Do you need a La Jolla dog bite lawyer?
In La Jolla, California, a number of people are forced to seek medical care after they have been bitten by dogs every year. When dogs attack people, the victims may be left with devastating injuries. In some cases, dog bites lead to the deaths of the victims. It is important for the victims of dog attacks to contact personal injury attorneys in La Jolla who are experienced in helping dog bite victims. Our lawyers have the legal knowledge and experience that are needed to help you to recover compensation for your losses.
How often do dog bites happen?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, an estimated 800,000 people in the U.S. have to go to the emergency department for treatment after being attacked by dogs each year. Overall, there are an estimated 4.5 million dog bite victims in the U.S. every year. An average of 20 percent of people who are bitten by dogs have to get medical treatment for their injuries.
What types of injuries are common in La Jolla dog bite cases?
When dogs attack people, they may suffer a variety of different injuries, including the following common types:
• Severe lacerations
• Serious blood losses
• Puncture wounds
• Secondary infections
• Fractures
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Permanent disfigurement
• Nerve damage
• Death
Who has the greatest risk of being bitten by dogs?
While dogs may bite anyone, children and the elderly are at the greatest risk of being attacked by dogs. Children are often attacked when they are playing with dogs that are familiar. Children have the highest risk of suffering serious injuries in dog attacks, followed closely by elderly people.
When do dog bites qualify for lawsuits?
California does not follow a one-bite rule. In states that do, owners are only liable if they know or have reason to know that their dogs have propensities for violence. In California, by contrast, dog owners are strictly liable when their dogs bite people who are legally on private property or who are in public. People may be lawfully present on private property when they are visiting as invited guests or when they are there for legitimate business purposes, including postal carriers and meter readers.
What to do after a dog attack
If you have been attacked by a dog, try to remain calm and assess yourself for injuries. Get the name of the dog’s owner along with his or her contact information. Try to take a photograph of the dog that attacked you, and ask for the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the dog attack. Call 911, and tell the responding officer what happened to you. Make sure that you go to your doctor to get treatment so that you can prevent infections from happening.
When should you contact a La Jolla dog bite lawyer?
You must file a lawsuit for a dog bite injury no later than two years after you were injured. It is best for you to get legal help as soon after the attack as possible. Call our law firm today to speak with one of our experienced La Jolla dog bite attorneys so that you can get help.
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