Understanding Dog Bite & Animal Attack Claims
Dog bites and animal attacks can result in serious injuries, infections, emotional trauma, and permanent scarring. Victims often require extensive medical care, including surgeries, rabies vaccinations, and psychological counseling. In many cases, pet owners are legally responsible for ensuring their animals do not pose a danger to others.
At Highway Law Group, we fight for victims of dog bites and animal attacks, helping them seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Common Causes of Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
Animal attacks can occur due to negligence, poor pet training, or lack of supervision. Some common causes include:
- Failure to Restrain Pets – Unleashed dogs or improperly fenced animals attacking pedestrians or visitors.
- Provoked or Aggressive Behavior – Animals reacting violently due to poor training or abuse.
- Negligent Pet Owners – Owners failing to control aggressive animals or ignoring leash laws.
- Trespassing or Loose Animals – Unsupervised pets wandering into other properties and attacking people.
- Failure to Warn – Owners not informing guests or neighbors about an animal’s history of aggression.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a dog bite or animal attack, you may have a legal right to compensation.
Compensation for Dog Bite & Animal Attack Victims
Dog bites and animal attacks can lead to painful and costly medical treatments. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – Emergency care, reconstructive surgeries, and infection treatments.
- Lost Wages & Future Earnings – Compensation for time missed at work or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – Emotional trauma, PTSD, and anxiety resulting from the attack.
- Permanent Scarring & Disfigurement – Financial recovery for cosmetic treatments and long-term care.
- Punitive Damages – In cases of gross negligence or repeated attacks, additional compensation may be awarded.
Highway Law Group aggressively pursues fair compensation for victims to help them recover and move forward.
Dog Bites FAQ
What if the owner says it was my fault?
Even if there are questions about provocation, California law favors the victims. Let us handle the negotiations and the case, so you can focus on your recovery.
How much does it cost to have a lawyer defend you?
At Highway Law Group , we understand that an injury can bring financial worries. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won't have to pay anything upfront. Our only payment is if we win your case, so you can focus on your recovery without anxiety.
How soon should I contact a lawyer after a dog bite?
You need to act as soon as possible. In California, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. But the sooner you act, the better. Gathering evidence while the events are fresh can be crucial to your success.
When should I contact a personal injury attorney after an accident?
If you've suffered an injury due to someone else's negligence, it's crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you receive legal advice, the greater your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
After an accident, it can be difficult to assess the full impact of your injuries and the associated costs. An experienced attorney will help you gather key evidence, such as medical reports, witness statements, and police records, ensuring your case is well-founded. Additionally, there are legal deadlines for filing a lawsuit in California. Generally, you have two years from the date of injury to file your case, but certain circumstances may reduce this time. Don't wait too long to seek legal help.
How do I know if I have a valid personal injury case?
For a personal injury case to be valid, it is necessary to prove that another party acted negligently and that this negligence directly caused your injury. In legal terms, this involves proving three key elements:
- Duty of care: The responsible party had a duty to act with caution.
- Breach of duty: He failed to fulfill his obligation, whether by action or omission.
- Direct Damage: Negligence caused your injuries and economic losses.
Examples of negligence include distracted drivers, business owners who fail to maintain safe premises, or employers who fail to comply with safety regulations. If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies, an attorney can evaluate your case and provide guidance.
What type of compensation can I receive for my personal injury case?
Compensation in a personal injury case varies depending on the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the accident. Generally, it may include:
- Medical expenses: Hospitalization costs, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income: Lost wages due to inability to work.
- Emotional damage: Stress, anxiety and psychological trauma resulting from the accident.
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence, the court may award additional compensation to punish the responsible party.
An attorney will calculate the true value of your case and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation.
What should I do if the insurer offers me a quick settlement?
It's common for insurance companies to try to settle cases quickly by offering low settlements. While it may seem like a quick fix, accepting without consulting an attorney could result in you receiving less than you deserve.
Before accepting any offer, consider:
- If the amount covers your medical expenses and possible future treatments.
- If you have properly calculated loss of income and other damages.
- If you know the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your quality of life,
a personal injury attorney will review the offer and negotiate a settlement that reflects your true damages.
What if I can't afford a personal injury lawyer?
Most personal injury attorneys, including Ashley Aframian, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees and are only paid if your case is won.
Legal costs are deducted from the compensation obtained, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access legal representation. This model allows you to focus on your recovery without the financial pressure of paying upfront fees.
If you have questions about the costs of your case, schedule a free consultation to learn about your options.