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Animal Attack Attorney

Animal owners have a responsibility to ensure that their animals do not cause harm to others. In the case of an animal attack, the animal owner can be liable for damages under the theory of premises liability. If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of an animal attack, our animal attack attorney team can help you determine if these injuries might entitle you to compensation. In the following sections, you?ll find answers to common questions following animal attacks that can help you get a better understanding of your rights and options.

Do I need to hire an animal attack attorney?

Being bitten or attacked by an animal is a very traumatizing situation. If you have experienced this, we recommend hiring an animal attack attorney. Even a seemingly minor situation can become serious, especially if the skin has been broken. This can lead to infection or even rabies, making medical attention crucial. In more serious cases, an animal attack can not only lead to infection but could cause severe injuries such as: 

  • Nerve damage
  • Torn ligaments
  • Disfigurement
  • Eye injuries
  • Amputation
  • Death 

These injuries require medical attention, which places a burden of medical bills on the victim in addition to possible psychological trauma. If you have been the victim of an animal attack, it is within your rights to sue the animal?s owner for your medical bills, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. Hiring an experienced California animal attack attorney can?t undo the damage, but it can help you make sure that you get the restitution you deserve as you recover both physically and mentally.

If your family member or loved one was killed as the result of an animal attack, you also have a right to sue for this person?s untimely death. Just as compensation can?t undo the damage of an attack, we know that it won?t make the loss of your loved one easier. However, we believe that it is important to hold people accountable for their negligence. Getting the compensation and justice you deserve can also help provide an important sense of closure.

How will an animal attack attorney help me?

When you hire an animal attack attorney, your attorney will evaluate your claim to ensure they get you all the compensation you deserve. This includes costs for medical bills, lost wages, and any necessary rehabilitation. Damages may even include the cost of therapy and psychological counseling 

Ariel Law Group has handled all kinds of personal injury cases for more than 30 years and is the aggressive firm that you need and want to fight for you.

Can I sue if I am injured in an animal attack? 

Yes, it is within your rights to sue the animal?s owner. California has strict liability laws regarding animal attacks, specifically dog bites. This means that an animal owner is liable if their animal attacks and injures someone, and can be sued. This is the case even if the animal has never attacked or bitten anyone before. However, there are a few exceptions that may prevent you from being able to sue.

  • If the attack occurred while you were trespassing on someone?s property, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
  • If you provoked or harassed the animal prior to the attack.
  • Working as a dog trainer, veterinarian, or another occupation that puts you at increased risk of an animal attack.
  • If the animal was performing its appropriate duties for the police or military.

Although some states will not hold an animal?s owner liable for its first attack, this is not the case in California. If none of the above exceptions apply to your situation, you can hire an animal attack attorney and sure the animal?s owner.

What is the average settlement amount in an animal attack case?

In these cases, the amount of your settlement will depend on a variety of factors, detailed below.

The extent of the victim?s injuries.

An animal attack can cause severe injuries to the victim, such as nerve damage, amputations, facial scarring, and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries may prevent the victim from working and impact their quality of life. This is why the extent of the injuries sustained plays a large role in determining the final amount of your settlement.

Whether or not the victim?s injuries exacerbated a pre-existing condition.

If injuries caused by an animal attack worsen the victim?s pre-existing conditions, these medical complications can add to the victim?s medical bills. This increased financial burden will factor into the final settlement amount. If these complications eventually lead to the victim?s death, the animal owner?s liability would be even greater.

Whether or not the animal owner acted recklessly or with negligence.

Did the animal attack occur as a result of the animal?s owner allowing it to roam freely through the neighborhood with no supervision? If so, the court may award damages for negligence in addition to damages for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. This is usually done to punish the animal?s owner and help avoid any future attacks.

If the victim was partially responsible for the attack.

California is a comparative negligence state. If the court finds that you were partially responsible for the animal attack, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility according to the court.

How long do I have to sue following an animal attack?

Victims of an animal attack have two years after the incident to file their case. After these two years have passed, victims can no longer sue, no matter how severe their injuries are, so it?s best to hire an animal attack attorney as soon as possible. In addition to this, waiting may weaken your case and can potentially reduce your settlement amount.

Experienced Animal Attack Attorney Willing to Fight For You

At Ariel Law Group, our animal attack attorney team has handled many cases in California involving property injuries. We have helped people in many different situations recover compensation to pay for medical expenses, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and more.

Las personas perjudicadas por la negligencia de otros merecen justicia. Con décadas de experiencia combinada, lucharemos para conseguirle el dinero que necesita y merece.

Animals Attacks- Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if someone’s dog attacks my dog?

If someone else’s dog has attacked your dog, take the time to consult with a lawyer and get the facts about whether you can sue if someone’s dog attacks your dog. Dog bites or attacks can result in serious medical bills, emotional trauma, and physical pain for you and your pet. However, depending on the circumstances, you can seek compensation for your losses. To sue, you’ll need to prove that the owner was negligent in handling their dog, which may require gathering evidence and consulting with an animal-related lawyer. Additionally, you’ll need to be aware of any laws or regulations regarding animal attacks in your state or municipality.

Common Legal Issues When Dealing With Animal Attacks? 

Legal issues can arise when an animal attack takes place. The owner may be held liable for the pet’s actions, and the victim may face various legal matters, including personal injury liability, medical expenses, and emotional trauma. Animal attack victims may also have to deal with animal control laws, the animal’s owner, and their insurance company. Therefore, it is essential for victims to understand the legal implications of animal attacks and to hire a qualified attorney to help them navigate the complex legal system.

What authority does animal control have in California?

Animal control authority in California is granted to municipalities and counties to ensure the humane treatment of animals, maintain public safety, and protect the public from animal-related nuisances. Animal control officers in California have the authority to investigate suspected animal cruelty, enforce laws related to public health, apprehend strays, enforce leash laws, and quarantine sick or injured animals. They can also investigate cases of animal neglect, respond to animal bites, and provide educational materials to pet owners. 

What is the average compensation for a dog bite in California? 

In California, home insurance providers paid out at least $120.7 million in dog-related damage claims, according to 2021. In California, a dog injury claim typically costs $59,561. A wide range of variables can significantly influence the eventual settlement amount in California dog bite cases. It suggests that your case’s conclusion could differ from the usual California dog bite settlement. Among the most important considerations are the extent and type of medical care required and the overall losses suffered by the victim.

Contact us to Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or a loved one been attacked and injured by an animal? One of our experienced personal injury lawyers at Ariel Law Group can help determine where liability lies and discuss what compensation might be available for your injuries. Our attorneys and staff speak English and Spanish for your convenience.

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