San Diego Dog Bite Attorney
Hundreds of people seek medical treatment for dog bite injuries every day, including broken bones, puncture and tear wounds (common in hands and fingers), muscle tissue damage, and facial scarring and disfigurement, which may require costly reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. Dog bites and animal attacks can also cause significant emotional distress. Frequently, dog bite victims are young children (dog bites account for the second most common reason for childhood emergency room visits). For parents, witnessing an animal attack their child can also be extremely traumatic.Who Is Responsible for an Animal Attack in California?
In California, the law is simple: the owner of a dog is responsible for damages suffered by anyone bitten by their animal. Many dog bite victims are hesitant to pursue a lawsuit because they know the owner of the dog. However, injuries from dog bite claims are frequently covered by a dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy, which may cover all injury related expenses and pain and suffering, with very little financial impact on the pet owner. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite injury claims cost more than a half of a billion dollars a year, and account for more than one-third of all homeowners’ insurance liability claims. Damages awarded in a dog bite lawsuit may include:- Medical and dental expenses (including plastic surgery)
- Past and future loss of earnings
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of future enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Additional related expenses allowed under CA law.