California does not ask whether a dog had ever bitten anyone before. Owners are strictly liable for bite injuries, so a dog bite attorney does not have to prove the animal was known to be dangerous. What is still contested is everything after that, because owners and their insurers have a set of defenses they will try.
Depending on the size of the dog and the ferocity of the attack, serious injuries and complications may result from a dog bite, such as:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Severe lacerations
- Facial injuries
- Nerve damage
- Scars
- Infections
A dog bite will also cause considerable emotional distress. If you have been bitten by a dog, chances are you are feeling very overwhelmed right now. We will make sure you see the best doctors for diagnosis and treatment of your injuries, and then handle all the legal steps required to see your claim through to the end.
Dog Owners Have Strict Liability for Bite Injuries
In the state of California, dog owners are strictly liable for any bite injuries that their pets may inflict. This means that you do not need to prove that the dog was previously known to be dangerous or that the dog owner should have known the dog would hurt you.
However, there are still some legal defenses that the dog owner may attempt to use in order to evade liability for your injuries. After over 20 years of experience, The Law Offices of Alejo Lugo & Associates is familiar with all the defenses that dog owners may raise, and we know how to fight back against them to ensure you are not unfairly denied the compensation you need and deserve.
We Will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation
Compensation for dog bite injuries is often available through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance. As with any type of insurance claim, the insurance company will be looking for any possible way to reduce or deny your compensation. The Law Offices of Alejo Lugo & Associates will help arm you with the strongest possible evidence of your right to compensation. We will make sure to explore all possible areas of compensation that may apply in your case, such as:
- Medical bills for initial treatment of the injury
- Future medical expenses for scar reduction treatment or plastic surgery
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
You Can Afford Representation
Hiring a dog bite injury lawyer is a smart move. Often, it is necessary to take dog bite claims to court in order to secure maximum compensation, and you certainly cannot expect to do this on your own. At The Law Offices of Alejo Lugo & Associates, our fees are fair and reasonable. Best of all, we don’t require any payment upfront. Instead, we will handle all the expenses associate with preparing your case, and you will not have to pay us a penny until after we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
For a initial consultation, call us at (800) 497-0018 today.