Victim of a dog bite? Don’t be intimidated by the dog owner or insurance companies. Let Dordulian Law Group fight for you.
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Dordulian Law Group’s Los Angeles dog bite lawyers are standing by 24/7 to provide our highly skilled legal representation to injured victims like you. We serve dog bite and attack clients in Glendale, Los Angeles, and throughout California. Dog owners are responsible for monitoring their pet(s) and making sure they are socialized, trained, and vaccinated. It is also the pet owner’s responsibility to keep others safe from their animal. Suffering a dog bite can lead to serious injuries -both physically and psychologically-and the dog owner must be held accountable for those injuries. Following an unfortunate dog bite incident, do not let the pet owner or insurance companies swindle you out of what is rightfully yours. If you have been bitten by a dog, you can seek free legal advice from a top-rated attorney at Dordulian Law Group (D Law Group). We have a 98% success rate representing injury victims like you, and we have the knowledge and talent necessary to win your dog bite case. We’ve recovered over $200 million for our dog bite and personal injury clients throughout the years, and we always fight to secure the maximum compensation for each and every victim.
Dordulian Law Firm delivers real results to people just like you. Check out some of our recent victories.
Our success is measured by our clients’ satisfaction. Read what our clients have to say about Dordulian Law Group’s achievements.
Have you or someone you know been bitten by a dog? Understanding your rights and options is vital when it comes to pursuing a dog bite claim. With over 4.5 million dog bites occurring annually in the United States, it’s important to know the key factors that make for a viable case. Let’s explore the essential elements of dog bite claims and what you need to know to protect your interests.
Known for their loyalty and companionship and often described as “man’s best friend,” dogs are a common household pet. But what happens when man’s best friend decides to attack you? Have you been bitten by a dog? In California, the dog owner is responsible for always controlling their pet. If you are the victim of a dog bite or attack, the owner is liable for your injuries, and you may be eligible for financial compensation.
The attorneys at D Law Group are prepared to advocate on your behalf and help you recover the damages you deserve. Call a D Law Group dog bite attorney today to learn about your legal rights and all the ways in which we will fight to protect them. D Law Group’s dog bite lawyers have more than 25 years of experience successfully litigating and settling personal injury cases, and we will not rest until we have secured the maximum allowable compensation for your dog bite injury.
Before diving into the specifics of dog bite claims, it’s crucial to understand the laws governing these incidents. Generally, there are two main types of dog bite laws:
Regardless of the specific law in your state, most dog bite cases require the following elements:
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s focus on the three critical factors that can make or break your dog bite claim:
Understanding the specific laws in your state is paramount. This knowledge will help you determine the strength of your case and what you need to prove. Some states follow strict liability, while others adhere to the one bite rule. Familiarize yourself with local regulations to build a solid foundation for your claim.
The most common injuries in dog bite cases are skin or flesh wounds, often resulting in scarring. It’s important to note that the full extent of scarring may not be immediately apparent. For this reason, it’s advisable to wait several months before settling your claim. This patience allows for a more accurate assessment of long-term damages.
When documenting your injuries, consider the following potential areas for compensation:
Perhaps the most critical factor in a viable dog bite claim is the presence of homeowner’s insurance. Without insurance coverage, it can be challenging to recover damages, even if you have a strong case. While it’s possible to sue the dog owner individually, collecting compensation can be difficult if they lack sufficient personal assets.
To fully grasp the scope of this issue, let’s look at some eye-opening 2024 dog bite statistics:
These statistics highlight the importance of dog bite prevention and responsible pet ownership. Both dog owners and the general public should be aware of proper safety measures to reduce the risk of dog bites.
If you find yourself the victim of a dog bite, take these important steps to protect your health and legal rights:
To fully grasp the scope of this issue, let’s look at some eye-opening 2024 dog bite statistics:
These statistics highlight the importance of dog bite prevention and responsible pet ownership. Both dog owners and the general public should be aware of proper safety measures to reduce the risk of dog bites.
If you find yourself the victim of a dog bite, take these important steps to protect your health and legal rights:
If you find yourself the victim of a dog bite, take these important steps to protect your health and legal rights:
Understanding your rights and the factors that contribute to a successful dog bite claim is essential. By knowing your state’s laws, documenting your injuries thoroughly, and confirming the presence of homeowner’s insurance, you’ll be better equipped to pursue fair compensation for your damages.
