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If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, a California dog bite lawyer can help you pay for your medical treatment and other necessary costs. We can help obtain a larger settlement than you could alone, and we work on a contingency fee basis.
After being bitten by a dog, you likely have many questions, especially if the dog is owned by a stranger, friend, relative, or neighbor. Whether or not you hesitate to take legal action against someone you may or may not know, don’t face the costly treatment of a dog attack alone.
Our California dog bite lawyers can answer your questions and share the benefits of having a skilled attorney as your counsel with no initial costs.
Why Hire an Attorney to Help With Your Dog Bite Claim?
You should consider hiring a lawyer in California to help with your dog bite claim. After all, a vast minority of dog bite victims receive compensation. According to the CDC, there are over 4.5 million people bitten by dogs each year in the United States, resulting in about 800,000 visits to medical facilities. However, under 18,000 people are paid by homeowners insurance companies for their dog bite claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Without a dog bite lawyer in California assisting you, it is extremely difficult to receive the compensation you deserve.
Also, insurance adjusters will only offer a dog bite victim about 10% to 20% of what would be offered to a victim who has a dog bite attorney representing them. By representing yourself, you’re positioning yourself as a prosecutor. Self-representation is not a good idea, as you may not know how to respond in some circumstances and jeopardize your claim.
With a California dog bite lawyer handling your case, any questions or criticism lies with your attorney. Your dog bite attorney will represent you on a contingency basis, meaning that unless your case is won or settled, you owe nothing and won’t be responsible for up-front costs. Your claim can be handled more efficiently and less stressfully with an attorney’s guidance.
What Should You Do If You Were Bit By a Dog in California?
When a dog bites you or a loved one, follow these steps if possible:
- Notify the police. Filing a report creates evidence of the dog attack.
- Immediately seek medical treatment for your injuries.
- Record the name, phone number, and address of the dog owner
- Avoid debating responsibility between you and the dog owner.
- Take pictures of the dog and your injuries if you are able.
- Contact our California dog bite lawyers as soon as possible following the incident.
Should You Sue or Settle for a Dog Bite Injury?
Typically, a fair settlement can be reached with the insurance company out of court as long as you have an experienced California dog bite attorney. If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
California courts can award damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and other expenses related to the individual circumstances of your case. California has individual laws about how much monetary compensation you can obtain for a dog bite. However, you should rely on a California attorney to understand the complexity of the dog bite laws in the state.
Your California dog bite attorney will work on your behalf to determine a fair valuation for your injuries. They’ll be able to account for the future losses you face as a victim of a dog bite. Be aware that it is also challenging to prove your loss of future earning capacity when representing yourself.
Not all dog bite claims are straightforward. There could be a third-party claim against your dog bite settlement if your health insurance or a source of public assistance are covering your medical expenses. When these claims are made directly to the dog owner’s insurance company, their insurance will pay each claim to the third parties. Allow a California dog bite lawyer to negotiate with these third parties and handle these claims so that you don’t have to.
Hire a dog bite attorney in California as soon as possible after an attack. It’s how you help the insurance company get a more concrete value on the compensation you should receive. Experienced dog bite lawyers know how to guide you and gather indisputable proof that the insurance company’s adjuster owes you monetarily. Getting a medical evaluation immediately after you were injured makes it easier to settle your claim. Ultimately, these steps make it likelier that you avoid a costly and time-consuming trial.
Call Our California Dog Bite Attorneys Now
If a dog has injured you or a loved one in California, rely on our attorneys to work hard for the full compensation you are owed. Call us at 844-888-2483 to begin your claim and learn about the experience and skills we can offer.
