Every year, millions of dog bite cases happen in the US, with a significant number of victims suffering serious injuries, mental trauma, and other consequences. If you suffered a dog bite incident in Westlake Village, CA, you need to take strong and swift action to ensure you get compensation for your suffering.
An experienced dog bite attorney in Westlake Village can help you navigate the legal complexities of such cases. You can continue reading to learn how to build a strong case and how our legal expertise at the King Law Firm can help you get the justice and financial relief you deserve.
Legal Responsibilities Of Dog Owners
According to California law, dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets. The state imposes strict liability on dog owners for any injuries caused by their dogs. For example, if the dog bites someone, the dog owner will be liable for the damages. Even if the dog has no prior history of violent behavior, the dog owner will still be held liable.
Dog bite cases also have a broad scope of liability, which means that whether the bite occurs in a public place or a private place, the dog owner is liable. However, if the victim was trespassing, then the law may limit the owner’s liability. Another case where the dog owner’s liability can be reduced or eliminated is in the case of provocation. If the dog seriously injures or causes a fatality, the dog owner could face criminal charges.
Dog owners can prevent bites by properly restraining their dogs in public. They can also train and socialize their dogs to reduce the risk of violent or aggressive behavior. If the dog has a history of dangerous behavior, the dog owner can consider muzzling the dog. In some cases, dog owners choose to have liability insurance coverage to protect them from dog bite incidents.
Process Of Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Your first and most important step after a dog bite incident should be to get medical attention. A dog bite injury that is left untreated can be dangerous. Getting timely treatment can minimize the risk of infection or other complications caused by the bite. It also helps establish a record of the incident and the severity of the injuries. Once you have received the required medical attention, you need to report the dog bite to the authorities, such as the police or animal control.
Ideally, you want to engage a dog bite attorney as early in the process as possible. They can provide you with legal advice based on the merits of your case. If the dog owner has insurance that provides coverage for such incidents, you can file a claim with that insurance company, seeking compensation for your damages.
If there is no insurance coverage for the incident, you can file a lawsuit against the dog owner. You will draft a complaint detailing how you suffered the dog bite and the compensation you seek for your suffering. The complaint will need to be filed with the appropriate Westlake Village court. The dog owner must be formally notified about the lawsuit by serving them a copy of the complaint and a summons to appear in court.
You can engage in negative out of court, however, if you are not getting a satisfactory settlement, you can take the case to trial. Your dog attack lawyer in Westlake Village can help you gather evidence and represent you in court. The judge or jury will deliberate on the case and render a verdict.
Collecting Evidence For Your Dog Bite Case
Building a solid dog bite case depends heavily on the strength of the evidence. You should keep records of all your medical expenses, including medical bills, photographs of your injuries, and other documentation.
If the police arrived on site, they would have made an incident report, which could play a key role in your case. Obtain a copy of the police report to use as evidence. Collect the contact information of any eyewitness. Their testimony in your favor can help support your claim. Other commonly used proof in such cases includes expert testimony, surveillance footage, and prior history of such incidents with the dog. Your Westlake Village personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence for your case.
Understanding Compensation For Dog Bite Injuries
As a victim of a dog bite incident, you can claim compensatory damages for your economic and non-economic suffering. Of course, you will need to prove that you suffered the damages as a direct result of the incident.
- Economic damages include medical expenses, as well as immediate, ongoing, and future medical costs. If the incident resulted in lost wages or loss of earning potential, you can seek compensation for that.Â
- Non-economic suffering includes pain and suffering resulting from the bite. You can claim compensation for emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. If there was an intentional act that led to the dog bite, you can even seek punitive damages to punish the owner and deter similar behavior in the future. Dog bite attorneys can help you determine the compensation you should seek for your case.Â
How Can King Law Firm Help in Dog Bite Claims?
At the King Law Firm, our dog bite lawyers have experience in handling dog bite cases in Westlake Village. Our team is fully committed to helping dog bite victims seek compensation for their injuries. Using our extensive knowledge of personal injury law, we can get the best possible outcome for your case.
As a starting point, we will assess your case in detail to guide you on your best legal options. If you choose to hire us, we will start a thorough investigation and gather evidence to build a strong case. If insurance companies are involved, we can handle all communication and negotiations with them.Â
If a favorable settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we offer complete support through the litigation process. Our attorneys have extension trial experience and will be ready to argue on your behalf in front of a judge or jury. If you have suffered a dog bite attack, you have the right to seek personal injury representation. Call us today to schedule your free consultation with our Westlake Village dog bite lawyer.