What This Page Covers:
- Impact: Dog bites cause physical, emotional, and financial distress, including serious injuries, scarring, and psychological trauma.
- Legal Definition: In California, a dog bite includes any injury from a dog’s teeth or actions, with strict liability on owners from the first incident.
- Liability: Owners are generally liable under strict liability laws, with the potential for negligence claims if they fail to prevent foreseeable harm.
- Legal Help: Callahan & Blaine offers expert legal representation, leveraging over 40 years of experience and significant settlements to support dog bite victims.
- Contact us today at (714) 241-4444 or through our contact form to discuss your options.
Dog bites can have a profound impact on victims, causing not only physical injuries but also emotional and financial distress. Each year, thousands of individuals, including children and adults, suffer from dog bites that result in serious wounds, scarring, and sometimes long-term disability. Beyond the physical pain, victims often face psychological trauma, fear of dogs, and anxiety about future interactions. The financial burden can also be significant, with medical expenses mounting and potential loss of income due to time away from work for recovery.
Navigating the aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming, which is why seeking legal guidance is crucial. At Callahan & Blaine, we understand the challenges faced by dog bite victims and are here to provide compassionate support and expert legal representation. With over 40 years of experience and a track record of securing substantial settlements, including in complex personal injury cases, our team is dedicated to helping clients recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
What Is Considered a Dog Bite in California?
In California, a dog bite is legally defined as any situation where a dog’s teeth come into contact with a person’s body, causing a puncture wound or injury. This definition extends to bites that break the skin as well as incidents where a dog’s actions lead to injury, such as a scratch that causes bleeding. Importantly, California law does not require the victim to prove that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner was aware of any prior incidents.
Additionally, the scope of what constitutes a dog bite can include situations where a dog’s actions indirectly cause injury, such as knocking someone over and causing them to fall and injure themselves. This broad definition aims to protect individuals from any harm caused by dogs, emphasizing the responsibility of dog owners to prevent such incidents.
Determining Liability in a Dog Bite Accident Claim
Determining liability in dog bite cases in California involves navigating specific legal standards that determine whether and to what extent a dog owner is responsible for injuries caused by their pet.
Strict Liability
California follows a strict liability standard for dog bite cases. This means that dog owners are generally liable for injuries inflicted by their dogs, regardless of the animal’s history of aggression or prior bites. Unlike states that adhere to a “one-bite rule,” where liability only applies if the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous propensities, California imposes liability from the first bite. This standard applies whether the incident occurs on public property, such as a park, or private property, like the owner’s home.
Negligence
In addition to strict liability, negligence can also play a role in dog bite cases in California. For example, if an owner allows their dog to roam unleashed in a public area and the dog causes injury through actions other than biting, such as knocking someone over, the injured party may pursue a negligence claim. To succeed in a negligence claim, the plaintiff must prove:
- Duty of Care: The dog owner had a duty to prevent foreseeable harm, such as leashing the dog in public.
- Breach of Duty: The owner failed to uphold this duty, such as by allowing the dog to roam freely.
- Causation: The injuries were directly caused by the owner’s breach of duty, such as the dog knocking over the plaintiff.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered measurable harm, such as medical bills or lost wages, due to the incident.
For expert legal assistance, contact Callahan & Blaine today. With decades of experience and a track record of significant settlements and verdicts, we are committed to advocating for dog bite victims and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.
How Does a Newport Beach Dog Bite Lawyer Help?
A dog bite lawyer in Newport Beach specializes in handling legal cases where individuals have been bitten or attacked by dogs, providing crucial assistance in navigating the complexities of personal injury law.
Legal Expertise
A dog bite lawyer in Newport Beach has a deep knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, particularly strict liability laws in dog bite cases. They understand the nuances of liability, negligence, and other legal principles that apply to dog bite claims.
Case Evaluation and Strategy
They assess the circumstances of the dog bite incident, gather evidence, and determine the best legal strategy. This includes evaluating medical records, witness statements, and any applicable insurance policies to build a strong case for their client.
Negotiation and Settlement
Dog bite lawyers negotiate with insurance companies and opposing parties to seek fair compensation for their client’s injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They strive to achieve a settlement that reflects the full extent of their client’s damages.
Litigation Representation
A Newport Beach dog bite lawyer is prepared to take the case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. They represent their client in litigation, presenting arguments and evidence to a judge and jury to secure a favorable verdict.
Client Advocacy and Support
A dog bite lawyer in Newport Beach advocates for their client’s rights and best interests throughout the legal process. They provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support to help alleviate the stress and uncertainty associated with legal proceedings.
By leveraging their expertise and experience, dog bite lawyers play a crucial role in helping dog bite victims navigate the legal system, seek justice, and recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries and related losses.
Callahan & Blaine: Newport Beach Dog Bite Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming, but Callahan & Blaine is here to help. With over 40 years of experience and a stellar track record, including securing multi-million dollar settlements, we understand the unique challenges that dog bite victims face. Our team of seasoned trial lawyers is dedicated to providing compassionate support and expert legal representation to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Callahan & Blaine stands out for its extensive experience, impressive legal credentials, and unwavering commitment to client advocacy. Our Newport Beach dog bite lawyers, each with over eight years of experience, are skilled in navigating California’s strict liability and negligence laws related to dog bites. Trust us to handle your case with the utmost professionalism and dedication. Contact us today at (714) 241-4444 or visit our contact form to discuss your case and begin your path to recovery.
