If you or a loved one in Bakersfield, California, has been bitten by a dog and needs legal representation, a dog bite lawyer may be worth considering. The search for a good animal attack attorney in Bakersfield need not be tough. If you have been hurt, your attorney will fight for you to get compensation in court.
Understanding California Laws on Dog Bite
When it comes to dog bites, the city of Bakersfield follows stringent obligation statutes. This means that owners may be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs even if they had no prior warning that their pet had violent tendencies. If your dog bites someone, regardless of whether it has attacked anybody before, you will be held fully accountable under California’s strict liability law.
All you have to show to win a dog bite lawsuit in Bakersfield is that you were bitten while in a public area or legally on private property. When seeking compensation for injuries caused by a dog, it is not necessary to prove that the dog’s owner was careless or reckless.
Conditions under which a claim for damages cannot be submitted
Dog owners are often held severely accountable in cases involving dog bite injuries. A California owner’s personal responsibility may be limited under specific circumstances as described in Section 3342 of the California Code of Civil Procedure.
If the dog was agitated, tormented, or irritated before it bit, the victim will not be able to sue for damages. Here are some provoking examples:
- Acting violently toward the dog by hitting it.
- Dog being teased with food.
- Using the dog as a projectile and throwing things at it.
- Grabbing at the dog’s hair, ears, or tail.
Dog bite compensation claims are void if the victim was trespassing when the incident happened. Injuries sustained by trespassers who are bitten by a dog are not the responsibility of the owner.
Dogs may be taught to help police and soldiers carry out their duties. Bite injuries caused by police or military dogs while on duty are often not the responsibility of the owners.
As a kind of self-defense, dogs are often very devoted to their masters. Many canines will do everything it takes to defend their masters. If the dog bit someone out of self-defense, the owner may not be held responsible.
What to look for in a Dog Bite Attorney, Bakersfield
1. Look for Experience
Search for a lawyer that has expertise with instances involving dog bites. A seasoned lawyer will be well-versed in the rules and regulations regarding dog bites in Bakersfield and will be able to use this knowledge to your advantage.
2. Check the Qualification
A qualified dog bite lawyer will have an extensive understanding of dog bite law, as well as dog behavior, breeds, and possible injuries sustained in a dog attack. It is also important that they understand the medical care and rehabilitation processes associated with these wounds.
3. Choose an Attorney You Can Easily Communicate With
Choose a lawyer who is a good communicator and updates you often. Asking inquiries and obtaining status reports on your case should be easy for you to do.
4. Look for Reputation
Choose a lawyer who has a stellar reputation in the court system and among their previous customers. You may either do some research on the attorney’s reputation online or contact some of their past clients to get some referrals. Reputable dog bite lawyers have the means to conduct in-depth investigations of their client’s cases, including the retention of expert witnesses and the collection of evidence.
5. Look for An Attorney with Your Interest At Heart
You need an attorney who will give your case the individual attention it merits and who will treat you with respect throughout the process. Finding an attorney who cares enough to take the time to address your worries and address your questions is a top priority.
6. Take the Fees into Consideration
Last but not least, think about the cost structure of the lawyer. Most lawyers who specialize in dog bite cases take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means they get paid only if you do. You should inquire about the fee schedule and any other fees that may be incurred for your case.
What to Do When a Dog Bite Incident Occurs
- Get the advice of a doctor: If you or someone you know has been attacked by an animal, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention.
- Report the incident immediately: At all times, the owner of the offending animal must report the occurrence. This will ensure the animal in issue poses no risk to the public.
- Consult with legal counsel: The third step is to get in touch with a dog bite attorney, Bakersfield law firm once you’ve completed the previous two.
How Can an Attorney Help Me Get Financial Compensation for a Dog Bite I Sustained in Bakersfield?
Victim of a brutal attack should put their energy towards recuperation rather than pursuing legal action. You’ll be able to accomplish both goals with the help of a Bakersfield dog bite attorney.
Damages from a dog attack might include:
- Repayment for the costs of medical care, including counseling, medicine, and hospitalization
- Replacement for lost funds and diminished potential for income
- Intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, can be compensated for.
- Damages to your property, including those caused by the attack on your dog, will be compensated.
Dog owners in California are held strictly liable for any injuries their pets cause. As a result, dog owners in Bakersfield can be held accountable for dog attacks, even if their pets never exhibited any signs of aggression.
The dog’s owner is nonetheless liable for damages under California law if the owner took all necessary steps to keep the dog under control but the dog nevertheless managed to escape before attacking.
The Insurance Company Would Rather You Didn’t Get Legal Representation. Legal representation increases the likelihood of a favorable settlement for you. If you are hurt, you may expect to take the rap. It’s likely that the dog’s owner will blame you for what happened, claiming that you provoked the animal. If they prevail, you may be prevented from recouping your losses. Your lawyer will be able to find the proof you need to refute their false accusations.
Your Case’s Value May Be Unknown to You. It might be tough to put a price on your dog bite lawsuit without the help of a professional. Because of this uncertainty, you could accept a settlement offer that is far lower than what your case is actually worth. If you have been injured, your attorney should be able to put you in touch with some of the top California medical, financial, and injury specialists. Their job is to help us determine the extent of your losses and what they’re worth financially.
Steps a Dog Bite Attorney in Bakersfield will Take to Recover Compensation for You
Injuries caused by a dog do not inevitably result in financial compensation. In order to get compensation from the dog owners and their insurance, you will need legal assistance, and a personal injury attorney is a good choice. To avoid paying you for your injuries, they will use every legal loophole available to them under California law.
You should choose a lawyer with extensive experience in personal injury and dog bite cases in California. He or she will serve as your guide when filing an insurance claim. The lawyers representing you after a dog attack will sue the dog’s owners if they have no insurance or are unable to reach a settlement with the insurer.
The dog attack will be investigated by your lawyer as part of the preparation for your compensation claim. They’ll compile any reports of the assault filed with the police. Witnesses to the dog attack will be questioned by your counsel. Every available footage from before, during, and after the incident will be examined.
In order to fully comprehend the extent of your injuries, your attorney will also analyze your medical records. Any persistent problems or long-term impacts you may experience may be discussed with your physicians.
Your lawyer will ask you a lot of questions to help determine what you want to achieve from the case. When dealing with dog assaults, you may be seeking more than monetary recompense.
If an irresponsible dog owner has a dangerous dog, the whole community is at risk. Taking legal action against the dog and its owner for the harm they inflict may reduce the risk of such incidents in the neighborhood.
Contacts of Some of the Best Dog Bite Attorneys in Bakersfield
Banafshe Law Firm
- You can call: 310-853-1097 or
- visit their website: Banalaw.com
Owen, Patterson, and Owen Law Injury Lawyers
- Visit the website: Opolaw.com
- contact the personal injury lawyers at Owen, Patterson & Owen at 866.904.9348
Chain | Cohn | Clark
- Address: 1731 Chester Ave., Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93301-5220
- Phone Number: 661.616.9829
- Toll-Free: 800.322.4529
- Fax: 661.324.1352
- Visit: Chainlaw.com