Dog bites are painful experiences. It can cause both physical and psychological scars. It is essential to consult an experienced Orange County Dog Bite Attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you with experienced advice on what constitutes a viable dog bite lawsuit.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the reasons to constitute a valid dog bite claim, and why you should choose an experienced Orange County dog bite attorney.
What Constitutes a Dog Bite Claim?
Dog Bite claims involve three categories: strict liability, one-bite rule, and negligence. In strict liability, the dog owners are automatically held responsible for a dog bite injury. Here, the victim only needs to show that the bite happened and that they didn’t break any laws being there. In the One-Bite rule, the dog owner is held responsible. If they knew or should have known, the dog was going to bite. This often applies if the dogs have past cases of being aggressive or have bitten someone in the past. In negligence, the dog owner may be found liable if they fail to act responsibly, and it results in a dog bite injury. It is essential to claim a dog bite immediately if you are suffering from a dog bite injury lawsuit.
What are the Key Points of a Dog Bite Claim?
Let’s delve into the essential key points of a dog bite claim.
- Proving the Dog Bite: this includes physical evidence such as medical records, photographs of the injury, and witness statements can also help establish the dog bite caused your injury.
- Legal Standing: the case won’t stand if you were trespassing on the private property of the owner
- Owner Liability: If a dog bites someone, the owner may be held legally responsible, depending on your state’s dog bite laws. This could entail proving that the owner knew the dog was aggressive toward other people or that the dog had intentionally broken the contract.
What are the Common Defenses in Dog Bite Injury Lawsuits?
Dog owners frequently provide particular defenses to dog bite injury claims. Understanding these defenses will help you determine the strength of your claim:
- Provocation: The owner might argue that it was you who provoked the dog and the bite was a justified response. In some states, provocation can significantly reduce or eliminate the owner’s liability.
- Trespassing: The owner may try to justify the bite if you were trespassing on their private property. There are exceptions, if the dog’s behavior was too violent or if the owner didn’t post a warning sign on his property.
How to Assess Injuries and Damages?
Your potential compensation depends on the severity of your dog bite injury. Possible damages include:
- Medical Expenses: Dog bites in general require a lot of treatment like vaccines, medicines, and in extreme situations, physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: If the dog bite resulted in your missing work, you might be entitled to compensation for lost income.
- Property Damage: You might be entitled to compensation if the attack by the dog caused damage to your personal property like a vehicle, phone, and clothes
Why Should You Hire a Dog Bite Attorney?
It is essential to consult a skilled dog bite injuries lawyer when you are suffering from a dog bite. An experienced dog bite attorney can navigate the complexities of dog bite insurance claims settlement, especially when dealing with insurance companies and potential legal defenses. An experienced dog bite attorney can provide valuable assistance by:
- Evidence Collection: To bolster your claims, experienced personal injury lawyers gather essential evidence. An experienced dog bites lawsuit lawyer can collect essential evidence on your behalf of you.
- Representing You in Court: Having an experienced personal injury attorney dog on your side can have a significant impact on the outcome of your dog bite injury lawsuit should it go to trial.
Conclusion
It is crucial to understand the factors associated with dog bite injuries, such as the state laws, specifics of the bite, and severity of the injuries. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, contacting a dog bite attorney is the first step. At Gaylord & Nantais Attorneys at Law, we represent the best Orange County Dog Bite Injury Attorneys who navigate their clients through the legal process, seeking the deserved compensation. Contact us at (562) 561-2669.
