Dog Bites

Your California Dog Bite Attorney

Have you or someone you loved suffered from a dog bite or animal attack? Unfortunately, not all dogs and pets are friendly. And if or when they do attack, the damages can be disabling, even deadly. If you have experienced this type of pain or inconvenience, Harlan Law offers our deepest sympathies. From runners to bikers, even to small children walking down the street, bites and attacks can happen to anyone – and it is not okay.

To learn more about dog bites in California, including your legal options for moving forward, please keep reading. Or, if you are ready to speak to a professional attorney regarding your case, please contact Harlan Law today by calling 619-870-0802. Remember, you are not alone during this difficult time.

In this article, you will find helpful information on the following topics:

• Dog Bite Injuries
• Damages from Dog Bites
• Who Is Responsible for the Attack?
• How to Contact a California Dog Bite Attorney
• About Harlan Law

Dog Bite Injuries

According to DogsBite.org, in 2016, a total of 31 dog bite-related fatalities occurred in the United States. Further, pit bulls contributed to the majority of these deaths, which was 22, or 71 percent.

However, pit bulls are not the only dogs who can attack. For example, while pit bulls, American bulldogs, and rottweilers accounted for 84 percent of all dog bite-related fatalities in 2016, labradors and various mixes of labs accounted for at least three deaths that same year in the United States.

From rottweilers to bulldogs, to German shepherds and doberman pinchers, any breed of dog has the ability to bite or attack without warning. When they do, the injuries can range from mild to severe, including the following:

• Punctures
• Abrasions
• Lacerations
• Broken/Crushed Bones
• Nerve Damage
• Tissue Avulsion
• Severe Bleeding

Depending on the puncture or abrasion, the wound can then lead to serious infections, specifically, if the dog responsible for the attack was infected with rabies.

Remember, not all dogs attack, and not all dogs are violent. However, it is imperative to know that dogs are distant relatives of wolves, meaning they are born with canine teeth designed to rip away the skin from the bone. While it is the dog owner’s responsibility to have control over their animal, it is best (and safest) for you to always be aware of your surroundings.

Damages from Dog Bites

It is obvious that a dog bite or attack can create physical pain. Yet, the person who is unfortunately attacked can also suffer from emotional and mental trauma, too, particularly, if a child is the one attacked.

As mentioned above, a dog bite can result in a variety of injuries, which in turn, can be expensive to treat. For example, one bite may require surgery, a skin graft, hospital stay, medication, therapy, counseling, and more. Without financial stability, mending these ailments can become quite expensive and time consuming.

At Harlan Law, our firm can help California dog bite victims gain compensation to assist in covering the following damages:

• Medical bills (including ambulance fees, emergency room fees, and any future bills)
• Any sort of treatment stemming from the injury (i.e. plastic or reconstructive surgery)
• Permanent injuries or disabilities
• Physical therapy and/or rehab
• Scarring and/or disfigurement
• Lost wages
• Therapy

If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, or attacked by an animal, it is vital to understand that you did nothing wrong. You are not to blame, but the dog/animal owner is, and should be held accountable for their pet’s aggressive actions.

Who Is Responsible for the Attack?

More times than not, when a dog or animal bites or attacks a person, it is due to neglect, abuse, and/or not having the proper care or restraint from its owner. Generally speaking, dogs are treated as if they are a member of the family, meaning they are not violent, but well behaved.

Regardless, the owner is still responsible for the dog or pet – not matter the circumstances. Specifically, owners who are unable to control their pet’s behavior may be held accountable for any and all damages caused.

Unfortunately, filing a dog bite claim in the State of California can often be confusing. Not to mention, the process can be complicated, as you will need to gather evidence, such as medical records, hospital bills, and, if applicable, witness statements. Therefore, it is best to speak with a California dog bite attorney to help ensure the entire process moves fast, smooth, and correctly.

How to Contact a California Dog Bite Attorney

Are you ready to speak with a California dog bite attorney? At Harlan Law, our firm only has one goal in mind: helping you move on with your life. We have worked with clients who are just like you, suffering and/or in pain due to someone else’s negligent behavior (i.e. failing to properly care for their dog or pet). Though this can be a difficult time, our firm wants to help make it better.

To schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation at Harlan Law, please contact our firm’s office in California today by calling 619-870-0802. From filing paperwork to making phone calls, we will handle all aspects of the case, allowing you to focus on what is important: healing.

About Harlan Law

Could you benefit from having a California dog bite attorney on your side? At Harlan Law, we listen to each potential client, explain the entire situation and legal process in terms that are understandable, and then detail our approach to making things better. Each client is different, with different needs, and we pride ourselves on ensuring our services are individualized to fit those needs. After all,  you have been through enough pain and suffering, more than what anyone deserves.

Not only do you need to find an attorney you can trust, but you also need to find one who wants to help improve your quality of life. Feel free to contact Harlan Law anytime – day or night – at 619-870-0802. Do not settle for less.