Folsom Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites can cause severe injuries and emotional trauma, leading to medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Therefore, seeking the help of a skilled Folsom personal injury lawyer may be the most beneficial way to recover compensation for your injuries.

At Triumph Law Firm, we take pride in helping victims of dog attacks pursue legal action so that they can prioritize their health. We understand the physical and emotional trauma caused by a bite incident and are committed to helping you win fair compensation to cover your losses.

You shouldn’t be forced to pay for injuries you didn’t cause. With our knowledgeable guidance and tenacious representation, you can trust that we will do everything possible to ensure that you receive the settlement you deserve.

Key Considerations for Victims of Dog Bites

Immediately following an animal attack, your legal options may seem unclear until you have had a chance to speak with a Folsom personal injury lawyer for clarification. The following are key considerations that highlight important steps and information for dog bite victims:

Document Everything

After seeking immediate medical care, document the incident, including photographs of physical injuries, the incident location, and potential witness information. Keep records of all medical records, hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and reports.

Never Admit Fault

Folsom, California, operates under a “strict liability” statute for dog bites, meaning the owner is liable even if they were unaware of the dog’s aggressive behavior.

Though the dog’s owner is usually liable, there can be exceptions, especially if it can be proven that the bite victim was trespassing. A lawyer can help you navigate these specific regulations and legal aspects.

Collect Witness Information

The dog owner may assert that you were trespassing, provoked their dog, or assumed the risk of interacting with the animal, which could impair your lawsuit.

If you secure a reliable witness who can corroborate the details of your claim, this can aid in constructing a strong case and reinforcing the legitimacy of your position.

Consult With an Attorney to Maximize Your Compensation

Compensation may cover medical expenses, property damage, emotional distress, and more. However, the insurance company never leads with an adequate settlement offer.

A lawyer will inform you of ways to improve your chances of recovering the maximum compensatory damages possible under the available insurance coverage. An experienced attorney will aggressively negotiate your bite injury claim to ensure you collect full and fair compensation.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Claim In California?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in California is generally two years from the date of injury. 

Specifically:

For claims alleging bodily injury or property damage due to a dog bite, the statute of limitations falls under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. The legal time limit is two years, and the clock begins ticking on the day of the incident.

California injury victims generally have two years from the date of the incident to initiate a civil lawsuit in court seeking financial compensation. It’s important to consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible if considering legal action.

Recovering Monetary Damages for Dog Bite Injuries

When seeking compensation for injuries sustained from a dog bite, understanding the legal process and your eligibility for compensation is key. In general, compensation may be available to cover both economic damages and non-economic losses. The severity of your injuries, the insurance policy limits, and the skills of your Folsom dog bite attorney can improve your case’s value.

The following are several types of damages that victims are typically awarded in a dog bite injury case:

• Medical bills: This category covers all costs associated with treating injuries sustained in the attack, including those incurred for ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost income: This covers the money lost if you or your loved one was unable to work because of the injuries sustained.
• Pain and suffering: These non-economic damages encompass the trauma, disfigurement, and other physical and emotional harm that was sustained as a result of the attack.
• Property loss: This covers the expense of repairing or replacing any damaged property, such as clothing or personal belongings, that occurred during the attack.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This includes the diminished capacity to partake in activities you formerly found enjoyable.
• Exemplary damages: Punitive damages may be granted to penalize the dog owner for their actions and deter similar behavior in circumstances of egregious negligence or intentional harm.

Choosing the Right Folsom Dog Bite Lawyer for Your Case

Finding the perfect legal representative to handle your case and fight for your rights after a dog attack can be a daunting task, but ensuring that you’re fairly compensated for your injuries heavily depends on the experience and knowledge of your legal advisor.

When searching for a Folsom dog bite lawyer, consider their experience in handling similar cases and their success rate. Look for an attorney who has extensive knowledge of California’s dog bite laws and who can provide you with personalized attention throughout the legal process.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a Folsom dog bite lawyer is their fee structure. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, while other law offices scale their services differently and charge by the hour. Discuss these fees upfront so there are no surprises later on.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about a personal injury attorney’s experience, track record, and approach to handling dog bite cases. With the right representation by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have someone fighting for your rights and working towards fair compensation for your injuries.

Injuries We Commonly Claim

Here are some common types of injuries in dog bite claims:

• Laceration/bites: Deep puncture wounds, tearing of flesh from the dog’s teeth. Bites often require stitches.
• Nerve damage: Dog bites can damage nerves near the wound, causing long-term numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation.
• Tendon damage: Bites near joints like hands/arms risk injury to tendons, which could impact mobility.
• Infection: Dog mouths harbor bacteria that can lead to infected wounds if not properly treated. This may require antibiotics.
• Scarring: Significant scarring is common around deep bite wounds. This may cause disfigurement.
• Blood loss: Severe bites carry risks of blood loss, particularly to major arteries in the head/neck region.
• Broken bones: Powerful dog jaws can fracture bones, especially in children. Common sites are the arm, leg, and ankle.
• Dislocations: Bites gripping joints like shoulders and hips may dislocate them by the force of shaking.
• Psychological trauma: Young children, in particular, may develop long-term fears of dogs after a serious attack.

Get Immediate Legal Assistance After a Folsom Dog Bite

We understand that being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. It’s important to know that you are not alone and that there are legal options available to you. Triumph Law, P.C., is here to help you navigate the complex legal process of seeking compensation for your injuries and holding negligent dog owners accountable for their actions.

Our experienced Folsom dog bite lawyers have a deep understanding of the laws surrounding dog bites and can help guide you through the process of seeking medical treatment and recovering a fair settlement or award. We prioritize your recovery above all else and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Folsom, contact us for help. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the legal representation you need to achieve a successful outcome. Together, we can hold irresponsible pet owners accountable and make our communities safer for everyone.