Mission Viejo Dog Bite Lawyer

It takes just one bite from the wrong dog to change the course of a person’s life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million dog bites happen every year in the United States – even more alarming is the fact that nearly 20 percent of the bites become infected.

Regardless of intention, you need to seek legal assistance from a Mission Viejo dog bite lawyer for a claim involving a dog bite. A compassionate personal injury lawyer can help you pursue a claim for compensation to help with recovery.

First Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Attack

The very first thing to do after a dog bite is to evaluate one’s own health and well-being.

  • How bad is the bite?
  • How deep is the laceration?
  • Is it still bleeding?
  • Is the wound at risk for infection?
  • Does the cut require stitches?

Depending on the answers to these questions, victims may want to seek medical assistance right away. People should be aware of the things they say and the actions they take. Everything a person does after the dog bite has the potential to wind up in a court of law – so people should temper their actions if they are prone to outbursts, and avoid taking matters into their own hands. Injured individuals should follow this guide to protect their interests:

  • Document the event by making a police report
  • Take photographs, but be sensitive to the privacy rights of others (take photographs of the bite immediately after its occurrence)
  • Call an ambulance and request medical treatment at the scene, if needed
  • Get checked by emergency room doctors, if needed
  • Check with primary care providers to determine whether a referral to a pain specialist or other medical professional is warranted by the injuries
  • Speak with a Mission Viejo dog bite lawyer to coordinate the filing of a lawsuit and/or claim

Collaborating with a Dog Bite Attorney

When preparing to speak with an dog bite attorney in Mission Viejo, consider the following questions:

  • Is this the first time the dog has attacked?
  • Is there an existing relationship with the dog owner?
  • Was the dog protecting itself or its owner?
  • Have there been previous interactions with the dog? (The CDC reports that more than 50 percent of dog bite injuries occur with dogs the victim already knows)

Depending on the circumstances of the claim, it may be possible to settle for a sum of money via settlement prior to any type of trial or hearing. Learning about what options are available is the first step to take before diving into the courtroom.

Discussing Potential Case Outcomes

If a person is concerned about whether the dog will be euthanized as a result of their legal action, they can raise this concern to their attorney and make it clear from the onset of proceedings that the intention is not to harm the dog, but simply to ensure that just compensation is received. Some states require a 10-day quarantine to observe for rabies symptoms. This could actually save the dog’s life if the dog is not properly vaccinated.

Other favorable outcomes of an action include ensuring that the dog receives the medications it needs to be safe around others, or that the dog is given further disciplinary training, perhaps by a certified dog instructor. People can speak with a Mission Viejo dog bite attorney to discuss the negotiation of these equitable measures in their case.

Contacting a Mission Viejo Dog Bite Lawyer

It is important to speak to a Mission Viejo Dog Bite lawyer to learn about your legal recourse. Time is of the essence when it comes to dog bite claims. In California, the legislature has provided for a two-year time limit on personal injury claims, such as dog bites, so the time to act is now.