Fair Oaks Dog Bite Lawyer

dog

The vast majority of dogs are wonderful pets. They are devoted, caring, and respect humans. Californians love their dogs, and the Fair Oaks area is no different. It is widespread to see dogs eating alongside their owners at outdoor cafes, and many owners take their dogs on morning jogs in parks or with them on picnics. Unfortunately, not all dogs are the same; some can suddenly become quite vicious and aggressive, while others have been trained to be violent by their owner. This creates a risk to the general public. Sometimes a pedestrian or bicyclist becomes the victim of an attack and suffers traumatic injuries.

Dog Bite Statistics

Each year, approximately 4.7 million Americans are bitten by a dog. Almost 20 percent of those injured are seriously maimed and require hospitalization. Most dog bite victims require medical attention after vicious attacks.

Pursuing a Financial Recovery After Your Fair Oaks Dog Bite Injury

A vicious dog attack can be a painful experience. Vicious dogs often try to maul their victims with bites and claws, resulting in puncture wounds and broken bones. Hospital bills can quickly become stifling and a tremendous burden on your finances. If the attack results in a permanent injury, that could also result in an inability to perform work. For example, someone who works in data processing or another IT-related field suffering a permanent injury to one or both hands could force you to leave your chosen profession due to nerve damage or other damage.

Emotional & Physical Toll of Dog Bite Injuries

People injured in vicious dog attacks will often be left with physical, emotional, and financial scars after the attack. These harms and losses are compensable under California tort law. For example, you can pursue a monetary recovery for your medical bills, which encompasses the cost of your hospitalization and immediate treatment post-attack, any surgeries that may be needed, physical therapy, and other types of medical procedures and related expenses. You can also seek to recover the lost wages you would have earned had it not been for the injuries you suffered in the dog attack. This may include future income if, as mentioned, you cannot return to work due to catastrophic injuries from the dog attack. You can also seek compensation for your mental pain, anguish, psychological stress, and emotional suffering.

How You Are Compensated - Homeowner's Insurance

A common question asked by dog bite victims is how exactly they will be able to obtain a financial recovery. In most dog bite injury cases, the homeowner's insurance policy of the dog owner will cover the damages stemming from a dog attack. According to Consumer Reports, there were approximately 16,5000 homeowners insurance claims involving a dog bite injury in 2012.

The following YouTube video explains what damages can be claimed in a dog bite injury case.

Fair Oaks Dog Bite FAQ

Is there a strict liability that applies to dog owners? 

Under California law, strict liability is applied to the owner of the dog that attacked you or your loved one. In other words, the owner of a dog will automatically be deemed liable for an injury caused by the dog. This makes the personal injury claim process somewhat easier since you do not need to establish that the dog owner was negligent in some form or fashion. If you or a family member was injured in a Fair Oaks dog attack, you have legal rights and should exercise those rights to obtain financial compensation. Contact an experienced and compassionate Fair Oaks dog bite attorney today.


Could the insurance company deny my dog bite claim?

You need to be aware of some important exceptions and loopholes. For example, some homeowner's insurance companies only offer coverage for a single dog attack. If the dog has a track record of biting people, and this is the second or third claim filed against the dog owner, the insurance company may try to deny the claim. Another loophole to look out for is when the dog attacks you, a breed known to have vicious propensities, like a Rottweiler. Some insurance companies will refuse to cover a homeowner with this type of dog breed. Another exception is when the insurance company only offers reduced coverage for a dog bite away from the homeowner's property (e.g., a dog attack at a public park). The complexities of homeowner's insurance policies and whether you have a viable claim are issues best discussed with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer.


Dog Bite Lawyers in Fair Oaks, CA

If you or someone you love has been viciously attacked by a dog in Fair Oaks or the surrounding vicinity, please call our experienced Fair Oaks dog bite lawyers for free and friendly legal advice today. We can be reached at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

As an injury lawyer since 1982, we have been helping Fair Oaks residents with their personal injury and wrongful death cases.

See our client reviews on AvvoGoogle, and Yelp.

We are a member of the Million Dollar Forum. The forum is for the top-ranking trial lawyers in the US who have garnered minimum verdicts of $1 million or more on behalf of their clients.

See some of my Verdicts & Settlements.

Editor's Note: updated [cha 7.8.22] Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels sb bw [cs 908]

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