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FAQs Regarding Dog Bite Claims

What is a “dog bite injury” and what can you claim for it?

A dog bite injury is an injury caused by a dog bite, ranging from minor to severe, even wrongful death.

Dog bites can cause serious physical and psychological harm, such as lacerations, broken bones, scarring, infection, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even if the injury is minor, you may still be eligible to file a claim.

Dog bite victims often incur medical costs for hospitalizations, treatments, medication, and rehabilitation services. They also suffer from lost wages due to time spent away from work recovering from their injuries and pain and suffering.

What is my dog bite claim worth?

This is a question we are frequently asked in personal injury cases. Each case is different, so there is no single answer to this question. At the outset of your case, we can give you some indication as to what you feel you might be able to receive, but this answer will not be definitive.

Dog bite claims can be worth a lot of money, depending on how severe the injury is. Victims may be able to recover money for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

As the legal process moves forward, we will better understand the extent of your injuries and their effect on your life.

What are the laws in California regarding dog bite injuries?

Dog bite injuries can be incredibly severe and have life-altering consequences for the victim. In California, victims of dog bites may be able to recover damages if someone else’s animal caused the injury.

Under California dog bite laws, the owner is potentially liable for all injuries and property damage caused by their animal. The state’s leash laws include situations where the victim was bitten publicly or lawfully on private property. Even if the dog had not attacked anyone before, the owner of the dog might still be liable for the damages caused.

The team at Frantz Law Group can help you understand your legal options and file a lawsuit. We are experienced in handling dog bite cases and will work hard to seek compensation from the dog owner’s insurance company or the dog owner directly.

How do you prove a case with a dog bite lawyer?

When filing a dog bite injury claim, it is important to provide evidence of lost income, medical expenses related to the injury, and pain and suffering. Dog bite claims can be worth a significant amount depending on the extent of the injury incurred, such as lacerations, broken bones, scarring, infection, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dog owners must take responsibility to make sure that their pets don’t harm anyone in public places. If it does, then they are potentially liable in most states, especially if their pet has previously attacked someone or is known to be aggressive.

In some cases, multiple parties like the business owner, dog owner, and property owner can be held liable for a dog attack. It all depends on the circumstances of the attack and the dog.

The attorney-client relationship with Frantz Law Group will allow you to gather evidence on your behalf to seek to prove the dog owner’s liability and the severity of your injuries. This may include medical records or bills, photographs or video footage of the incident, witness testimony, and other documentation that serves as proof of your losses.

What are some of the defenses you may face in a dog bite claim?

Dog provocation is one of the most common defenses, or when someone deliberately provokes or harasses the animal, which then bites in self-defense.

A defendant can also say that the victim trespassed if they can prove that the bite occurred while an unauthorized person was on their property.

While oftentimes a gray area, assumption of the risk is another common defense. This means that despite the plaintiff knowing the risks in being around animals, they still chose to go closer, such as in a dog park or when rescuing a stray dog.

Some defendants may also attempt to pass their dogs off as service animals—making them not liable for any damages caused in the biting incident. 

Plaintiffs must back up their claims with evidence such as medical records or other proof that no legitimate need existed for the defendant to have a service dog. The animal attack lawyer can help establish this in court or during settlements.

Get a Free Consultation with Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers Today

Animal attack victims—including those involving dog bites—must ensure that economic and non-economic losses are accurately calculated before negotiating a settlement.

An experienced personal injury attorney like those at Frantz Law Group will have your best interests at the forefront when providing legal advice and evaluating your case. They will seek a fair and appropriate amount for damages caused by your dog bite injury.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite or attack, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation.

We’re passionate about protecting the legal rights of personal injury victims across California. Let us help you take control of your case!