Best Dog Bite Lawyer in Chula Vista
If you or your family member are bitten by a dog in Chula Vista, the experience can be truly frightening. Dog attacks may cause permanently disabling injuries and noticeable scars. In some cases, people who are attacked by dogs may be killed. People who suffer injuries or who lose loved ones because of dog attacks may need to get help from personal injury lawyers in Chula Vista who are experienced in handling dog bite cases. The lawyers at our law firm understand the laws that govern dog bite claims and the defenses that are commonly raised, allowing us to build strong cases for our clients.
For a free consultation call (619) 752-2217 our attorneys will fight for your rights
The frequency of dog bite claims
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an average of 4.5 million people in the U.S. suffers injuries in dog bite attacks each year. In 2017, 2,228 dog bite injury claims were filed in California, according to the Insurance Information Institute”>Insurance Information Institute. The claims in California in 2017 paid out a total of $90.4 million. The III reports that the total cost of claims that were filed in 2017 with homeowners’ insurance policies was nearly $700 million.
When does a dog bite qualify for a lawsuit?
California has a strict-liability statute in place for dog bites. Under the law, dog owners are strictly liable to pay damages to the victims of dog bites when their dogs bite people who are on public property or who are lawfully present on the private property of another. Lawful presence includes invited guests, people who have permission to be on the property and those who are present to conduct business such as mail carriers and meter readers. If you have been bitten by a dog in one of these circumstances, you may be able to recover damages in a lawsuit. You cannot recover damages if you were bitten by a police dog while the dog was working, however.
Common injuries from dog bites in Chula Vista
There are many different injuries that can result from dog attacks, including the following common types of injuries:
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Nerve damage
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Puncture wounds
• Scarring
• Death
People who have the highest risks
Very young children and people who are older than 50 have the greatest risk of suffering serious injuries or being killed in dog attacks. Thirty-nine people in the U.S. were killed from dog attacks in 2017, and 38 percent were younger than age 8. Children who were newborns and babies up to age 20 months accounted for 67 percent of the child dog bite fatalities. Among adult victims, 75 percent of the fatalities happened to people who were older than age 50. Women accounted for 75 percent of the adult deaths.
What you should do after a dog attack
You should never approach a strange dog, and you should teach your children to stay away from dogs that they come across as well. If you see a dog that is behaving aggressively, don’t make eye contact and try to remain still. Then, slowly put distance between you and the dog. If the dog runs at you to attack, drop to the ground and roll up in a fetal position while trying to protect your head and face with your arms.
Following an attack, call 911 and assess your injuries. If you can, try to take pictures of the dog and of where the attack happened. Get the name of the owner if the owner is present. You should also try to get the names and contact information for any witnesses who saw the dog attack you. After the police arrive, tell them what happened and request medical care. Dog bites can carry a lot of bacteria, and the dog may also have diseases such as rabies. It is very important for you to seek medical attention promptly to get the treatment that you need.
When you should contact a Chula Vista dog bite lawyer
California law provides a two-year limitations period for personal injury claims, including dog bite cases. This means that you must file your claim no later than two years after the date that you were attacked by a dog. If you don’t file your claim within that time period, you will not be able to file a claim. It is best for you to try to talk to an experienced Chula Vista dog bite attorney as soon after your dog attack happened as possible. Contact our firm today to schedule your appointment.
For a free consultation call us (619) 752-2217
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