The Tustin Dog Bite Lawyers of Bisnar Chase understand that an animal attack can be physically and psychologically traumatizing. We believe you should be fairly compensated for the emotional and catastrophic injuries you have experienced from a dog bite.
For 45 years, our personal injury lawyers have been helping clients who have endured pain and suffering recover over $800 Million dollars in settlements. If you or someone you know is seeking compensation for damages from being bitten by a canine, call 949-203-3814 for a free consultation and to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney
Tustin Canine Resources
Dog Bite Statute of Limitations in California
The California statute of limitations for dog attacks protects the victim by requiring that the lawsuit be filed within two years from the date of the incident. This ensures that evidence is still fresh and that potential defendants are not waiting too long for their cases to be heard.
It also prevents victims from missing the deadline and having their claims dismissed. If you have not expired the statute of limitations for a dog bite, contact us to speak with one of our dog bite attorneys in Tustin. We work on a contingency fee structure, and there is no cost if we don’t win.
What's the Average Settlement For a Dog Bite in California?
The average settlement for a canine bite in California is $51,264.60, with 2,396 reported insurance claims. This cost figure means that California paid over $122 million in damages on behalf of the victims.
(Source: State Farm and the Insurance Information Institute.)
Hiring just any attorney is not a good strategy. You need a lawyer specializing in animal and canine attacks to maximize your compensation by finding winning areas of your case and exposing them to defeat the insurance company and defense.
Our law firm has worked on dog bite injury claims for over 45 years and has a 99% success rate winning our cases. Reach out and let our dog attack attorney review your injury claim to see if we can help you.
Can I Get Compensation for a Dog Bite?
Yes. Dog bite victims who suffer severe injuries must undergo months of treatment, including procedures such as cosmetic surgery. Even with such advanced treatments, they may be left with permanent scars or disfigurement. The injured party not only faces a painful healing process but dog bite victims also face hefty medical bills.
The California Dog Bite Law states: “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person the dog bites.“
Below are possible damages you may be entitled to as a dog bite victim:
- Plastic surgery
- Dental reconstruction
- Psychiatric or psychological treatment
- Physical therapy
- Past and future hospital or medical costs
Reporting a Dog Bite in Tustin, CA.
To report a dog bite in Tustin, California, you should contact Animal Care at (714) 796-6421 or fill out a dog bite report form and fax or email it to (714) 259-1089 or [email protected] respectively.
Here is the bite reporting form.
You should also obtain medical treatment for any injuries, even if they seem minor, and remember that medical providers have a legal duty to report dog bites if they treat them. If the incident occurred outside regular business hours, contact Orange County Animal Services at (714) 259-1122.
Dog Bites Can Carry Rabies
Dog bites can carry a serious risk of transmitting rabies. Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system and is fatal in humans if left untreated. While rabies is rare in the United States, it is still essential to take precautions when dealing with dogs, cats, and other animals that may carry the virus.
Symptoms of rabies include confusion, fever, and restlessness, and can progress to seizures, paralysis, and death.
Vaccines are available to protect both humans and animals from rabies. To prevent exposure, avoid contact with unknown animals, and stay informed about rabies exposure in your area.
Children Suffering from Dog Bites
As a parent watching your child undergo a serious injury can be difficult and can invoke a feeling of helplessness. Before seeking out legal representation for your little one, there are actions you can take beforehand to make the process much easier.
3 steps to follow if your child has been bitten by a dog:
1. Exchange information with the owner: After you have sought out immediate medical attention and your child is being examined by a doctor, trading information with the owner of the dog is vital. The reason is that you need to inquire if the canine has the necessary shots for illnesses such as rabies. The sooner you know this information the quicker you will be able to notify a medical professional.
2. Gather evidence: Putting together a portfolio of eyewitness reports and photos would be very beneficial for your child’s dog bite case. The more physical evidence you can provide to your attorney, the better your chances will be of gaining compensation.
3. Hire a dog bite lawyer: After you have collected ample evidence for your suit finding legal representation for your child is vital. An experienced Tustin dog bite attorney can inform you of your rights and can give you an estimate of the amount you will gain in a court of law.
Does a Dog Have to be Put Down if it Bites Someone in California?
If your dog was the culprit in an attack, euthanization depends on the severity of the attack and also if the dog has had a previous dog bite incident. As the owner of the canine, you have to understand that you are 100% liable for the injuries that the victim has endured.
Although there are many factors that can invoke dog aggression a prominent cause can be a rabies infection. By law, a dog must a have a rabies vaccination. If the dog is not vaccinated this is a violation of the California Penal Code § 398, but because your dog is considered your property you can opt out of them having a rabies shot. If you do not provide your dog with a rabies vaccination though and they bite someone, depending on the state you live in your pet can be euthanized.
What is Considered a Serious Dog Bite?
When evaluating the severity of a dog bite, animal and medical professionals have categorized the wounds in six dog bite levels. These positions are based on the behavior of the canine, the wound inflicted by the dog and also the medical attention that is needed for the injuries.
6 types of dog bite wounds:
- Grade 1: The dog exhibits hostile behavior, usually frightening an animal or human.
- Grade 2: A human or animal has been bitten by a dog, but the skin did not suffer tears.
- Grade 3: People who have experienced a level 3 bite display teeth bites from the dog; the wound is no deeper than half of the dog tooth.
- Grade 4: At this stage, one to four injuries have been accounted for, resulting in bleeding and bruising. The dog often jerks its head from each side to apply the wound.
- Grade 5: Multiple injuries and aggression can lead to the dog being euthanized at this level. The animal is seen as a threat and an extreme danger to people.
- Grade 6: Although it is uncommon, there are fatal dog attacks, this is known to be the most severe of dog attacks, and the animal is immediately euthanized.
Contact our canine attack lawyers in Tustin for a free case evaluation if you have questions about your dog bite claim.
How to Survive a Dog Attack
There are certain behaviors that may trigger or incline a dog to attack you. Do you run or do you fight the canine off? The following video will provide you with information on why dogs bite you and how you can you defend yourself.
Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers in Tustin
At Bisnar Chase, we have a long and successful track record of helping dog bite victims pursue fair and full compensation for their losses. We have also helped these victims hold negligent canine owners accountable.
Hiring a dog bite lawyer after being injured in a dog attack has numerous advantages. By consulting an experienced lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
We can help you receive the compensation you need to cover past and future medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. We also have the resources to investigate the incident, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take the case to court.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a dog bite attack, please call 949-203-3814 to speak to top-rated Tustin dog bite attorneys and find out how we can help you pursue your legal rights.