Remember, dog bite cases can be complex, and the full extent of your injuries may not be immediately apparent. It’s often in your best interest to consult with a legal professional who can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions about your case.
By taking the right steps and understanding the key elements of a dog bite claim, you can protect your rights and work towards a fair resolution. Stay informed, document everything, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed.
While finding dog owners liable in a dog bite case may seem like a straightforward process, there are still ways in which a defendant can attempt to absolve liability. Possible defenses you may encounter include:
California self-defense laws allow for the use of force when defending oneself if it is reasonably believed that you are in imminent danger of physical harm, and that the force is necessary in halting the harm. Since every case is different, it is best to leave the legal strategy for your specific claim to the experts at DLG. With over 25 years of experience successfully combating these possible challenges in dog bite cases, we can help ensure you prevail in court after being injured by a dog bite.
The average payout for a dog bite claim is $40,000. However, this is not a guarantee of your particular outcome, and individual results vary. However, depending on the details and severity of injuries, your claim could be worth even more than the $40,000 average. We can help you determine how much your case is worth after collecting all specific details pertaining to your incident, as well as recovering any available evidence. Evidence – such as photographs and medical documentation – is key when proving a dog bite personal injury claim.
On March 12, 2020, in Hartford, Connecticut, a $100,000 settlement was reached for a dog bite case. This case involved a seven-year-old girl being attacked by a pit bull outside of a house where her and her family were attending an engagement party. The girl suffered serious injuries and received stitches extending from her lower lip to the bottom of her chin. Photographic evidence of the attack was reportedly a deciding factor that led to the insurance company settling the case.
This case demonstrates the importance of photographic evidence, which can be a huge factor in reaching a settlement in a dog bite case. If you have been bitten by a dog, is imperative that you document the injuries sufficiently through photographs. You should also document your recovery process (physical and psychological) through notes, as this will provide a more accurate account of the attack and its lasting effects. Financial recovery will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Depending on the severity of the dog bite, types of compensation you may be entitled to include:
The damages that are more intangible are called ‘non-economic’ damages. For example, a dog bite might cause you to experience pain and suffering. You also might have to alter your lifestyle by no longer participating in activities that you used to enjoy. Non-economic damages can be substantial if your pain and suffering are extensive or the dog bite otherwise significantly reduces your quality of life.
There are specific factors that help determine how much a dog bite case is worth. These include:
Plaintiffs in California civil cases may also receive punitive damages, which are meant to punish the defendant. Punitive damages are awarded in addition to economic and non-economic compensatory damages if the court finds that the defendant’s behavior was especially reprehensible. To award punitive damages, the court will usually establish that the defendant knowingly acted in a reckless manner that obviously put others at risk.
Some additional newsworthy dog bite settlements include:
Families of victims who have been killed in a dog attack may be able to recover wrongful death damages or loss of consortium. A wrongful death lawsuit will need to be filed in these cases.
The time limit, or statute of limitations, for filing a dog bite claim varies by state. In California, dog bite claims must be filed within two years from the date of the attack. It’s best to consult with a Dordulian Law Group dog bite attorney or check your state’s laws to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to file your claim for financial compensation.
Yes, you can still file a claim if the bite occurred on private property. The key factors are whether you were lawfully on the property and didn’t provoke the dog. If you were invited or had a legal right to be there, you likely have grounds for a claim.
If the dog owner claims you provoked the dog, it could affect your case. However, the burden of proof typically lies with the dog owner. They would need to demonstrate that your actions directly led to the dog’s aggressive behavior. An experienced attorney can help you counter such claims and present evidence in your favor.
California survivors of school and childhood sexual abuse are no longer bound to a statute of limitations when bringing a civil action. If your abuse occurred after 2024, you technically have no deadline for bringing a claim (although it is recommended that victims speak to an experienced attorney about their case as soon as possible). If your school sexual abuse occurred before 2024, you have until your 40th birthday to file a civil lawsuit (or five years from discovering a resulting injury, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD). Reaching out to a Dordulian Law Group school sexual abuse lawyer today to discuss your case can be the best decision you ever make.
Compensation in dog bite cases may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and costs for future medical treatment or therapy. In cases of severe scarring or disfigurement, you may also be entitled to compensation for long-term effects on your quality of life.
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