Getting Help After A Dog Bite
Dogs seem to be everywhere people go these days, and it’s no different in Santa Monica. It is common to see dogs not just on sidewalks and in parks but also in or near restaurants and dog-friendly hotels. But when a dog bites you or a loved one while you are at a park, restaurant, hotel or any other public place or while you are lawfully on private property, the dog owner can be held responsible for your injuries.
At Law Offices of Eric Hershler, we can hold the dog owner or other liable party accountable for your injuries. We have extensive experience in maximizing the compensation from personal injury claims, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you. We have more than 35 years of experience navigating California law to help our clients, and we can guide you through your injury claim, no matter how complicated it may seem.
What You Should Know About A Dog Bite Injury Claim In California
California dog-bite laws impose “strict liability” on dog owners. This means that the owner of the dog is liable to pay for the damages you suffer when their dog bites you, including if you are on the dog owner’s property by implied or express invitation. The owner does not need to have any prior knowledge of their dog’s viciousness for the court to impose strict liability penalties. If you file your claim within two years of the injury occurring, you may have a right to damages such as payment for medical bills incurred, lost income, future residuals, and pain and suffering.
There are many different causes of dog bites, including old or blind dogs being startled, encountering a defensive or aggressive dog, meeting a dog with prior history of abuse, or suddenly surprising a sleeping dog. No matter what caused it, it is vital that you seek medical attention after a bite to ensure your injuries do not worsen. Be sure to take pictures of the bite and anything related to the bite, as this evidence can also bolster your claim. If you are able to record witness testimony as well, that can also help your claim.
What To Do After a Dog Bite
While the law grants you two years from the date of the incident to file a claim, now is always the best time to begin your case. Call our law office at 424-432-5084 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can help you earn the outcome you deserve in your case.
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