Being bitten by a dog in Escondido, California, can be a traumatic and painful experience. Dog bites can cause significant scarring and disfigurement. Additionally, a dog bite can lead to life-threatening complications and infections.
At Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers, our Escondido dog bite lawyers understand the seriousness of your situation. We pursue claims against the dog owner and other parties responsible for your injury. Since opening our personal injury law firm in 2012, we have recovered over $40 million for our clients.
Our founding attorney, Daniel Petrov, is dedicated to fighting for injured victims and their families. We speak Russian and Spanish in addition to English. Call us today at (619) 344-0360.
Contact our law firm to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced Escondido dog bite injury attorneys.
How Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With Your Dog Bite Injury Case in Escondido
When a dog owner is negligent, the result can be devastating for you. You can sustain permanent impairments and disfigurement from a dog attack. At Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team can fight to hold the negligent dog owner responsible for their carelessness.
Attorney Daniel Petrov and the legal team at Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to fighting for your right to fair compensation for damages. We are fierce negotiators and aggressive trial lawyers. We diligently represent your best interests in settlement negotiations and at trial.
Our Escondido personal injury lawyers provide personalized service. Our clients are our top priority at the Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers. When you hire our law firm in Escondido, CA, we take steps to protect your legal rights, including:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to identify all parties responsible for the dog bite
- Gather evidence to build a solid case for maximum damages
- Work with specialists and experts to strengthen your case
- Document your damages to determine how much your case is worth
- File insurance claims and handle all matters with the insurance company
- Negotiate for a settlement amount that compensates you for all damages
- File a personal injury lawsuit and take your case to trial, if necessary
Hiring an experienced Escondido dog bite injury lawyer gives you the best chance of winning your case. Call the Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our attorneys.
Dog Bites Are More Common and Costly Than You Might Think
Roughly 4.5 million people are victims of dog bites each year. Over 800,000 people require medical treatment for dog bites. Young children are the most vulnerable age group for dog attacks.
Homeowner’s insurance liability claims for dog bite injuries in 2021 totaled $882 million. California leads the country in the most dog bite insurance claims.
If a dog bit you or your family member, call our Escondido dog bite injury attorneys for help. You could be entitled to substantial compensation for your dog bite injury.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites and Dog Attacks
Even small dogs can cause a great deal of damage if they attack you or your child. Dog bite injuries range from mild to catastrophic. The severity of the dog bite injury depends on several factors, including the size of the dog and the victim.
Our Escondido personal injury lawyers handle all types of dog bite cases, including cases involving:
- Facial injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Puncture wounds
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Paralysis
- Crushing injuries
- Wrongful death
It is crucial that you seek medical treatment after a dog bite. Untreated, a dog bite can become infected and cause permanent damage. Even a small bite could turn into a life-threatening condition without medical care.
Who Is Responsible for Damages Caused by a Dog Bite in Escondido, CA?
California does not have a “one bite” rule like other states. Therefore, dogs do not get a “free pass” for their first bite.
Instead, a dog owner is strictly liable for a dog bite regardless of whether the dog has been vicious in the past if:
- The dog bites a person who is lawfully on public or private property; and
- The victim sustains damages because of the dog bite.
Other parties could share liability for a dog bite under California’s negligence laws. Potential parties to a dog bite claim include dog owners, property owners, landlords, business owners, government entities, and business owners.
The insurance company and dog owner might raise one or more defenses to your claim. For example, they might claim you provoked the dog. If you provoked the dog, your claim based on strict liability could be denied.
However, you might still have a claim under negligence laws if the dog owner knew the dog had bitten people before or was vicious yet failed to control and confine the dog. The dog owner could be liable if they violated leash laws or allowed the dog to roam freely.
Our Escondido dog bite injury attorneys at the Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers pursue all parties who could be liable for your damages. We include all claims supported by the evidence in our case.
What Damages Can I Receive for an Escondido Dog Bite Case?
A dog bite causes pain and suffering. The victim also incurs expenses related to their medical treatment.
California personal injury laws include reimbursement for the injured party’s monetary losses. Economic damages for a dog bite claim could include the following:
- Medical bills
- Reconstructive surgery
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Trauma therapy and counseling
- Diminished earning capacity
In addition to reimbursing you for your financial losses, a dog bite claim can include compensation for your non-economic damages. These damages include:
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Emotional distress
- Impairments and disabilities
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of and quality of life
You could receive additional damages for your claim if you sustained permanent impairments or severe disfigurement and scarring. You could be entitled to compensation for the ongoing pain and suffering caused by your condition. You could also receive compensation for long-term care.
At trial, a jury might award punitive damages. However, you must prove the defendant acted with malice, oppression, or fraud to receive an award for punitive damages. Our legal team analyzes your case to identify all damages we can pursue on your behalf.
Can I Recover Damages if I Am Partially To Blame for My Injury?
Dog owners often try to blame the victim for the dog bite to avoid liability for damages. However, in negligence cases, California applies a pure comparative fault standard.
You can be partially to blame for your injury and still recover compensation for damages. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, suppose a jury awards you $500,000 in damages for your dog bite claim. However, the jurors find you are 10% to blame for the cause of the injury. Under contributory fault laws, your compensation would be reduced by 10% or $50,000.
How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Injury Claim in California?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in California is two years from the injury date. However, exceptions to the rule could shorten or lengthen the time to file your case.
If you miss the deadline, you give up your right to pursue a legal claim. Therefore, we recommend contacting our law firm as soon as possible after an injury to discuss your case with one of our Escondido personal injury attorneys.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Escondido, CA?
The moments after a dog attack are terrifying. You might be in shock and physical pain. It might be difficult to think clearly.
Knowing what to do in case of a dog bite in advance can help you remain calm and protect yourself. Steps to take after a dog bite or dog attack include:
- Seek immediate medical treatment for injuries. The sooner you see a doctor, the better for your health and any claims you might file in the future
- If possible, ask people who witnessed the dog bite for their names and contact information.
- Report the dog bite to the Escondido animal control agency
- If the dog owner is not present, try to locate the dog’s owner to report the injury
- Take photographs of your injuries for evidence
- Contact Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with our Escondido dog bite lawyers
Continue to document your injuries during your recovery. Also, keep copies of all medical records, documents, and proof of expenses. If an insurance adjuster contacts you, it is not in your best interest to provide a statement or discuss the case until you have time to talk with an attorney.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire an Escondido Dog Bite Lawyer?
The Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers accepts dog bite cases on a contingency fee. Instead of paying our attorneys’ fees when you hire our law firm, you pay us when we recover money for your claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Escondido Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
We are genuinely sorry that you were injured because of another person’s negligence and wrongdoing. We understand you have been through a traumatic event. Our legal team strives to reduce your stress by handling all aspects of your personal injury case.
Call our office today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Escondido dog bite lawyer. When you are ready to discuss your legal options, we are here for you.
