a serious dog bite, consider scheduling a free initial consultation with Attorney Gary G. Goldberg by calling (951) 788-8325 today.

Damages Typically Associated With Dog Bite Attacks

It is not uncommon for dog bite victims to underestimate the physical, emotional, and financial impact of an attack. Regrettably, the most vulnerable age group are those under the age of 15. According to some reports, three out of four dog bite victims in the United States are children under the age of 15. Perhaps it is because children are naturally curious; they want to touch everything in sight, especially cute, furry animals like dogs. Sadly, given the age of this vulnerable group, the possibility for a lifetime of medical complications is highly likely.

Although many dogs do not exhibit aggressive behavior, exciting a dog has the potential to tempt even the gentlest dog to bite. A dog bite can cause injuries that can lead to multiple surgeries, a lengthy hospitalization, skin grafts, years of physical therapy, counseling, and expensive medications. Achieving a healthy recovery can be extremely difficult without financial stability.

Fortunately, the State of California holds dog owners strictly responsible when their pet has bitten a person. By filing a dog bite injury case, compensation can be obtained for the following damages: Medical expenses, including past and present bills; Future medical costs, such as the need to reconstructive surgery; Permanent injury and disability; Rehabilitations and physical therapy; Scarring and disfigurement; Counseling for emotional trauma, such as depression or PTSD that develops; Loss of income and benefits as a result of a temporary or permanent incapacitation; Reduced earning capacity when unable to return to the regular line of work over the incapacitation and/or Damages for the loss of quality of life.

Establishing Liability Following a Dog Bite

Dog bite attacks usually occur as a result of a careless, negligent, or abusive pet owner who has failed to adequately restrain, train, care for, or handle the dog. For the most part, dogs are treated like the members of a family, and a vast majority of them are well-behaved. Still, even when the animal is placid, this does not mean the owner will not be held responsible when the dog bite occurs.

Currently, California Civil Code §3342 holds dog owners strictly responsible for the damages suffered by a person who has been bitten by the dog when the incident takes place in a public setting or otherwise legally on private property. The statute indicates that pet owners will be held strictly responsible, meaning they will be responsible for the damages whether or not they knew of the dog’s dangerous tendencies. They will also be held responsible whether or not they took any precautions to prevent the dog bite from happening.

A dog owner can avoid liability if the dog bite occurred while the injured party was unlawfully on the pet owner’s property. If the injured party provoked the dog right before the attack, the dog owner will also be able to avoid responsibility. Injured victims will not be able recover compensation when the dog bite occurred as a result of a dog carrying out an official police or military duty.

Dog Bite and Animal Attack Cases Based on Negligence

When injured by a dog by means of a bite or attack, injured victims can pursue a personal injury case against the at-fault party based on the theory of negligence. In a personal injury case, the injured party will need to demonstrate that the party responsible for the dog was negligent in ensuring the animal did not harm another person. As a result of the negligence, the at-fault party ultimately failed to exercise reasonable care for the safety of others.

Examples of negligent parties can include: Pet groomers, Property owners, Dog handlers and trainers, and Apartment complex landlords.

Personal injury cases are generally more complex than strict liability claims because the pet owner can challenge the claims made against him or her. For example, accused parties can claim that they did exercise reasonable care in protecting others from injury and secured or restrained the animal. In spite of the challenges associated with these cases, compensation is necessary following an injury caused by a dog. The aftermath of the injury can lead to a lifetime of grievances that only a fair compensation can help alleviate.

Seek Financial Compensation After a Dog Bite Injury

Every 40 seconds in America, someone needs medical attention for a dog bite injury. It is unfortunate, but some people do not take the time to socialize their dogs with other dogs and people. By neglecting this responsibility, there can be devastating and lasting effects. It can result in catastrophic injuries such as permanent scarring, broken bones, severe lacerations, infection and even death.

If you or one of your children falls into this situation, get the help you need.  Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Riverside.  Proving fault in a dog bite can be complex and difficult, but a skilled personal injury attorney will have what it takes to get the results you need.

Attorney Gary G. Goldberg understands that securing a maximum compensation is the best opportunity injured victims have to make a full recovery after suffering a dog bite. The settlement obtained can cover necessary medical treatments, the loss of earnings, and even the loss of enjoyment of life. It does not matter if the bite comes from a friendly dog or a scary dog – some bites are relatively minor while others can be devastating.

After being injured by a dog, contact the Law Office of Gary G. Goldberg immediately. Attorney Gary G. Goldberg understands how to secure a maximum compensation and he will fight to ensure all losses are recovered.  For your free case evaluation, consider contacting the Law Office of Gary G. Goldberg at (951) 788-8325.