Every year, more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs. About half of these victims are children, and the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. Even though Santa Rosa has leash laws in place, hundreds of people are still bitten in the city annually. In California, dog bite victims have the right to seek compensation from the dog’s owner and, in some cases, other parties - including government agencies and property owners.
Getting compensation can be a challenge, especially when you’re struggling with devastating physical injuries. Hiring an experienced Santa Rosa injury lawyer to represent you can make a world of difference.
Dog bite victims and families trust Singleton Schreiber because we’re local lawyers with national resources and a proven ability to win. Our case results speak volumes, with over $2.5 billion in damages recovered.
Contact us at our Santa Rosa, CA, law office to discover the impact we can have on your dog bite case, too. There’s no charge for your initial case evaluation.
Who Could Be Liable For My Dog Bite Injuries?
The dog’s owner is not the only one who might be liable for your dog bite injuries. If you were bitten in public or as a guest on someone else’s private property, the owner of the premises could potentially be responsible for your bite-related damages.
This might include a/an:
- Government agency
- Landlord
- Hotel
- Shopping mall
- Apartment complex
- Nursing home
- Pet store
- Doggy Day Care Center
Under California premises liability laws, a property owner has an obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. If an owner has actual or constructive knowledge that there is a dangerous dog on the premises, they have a responsibility to (a) remove the dog, (b) restrain the dog, or (c) warn visitors about the dog.
When an owner fails to take these (or other reasonable steps) and a visitor is bitten by a dog, they can be considered negligent and, in turn, liable for the victim’s bite-related damages.
What Compensation Can Be Awarded to Santa Rosa Dog Bite Victims?
Dogs of all breeds can inflict serious injuries, including broken bones, puncture wounds, amputated limbs, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and serious infections. These types of injuries can be physically, emotionally, and financially catastrophic.
Fortunately, California gives dog bite victims the right to seek compensation to offset the consequences of their injuries.
Specifically, dog bite victims can file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit seeking compensatory damages for:
- Medical bills, including medication, reconstructive surgery, corrective surgery, medical devices, and hospitalization
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Nursing assistance
- Disability
- Lost wages
- Costs paid out-of-pocket
- Funeral expenses if a dog bite is fatal
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and physical scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- PTSD
- Emotional distress
A jury can also award punitive damages if it feels that a defendant’s actions were malicious or grossly negligent.
Our dog bite attorneys in Sacramento will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation into your case. We’ll gather key pieces of evidence - including vet records, medical records, video footage of the attack, and witness statements. We’ll bring in expert witnesses to weigh in as we build your case and offer testimony in support of your claim. When it’s time to negotiate with the dog’s owner, their insurance company, and other liable parties, we won’t rest until you’ve been offered the kind of settlement agreement you deserve.
Anything less, and our award-winning California trial attorneys will take your lawsuit to a jury.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in California?
California has strict time limits for dog bite lawsuits. A two-year statute of limitations applies to cases involving personal injury and wrongful death.
If a child is bitten by a dog, they may have additional time to file a claim if one is not brought on their behalf.
However, never assume you’ll have additional time to assert your rights. Once the filing deadline passes, you will lose the opportunity to demand compensation from the dog’s owner or other responsible parties.
Does California Have a One Bite Law?
Some states have a one-bite law that protects dog owners the first time their animal is aggressive. In California, a dog owner is strictly liable when their animal attacks another person without provocation, regardless of the dog’s history of aggression.
So, California is not one of those states.
When you sue a dog’s owner after you’re attacked, you don’t have to prove they were negligent in controlling the animal. Rather, you just have to prove that they owned the dog and that you’ve suffered injuries because the dog bit you.
Call Singleton Schreiber For Help After You’re Bitten by a Dog in Santa Rosa, CA
Even though you may have the right to seek compensation for your dog bite injuries, you can’t trust the insurance company or other parties with your future. They’ll do everything they can to downplay your injuries and limit (or prevent) a financial recovery.
If you want to make the most of your dog bite lawsuit, you need to put a trusted legal advocate in your corner.
Dog bite victims in Santa Rosa, California, trust Singleton Schreiber. We’re fearless advocates with decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases like yours, successfully winning billions from insurance companies, government agencies, powerful businesses, and other formidable adversaries. Our team has been recognized for excellence in civil litigation by Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, the Daily Journal, and the National Law Journal.
When you ask for our help after you’re bitten by a dog in Santa Rosa, you’ll have the time you need to get better while resting assured that your case is in the best possible hands.
Now is the time to take action and demand the compensation you need to move forward with your life. We offer a free consultation, so call our Santa Rosa personal injury lawyers today to get started.
