Legal Help for Injuries from Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

A dog bite or animal attack is terrifying.  It can be painful and traumatic, especially for children (the most common victims of dog attacks).

An animal attack can cause more than physical pain.  It also can cause emotional trauma and severe financial strain.  Dog attacks can result in huge medical bills and lost wages.

A dog bite or animal attack can leave a person scarred for life.  Most dog bites are to the face.  They can leave a person horribly mutilated.  Facial reconstruction surgery may be necessary -- and costly.

Dog bites and animal attacks are not the only way you can be injured. You may suffer a serious personal injury if:

• You are knocked down by a dog
• You are tripped by a dog

You also may have a dog bite lawsuit if your personal property was damaged or destroyed by a dog.

Dog Bites and The Law
In California the dog owner is almost always responsible for the actions of their dog – even if the injury was an accident or this was the dog’s first bite.

The dog owner can be held negligent for:

• Ineffective control of the dog
• Violation of the leash law and other Animal Control Ordinances
• Inadequate supervision or management of the dog
• Placing the dog in a situation that the owner could have seen could cause injury

Individual cities may have their own laws. For example, one city limits how many dogs you can walk at one time. A number of cities consider it a misdemeanor if your dog is tied to a parking meter, bench or sign without access to food and water.

There also may be special laws for specific breeds. For instance, in Santa Monica a pit bull is only allowed on public property if it is muzzled.

Beyond the Dog Owner
Depending upon the facts of your case, people other than the dog owner also may be held responsible for a dog bite. These could include:

• A landlord or other property owner
• A homeowner’s association or condominium board
• A property management company
• Whoever sold the dog to the owner

Liability in dog bite lawsuits can be complicated. That is why you need a dog bite attorney who knows the law and who can best represent you.

When Your Dog is Killed or Injured By Another Dog
If your dog is attacked by another dog, the owner of the attacking dog may be liable.

You may be eligible for damages for the loss of or injuries to your dog.

What Happens to the Dog
It is estimated that 75% of the dogs that bite are owned by a friend, neighbor, or family member.

Understandably, many dog bite victims are concerned about what will happen to the dog. They fear the dog will be “put to sleep.”

California has no “first bite” law. That means a dog is not given one “free” bite.

Whether the dog has a history of biting or viciousness will effect what happens to the dog.

The severity of the dog bite or dog attack also will be factored into the court’s decision as to what should happen to the dog. He will not necessarily be “put down.” Sometimes the court rules that the dog must be kept muzzled in public or restrained in a specific way.

The Cost of a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Olan Law takes dog bite lawsuits on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no fees or court costs until your dog bite lawsuit is resolved.

Time Limits to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit
You want to contact a dog bite attorney at Olan Law as soon as you are medically able.

There are statutes of limitation (deadlines) by which you must file your lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, then you are giving up your rights to ever file a dog bite lawsuit for the damages or losses you suffered.

The sooner you contact Olan Law, the better it is for your case. Your attorney will investigate the facts of the case, determining who is liable for your personal injuries.  He will interview witnesses before their memories of the animal attack fade. He also will obtain your records to ensure that evidence is not lost. 

Free Consultation with a Dog Bite Attorney
Contact David Olan at Olan Law for a free, no-obligation consultation.