Newport Beach Dog Bite Lawyer

Many people love their dogs as if they were members of the family. While people would like to assume that all these animals are as friendly and loving as their pets, that is unfortunately not the case. When a dog is permitted to roam and ends up biting a stranger, that owner could be legally liable. A dog bite has the potential to result in broken bones, infection, lacerations, scarring, disfigurement, and emotional trauma, which can last a lifetime.

If you are injured from a canine attack, you should consult with a Newport Beach dog bite lawyer. A personal injury attorney with experience in cases of this type may be able to help you to identify your legal rights and determine how to best proceed. Depending on your situation, you may be able to pursue financial compensation from the dog’s owner for both your physical and psychological losses.

Strict Liability for Newport Beach

Fortunately, under California Civil Code §3342(a), a Newport Beach dog bite attorney is not held to the “one bite” rule many other states are held to. The statute makes dog owners strictly liable for their dog’s violent actions against a person.

In effect, this means the plaintiff generally does not need to show the defendant was at fault, knew their dog was violent or acted in some negligent manner. So long as the animal bit the plaintiff while they were in a public place or lawfully on private property, the dog owner is liable for the losses a victim sustains.

Government Exception

One major exception, under Cal. Civ. Code §3342(b), to the statutory blanket rule, is if the dog-in-question was in the care and handling of a government agency. The owner of a dog employed by the police, airport security, or the military that was defending itself from any annoying, harassing, or provoking act, or was acting in the capacity of its duties, would not be liable for a bite.

Compensation Available to Victims of Dog Attacks

If the defendant is found to be strictly liable for their dog’s actions, the plaintiff and their dog bite attorney from Newport Beach could then pursue certain damages, commonly known as compensable losses. Depending on the specifics of the case, the plaintiff may be able to seek economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Economic Losses

This type of damages is intended to financially compensate the plaintiff for all losses that directly resulted from the incident. Emergency services continued medical expenses, and past and future wage losses may all be pursued.

Non-Economic Damages

The second type of damages refers to the less-tangible losses that resulted from an incident, generally associated with emotional trauma. Pain and suffering, humiliation from disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and other claims could all be found under this category. A Newport Beach dog bite attorney could help the plaintiff calculate these expenditures.

Punitive Awards

Finally, the third type of damages differs from the previous two because they are intended to punish the defendant for a, particularly egregious act. Because this requires more than a showing of mere negligence, they are less frequently awarded than economic or non-economic claims, but, depending on the situation, they may be applicable.

Contact a Newport Beach Dog Bite Attorney Today

If you are injured from a dog bite, you may have injuries, both physical and psychological, that could last a lifetime. If you wish to discuss how you may be able to pursue financial compensation for these damages, you should call a Newport Beach dog bite lawyer. Depending on your case, you may be able to achieve a more favorable resolution to your situation. So, call today and see what may be possible for you.