Santa Clarita Dog Bite Attorneys
Dog Bite Injury Claims in California
Were you or a loved one been attacked by or bitten by an aggressive dog? Dog bite accidents can lead to serious injuries and, in the most tragic of cases, they can even be fatal. Whether or not the dog responsible for your injuries has bitten anyone before, it is still possible to hold the dog owner responsible for your injuries under California dog bite laws. This is true for all type of pet dogs, whether it is a poodle or a pit bull.
At the Law Offices of C. Ray Carlson, our Santa Clarita dog bite attorneys can take proper legal actions against the dog owner in an effort to ensure that you receive maximum compensation settlement for your medical bills and other damages. At our law firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys have over 40 years of experience and a proven record of success, having secured millions of dollars in recovery payout settlements for our clients due to someone’s negligence. Most importantly, we understand the challenges you are going through as a victim, and we are here to help. Our team provides caring, personalized support and attentive, effective representation both in and out of the courtroom. Call today for a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers for evaluation of your dog attack incident plus options going forward.
On this Page
- Understanding California’s Dog Bite Laws
- Injuries & Damages in Dog Bite Cases
- We Can Negotiate With Insurance Companies for You
No Free Bites for Dangerous Dogs or Animals
You only have two years to file your dog bite claim—don’t wait! Contact us online or call 661.294.0044 today to schedule a free animal attack consultation.
What Sets Us Apart
40+ Years of Experience
When people have been seriously injured in accidents or as a result of others’ negligence, they need two things from their animal bites attorney representation—they deserve to be treated with respect and they deserve real results. Our firm has been delivering both to our clients since 1980.
Supportive, Honest & Responsive Care
Given the experience and knowledge we have amongst the attorneys at our firm, we utilize a team approach. Each client benefits from the expertise of several attorneys, not just the one assigned to their case.
Offering Services in Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, and Tagalog
The multilingual proficiency of our legal team presents a distinct advantage, ensuring accessibility and effective communication for a diverse range of clients.
Available 24/7 by Phone
Accidents can occur at any moment, day or night. That’s why our services are available 24/7, ensuring immediate assistance and support when you need it the most.
No Fees Unless We Win
When we take on your case, you can have peace of mind knowing that there is no fee unless we secure justice and a successful outcome for your lawsuit. Our commitment is aligned with your success, ensuring that you only pay when we win your case.
Contact Us
Understanding California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Laws
California law follows what are known as “strict liability” rules when it comes to dog bites. In contrast to “one-bite” rules in other states, California dog owners are always liable when their dogs bite someone, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or the dog owner had no reason or evidence to believe the dog might be aggressive.
Essentially, this means that if you were bitten by a dog, you do not necessarily need to prove that any dog owners were negligent; instead, you need only prove that you were on public property or were lawfully on private property when the bite happened and that you did not provoke the dog. If the dog owners argue that you were trespassing or that you did something to make the dog bite, you may have a more difficult (though certainly not impossible) time obtaining compensation.
Additionally, if the dog that bit you was protecting its owner or another person, the case could fall under the state’s self-defense laws, and you may be ineligible to file a claim. You are also ineligible to file a claim if the dog that bit you was a police dog or military dog who was “on duty” at the time of the bite or was being used according to the appropriate agency’s policies.
Injuries & Damages in Dog Bite Cases
A dog bite can lead to serious injuries that may require extensive medical care or reconstructive surgery. Even with immediate medical attention, victims may suffer permanent scarring. Dog attacks also often lead to emotional trauma, which may present itself as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or a new fear of dogs; especially in children.
Our Santa Clarita dog bite lawyers can help you seek compensation for the following damages:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Ongoing medical care costs
- Lost income/wages
- Lost or reduced earning capacity
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Disfigurement
- Hospital and ambulance fees
- Future medical expenses
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Counseling services
- Inconvenience
In the event that your child or loved one died as a result of the attack, we can also help you file a wrongful death claim and seek justice and compensation for your losses.
Call 661.294.0044 or submit a free online case evaluation form today.
We Can Negotiate With Insurance Companies for You
With the help of a dog bite lawyer, you can take the time you need to heal from the animal attack and allow our legal team to represent you throughout the entire legal process. Our extensive evaluation experience has taught us that the biggest challenge isn’t to prove that the dog bite happened but to secure sufficient insurance coverage to get our clients the compensation that they are owed.
We have the legal knowledge needed to get you settlement compensation as a victim, and we work diligently throughout the process to better our chances of doing exactly that. In California, the statute of limitations associated with dog bite accidents is two years from the date of the injury. This makes it important to secure a lawyer and hire legal representation as soon as possible following your aggressive dog attack.
Speak to a Santa Clarita Dog Bite Attorney at Our Firm Today
After you seek medical attention and alert the police of the attack, the next most important thing you can do is consult with an experienced Santa Clarita dog bite attorney, such as C. Ray Carlson or any of the attorneys at our firm. It can be uncomfortable to take legal action with a lawsuit, particularly if the dog belongs to a family member, friend, or neighbor. However, most homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites and attacks—as a victim, you are not suing the owner but their insurance provider. Additionally, it is your right under the law to seek justice and recover a compensation settlement for your injuries after a dog bite, and our law firm can help with litigation in court if necessary.
Reach out to us today to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced dog bite lawyer. During this meeting, which can be held in person or over the phone, we can discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. We have represented individuals throughout the Los Angeles County Area since 1980 and are skilled litigators for a dog bite negligence lawsuit and understand that facts are the most important factor in dog bite claims. We offer services in English as well as Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Tagalog as well.