Garden Grove Dog Bite Lawyer

When someone suffers a dog attack and is bitten, it can be a traumatic experience both physically and mentally. Victims of dog attacks may suffer from injuries such as severe bruising, lacerations, infections, scaring, soft tissue damage, and broken or fractured bones. Furthermore, an injured individual may also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or other long-term psychological consequences. Treatment for these short- and long-term problems can be costly, potentially requiring ongoing care.

If you were bitten by a dog in Garden Grove, you may have valid grounds for a personal injury claim. Contacting a Garden Grove dog bite attorney could help you understand your rights and protections as an injured party. Following that, a compassionate injury lawyer could fight on your behalf for compensation to which you may be entitled.

Liability for a Dog Bite

While many states determine liability for a dog bite based on a general legal theory of negligence, California treats dog bite cases as strict liability cases. According to California Civil Code §3342, a dog owner can be held liable for damages suffered by any person bitten by their dog while that person is in a public place or is lawfully on private property, including that of the dog’s owner.

For the purposes of this statute, a person is considered to be lawfully on private property when they are on such property either:

  • To complete any duty legally imposed upon them by the state of California or the federal postal service
  • Upon the invitation, express or implied, of the property’s owner

Additionally, California Civil Code §3342.5 mandates that an owner of any dog who has bitten a human should take any reasonable steps necessary to remove any future danger presented to others.

Recovering Damages

In many cases, someone bitten by a dog may be able to recover damages in civil court, including money for medical treatment, lost wages, long-term medical treatment, pain and suffering, and more. Furthermore, if a dog has bitten a human being on two or more separate occasions, an action can be brought to determine whether conditions existing at the time of the bites were changed to remove the danger to other persons. After a hearing, the court may make any order it deems appropriate to prevent the recurrence of attack including the removal of the animal from the area or euthanasia.

However, California law provides an exception for people who are bitten by a police or military dog while the dog is being used in the course of their work. In such cases, a person bitten may not recover damages for any injuries sustained.

How a Garden Grove Dog Bite Attorney Could Help

Healing from the aftermath of a dog bite can take time. Dealing with the legalities and fighting for compensation for your injuries should not be something you have to worry during that time when you are trying to get well.

An experienced Garden Grove dog bite lawyer should have the knowledge and experience to fight for your rights and help you recover damages for your injuries. You do not have to go through this trying period alone. Contact a local attorney today to discuss your claim.