San Diego Dog Bite Attorney

Sources have reported a “startling” rise in dog bite cases since the pandemic. Dogs sense the stress of their owners, and they have become more aggressive as a result. When placed under stress, any dog can bite. Dog bites injure children and adults alike, but children may suffer more serious injuries. When you have suffered an injury from a dog bite, you are entitled to compensation, and in some circumstances, you do not need to prove that the owner was at fault. An experienced attorney can help you secure financial compensation for your injuries.

Dog bite claims are not as simple as they may seem, especially when you or your child have suffered serious injuries. You may still need to overcome defenses from the dog owner and their insurance company that try to blame the victim. You will also need to overcome the general stinginess and overall difficulty in dealing with an insurance company. You should call a San Diego dog bite lawyer as soon as the attack occurs to keep the insurance company from taking advantage of you. Even if you are not filing a claim immediately, the time to call DP Injury Attorneys in San Diego is now.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries are far more severe than people think at first. The fact that your skin has been punctured by sharp teeth that bear down on you with great force can have short- and long-term consequences. Even if the injury does not seem serious, the situation can worsen. It would be best if you always got checked out by a doctor.

In some cases, dog bites can result in catastrophic injuries, including:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Eye injuries
• Nerve damage
• Tissue injuries
• Head and neck injuries
• Scarring
• Infections

The injuries may be even more severe when a small child is involved. Small children are a disproportionate number of dog bite victims because they are on roughly the same level as a dog. They may not know how to approach the dog or when to stay away. Small children are far more likely to be bitten in the head or neck, leading to more serious injuries.

National Dog Bite Settlement Data

State Farm publishes yearly data on dog bite settlements. The national average for a dog bite settlement has increased in recent years to roughly $50,000. The costs of treating dog bites and secondary damages like your lost wages have increased in this age of inflation.

Since costs are typically higher in California, the average dog bite settlement is somewhat higher than the national figure.
Your injuries may be far worse than those suffered by the average claimant. If your child has been bitten, they may have lifetime damages and require significant medical treatment.

Some dog bite victims need multiple plastic surgeries that are accompanied by the pain and suffering from the bite and the medical procedures. It would be best if you focused more on getting compensation for your specific injuries as opposed to getting an average settlement.

California Law About Dog Bites and Attacks

Dog owners are liable for bites, but there are some exceptions. The general rule is that the pet owner will be strictly liable for the damages that a dog bite causes. The breed, or whether a dog has bitten before, does not matter at all. What matters is just that the dog bit you.

However, there are several defenses that a pet owner may use even when they are strictly liable. They may argue that you provoked the dog, although that is a high bar to reach. Since many dog bite victims are small children, it may be even more challenging for the pet owner to blame the person bitten.

Note that strict liability only applies to an actual bite. The negligence standard would apply if you suffered an injury due to a charging dog or when trying to get away from an aggressive and threatening pet. Then, you would need to prove that the dog owner did not act reasonably in handling their pet.

The Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Claim

In California, you have two years from the time of your injury to file a lawsuit in court. You should file a claim with the insurance company as soon as you know the severity of your damages. Although you have time to negotiate the right settlement with the insurance company, you should not delay too long. Nonetheless, you should not rush the process because it may mean that you get less.

Policy Limits in Dog Bite Claims

The usual homeowner’s insurance policy covers liabilities between $100,000 and $300,000. If the homeowner does not have enough coverage to pay for the damages caused by their job, they would be personally responsible for the rest. Just because the coverage is there does not mean that the insurance company wants to write the full check. They would still nickel and dime you to save money.

Strengthening Your Dog Bite Claim

In a dog bite case, the best thing you can do is to document the damages. The insurance company would pay based on the claim that is in front of them. Therefore, you need to assemble the evidence that shows how much you deserve. This evidence can include medical bills, your own statements about how you have been affected, and proof of what you earn from your job.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Dog bites are covered under the owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. These companies can be difficult on their best day because they are trying to save money in their pocket that comes directly out of yours.

Even if liability is not in dispute, you need an attorney’s negotiating skills when it comes to dealing with the insurance company. There is a wide variety of outcomes when you agree on a settlement. The insurance company’s top is not one penny more than they have to pay. If you take less than you deserve, either because you are afraid of the insurance company or you do not know how much your claim is worth, the insurance company wins, and you lose.

Call a San Diego Dog Bite Attorney Today

The attorneys at DPI Injury Attorneys have helped dog bite victims recover the financial compensation they were legally due under the law, regardless of whether the insurance company offered it at first. We will stand up for you as you seek the money that you are owed because a dog bit you. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation.