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Dog bites happen every day and can cause serious damage. In addition to the trauma of the attack and the physical pain itself, dog bites also carry a financial impact. Recovery can mean time off of work as you heal, initial medical expenses following the attack, and possibly even surgeries such as those to repair torn ligaments. Our San Diego bite attorneys can help you after a dog attack.
A San Diego personal injury attorney at Sargent Law Firm will build your case and fight for a fair settlement or verdict so you can pay medical bills, recoup lost wages, and recover other losses. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Our San Diego Dog Bite Lawyers Can Fight for Fair Compensation
Dog bite injuries can range from minor lacerations and bruising from a single small bite to extensive damage caused from multiple bites. Even with more minor bites, you will still need to see a doctor to have the wound properly cleaned, may need pain medication or antibiotics to prevent infections, and, in some cases, may even need a rabies vaccination. In more severe cases, surgery and physical therapy may be required as part of your treatment plan.
A San Diego dog bite lawyer at our firm will go through all of your losses so that we can fight for you to receive fair compensation for everything that you have endured. Some losses that may be recoverable include:
- Medical Expenses: Including current and future treatment, emergency room visits, diagnostic testing such as X-rays or lab work, physical therapy, and surgeries.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Possible Benefits: Time off of work impacts your income, but it can also have a negative effect on your benefits.
- Pain and Suffering: Your physical pain and the emotional distress from the dog bite are also recoverable losses.
If a loved one died due to a dog bite, you may also be eligible for financial compensation for their loss. Our San Diego wrongful death lawyers can help.
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Schedule NowHow Our San Diego Dog Bite Attorneys Work for You
After a dog bite, you may be dealing with intense physical pain as well as emotional trauma, making it hard to concentrate on your personal injury claim. Having a lawyer who can help by communicating with insurance companies on your behalf, gathering evidence to help support your claim, connecting you with medical providers, and building a case for maximum compensation to take the weight off of your shoulders.
Our legal team at Sargent Law Firm makes working with a personal injury lawyer easy. We focus on each client on an individual level, so that you can get the respect and attention that your case deserves. Some of our previous clients have said:
- “The Sargent Firm Injury Lawyers represented me with professionalism, integrity, enthusiasm, care and respect. Ryan and his staff did an amazing job of working with me to achieve our desired outcome. No rush, no pressure just hard work for my cause.” –Shannon M.
- “From start to finish, the process was a breeze. His team gave great recommendations for medical treatment, and the process with insurance and the medical office was out of my hands and as hassle free as possible.” –Ben H.
Building a Case for Compensation After a Dog Bite in San Diego
In 2022, there were 48,596 visits to the emergency room for dog bite incidents in California. Under California law, the owners of the dogs are the ones typically liable for damages after an attack. However, you still need to be able to prove your claim. One of our San Diego dog bite lawyers may do this in a few ways including:
- Interviewing Witnesses: Dog owners may try to assign blame to victims, such as saying you provoked the attack. Eyewitnesses may be able to provide testimony to what actually happened.
- Obtaining Surveillance Footage: If the bite occurred in a public place, there may be video footage available, such as from a business’ security camera.
- Reviewing Incident Reports: Any official report of the dog bite can help establish the facts of the case that may be important to proving the dog owner’s liability.
- Talking to Experts: In some cases, expert witnesses can be helpful. For example, a medical professional can speak to the extent of your injuries and the likely treatment you’ll need for them.
Our San Diego dog bite lawyers are dedicated to your case. In addition to gathering and analyzing evidence to help support your claim, they will also ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly and promptly.
How Time Affects Your Case
There are many reasons time plays a part in your case, from the possible erasure of evidence such as video footage to the stress of paying medical bills. However, there is also a legal reason to move quickly. Following California Code CCP § 335.1, you generally only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the date of the dog attack.
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowWhat Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
After being bitten by a dog, there are a few steps you should take. These are:
- Seek Medical Care: Even small dog bites may cause puncture wounds or soft tissue damage, which are prone to infections. Having bites properly cleaned as soon as possible is key to avoiding infections.
- Call Police and/or Animal Control: Having an official report of the incident can be helpful to your case.
- Take Photos: If it is safe to do so, take pictures of where the attack took place, the dog that bit you (if possible), and your injuries.
Contact a San Diego Dog Bite Attorney
If you or someone you know has been injured by a dog, contact a San Diego dog bite lawyer who understands the unique challenges dog bite victims face. Our lawyers at Sargent Law Firm fight for you to receive fair compensation and we have obtained over $40 million for injury victims.
Contact us today for a free case review.
