If you suffered injuries due to a dog bite or attack, you might have the right to obtain financial compensation from the animal’s owner. Find out how to proceed with your claim by working with a San Jose dog bite lawyer.
Our Injury and Death Attorneys in San Jose, California at Golden State Lawyers, APC, represents clients with injuries from many sources, including dog bites. In the past, we obtained $1,800,000 for an injured dog bite victim, and we can assess what your case might be worth during a free evaluation. Never hesitate to learn about your rights if you or your child suffered serious dog bite injuries.
Dogs in San Jose
While the local Animal Services agency and other organizations work hard to give every dog a safe home, not all dog owners in the area are responsible. Many owners fail to comply with leash laws in San Jose, which require a dog to be on a leash no longer than six feet on city trails and sidewalks.
Instead, many dog owners allow their dogs to run free off-leash, which allows them to attack. A dog can still attack while properly on a leash, but being off-leash can increase these chances.
San Jose dog owners enjoy visiting one of the many dog parks around, including Waterford Park, the Dog Park at Hellyer County Park, Butcher Dog Park, or Hart’s Dog Park. These off-leash parks allow dogs to run and play, but they also present the opportunity for a dog to attack and bite a human.
Whether you are jogging on a city trail or taking your own dog to the dog park, a bite attack can happen in a second and disrupt your life for a long time. Always seek help from a firm that handles dog bite claims in California.
Most dogs are loyal pets who would never harm a person. Unfortunately, there are always exceptions to this norm. After all, dogs are still animals, and that means that they can sometimes behave in dangerous and unpredictable ways, especially when their owners did not raise or train them properly.
Victims of dog bites are often left feeling shocked, scared, and unsure of what to do. If a canine attacked you, you might not know your legal rights afterward, and you may not be sure what your options for seeking financial compensation are. To this end, a San Jose dog bite lawyer is incredibly helpful.
Golden State Lawyers, APC is a law firm with in-depth knowledge and practical experience with San Jose dog bite law, specifically with dog bite cases. We will protect you throughout the legal process so you can focus on your physical recovery.
Proving Your San Jose Dog Bite Case
In California, you have two years to file a claim after falling victim to a dog attack. During that time, to ensure your claim succeeds and you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve, you need to prove a few things.
If you were in a public place at the time of the attack, owners are strictly liable for bite injuries.
Strict liability laws mean that you do not have to prove a dog owner was negligent to hold them liable for your bite injuries. You do not have to show the dog was off-leash in violation of the law or otherwise had vicious tendencies. Even if the dog owner did everything they should, the law still holds them responsible for injuries from dog bites.
If you were in a private place, such as the dog owner’s home, you will need to prove that you were there lawfully for strict liability to apply. We can often prove this with phone or email records, although unscrupulous dog owners might try to portray you as a trespasser to avoid liability. Owners might also try to defend themselves by saying you provoked the dog or otherwise encouraged the attack. We know how to challenge these defenses on behalf of our clients.
You will need to prove that the injuries you sustained were strictly from the animal’s bite. In most dog bite claims, the owner of the aggressive dog is liable. As such, the owner will likely try to insinuate that you provoked the dog or injuries came from something else.
Your San Jose dog bite lawyer will protect you from these attempts. We will collect evidence, such as witness testimony and doctor’s records, to prove the true nature of your injuries so that you can prove your need and justification for full compensation.
Compensation for a San Jose Canine Attack
Recovering after a dog bite is never easy, whether you find yourself with substantial medical bills or suffering from emotional trauma. To help you move forward following the mauling, your San Jose dog bite lawyer will identify all of your damages so that you can name them all in your claim.
Some damages you might be able to seek compensation for include:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement
- Lost enjoyment of life
Special Considerations in San Jose Dog Bite Claims
Dog attacks often involve additional considerations that factor into your claim. For one, an animal bite means that you might be at high risk for infection. The animal’s saliva might have transmitted bacteria or a disease such as rabies, which means that you’ll need to undergo additional treatment to treat this secondary injury.
Additionally, a disproportionate number of canine attacks affect small children, often leaving a victimized child with permanent physical disabilities and severe emotional trauma. Your San Jose dog bite lawyer will ensure that your family receives all of the funds you’ll need to give your child the best chance for a full recovery, or at least the financial security of having your future medical needs covered.
Contact a San Jose Dog Attack Lawyer
If you were the victim of a dog bite and you would like to seek full compensation for your injuries and losses, look no further than Golden State Lawyers, APC. We will do everything in our power to garner the most successful outcome for your dog bite claim. We’ve helped injured victims from all over Northern California recover full compensation for their injuries, and we can do the same for you.
To speak with a San Jose dog bite lawyer during a free, no-pressure case evaluation, give us a call at 408-279-4222 or fill out our online contact form. There’s no obligation to proceed past the initial consultation, so there’s no risk in exploring your legal options for monetary compensation.