Have you or a loved one recently suffered a dog bite in Santa Ana, California? State law holds dog owners liable for injuries their pets cause, but getting them to pay you fairly could prove challenging. The insurance company might argue you provoked the attack or that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim they are, putting your well-being and future at risk.
Fortunately, you don’t have to face the painful consequences of a dog bite alone. Instead, get help from the team at DJA Injury Lawyers. We are dedicated to helping injured Santa Ana residents get the compensation they need to put their lives back together, and we’re prepared to do everything we can to secure the money you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (949) 229-7228 or filling out our online form, and a Santa Ana dog bite lawyer will answer your questions in detail.
Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Santa Ana
Dogs are a beloved part of many people’s families, but even the best-behaved pet can become aggressive under certain circumstances. When this happens, victims may be left with severe injuries, including:
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Soft-tissue sprains, strains, and tears
- Fractured bones
- Nerve damage
- Infections, including rabies
Moreover, the traumatic experience of being attacked by a dog can lead to mental health conditions. Victims are often left with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), agoraphobia, and a fear of dogs.
Many states follow what’s called the one-bite rule, a term that means a dog owner is only liable for injuries their pet causes if they know that the dog has aggressive tendencies. California is not one of these states. Instead, California has a statutory law in place that holds dog owners liable when their animals bite someone who’s in a public space or lawfully in a private place, including the owner’s home. The law explicitly states that the owner is liable whether or not the dog has shown past signs of aggressiveness.
In other words, if you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog, that person likely owes you compensation for what you’ve suffered. This could include money for your:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, pharmaceutical drugs, rehab, and mental health therapy
- Wages you’ve lost while unable to work, as well as diminished income if your injuries affect your career path
- Personal property damaged in the attack
- Pain and suffering, accounting for the physical and emotional discomfort of the attack and resulting injuries
- Scarring, disfigurement, and consequent reduced quality of life
The compensation you could receive will likely come from the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy. Ideally, all you would need to do is show the insurer that their policyholder’s pet bit you, establish the cost of the harm you suffered as a result, and cash the check the insurance company gives you. Unfortunately, things aren’t likely to be that simple.
Insurance companies are businesses—businesses that make their profits by collecting more in premiums than they pay out in claims. As such, they have a financial incentive to dispute your claim, deny coverage, or pay you less than you deserve. Fight back with the help of DJA Injury Lawyers. Our Santa Ana dog bite attorneys can:
- Investigate the attack and gather crucial evidence to support your claim
- Work with medical and economic experts to understand how much your injuries have cost you, both financially and emotionally
- Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Negotiate aggressively for a settlement that pays you fairly without the need to go to court
- Litigate your case at trial if the insurance company refuses to make you a fair offer
While we do all this on your behalf, you can focus instead on what’s most important: resting and recovering from your injuries. You won’t have to worry about the cost of our legal services, either, as we won’t charge you a fee unless we win your case. That way, the risk is entirely on us—that’s how confident we are in our skills.
Dog Bite Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that every year, around 850,000 people nationally seek some sort of medical treatment because of dog bite injuries. CBS reports that a record number of people sought emergency treatment for dog bites in California in 2022. That year, 48,596 people went to the ER with dog bite injuries, a 12 percent increase over the previous year.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bites
Do you have questions about dog bite cases in Santa Ana? DJA Injury Lawyers has answers. Check out the FAQs below to learn more.
Will I have to sue my friend or family member to get compensation?
Many dog bite victims are friends or family members of the dog’s owner, and they understandably worry about having to take a loved one to court. Fortunately, homeowners or renters insurance typically covers dog bites, which means you can get compensation by filing a claim against their policy. While your friend or family member’s insurance premiums might go up slightly, they won’t have to pay for your injuries out of their own pocket.
What if the dog attacked me, but did not bite me?
California’s statutory dog bite law applies only to bites, not attacks. In other words, it does not apply to injuries a dog causes by knocking someone to the ground or chasing them. However, you could still recover compensation if you can show that your injuries resulted from the owner’s negligent handling of their animal. A Santa Ana dog attack lawyer with DJA Injury Lawyers can review your case and advise you on your options.
How long do I have to file my dog bite claim in Santa Ana?
Under most circumstances, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to take legal action against the at-fault parties. If you file late, the court will likely dismiss your case as untimely. Don’t put your rights at risk—get in touch with an attorney today.
Contact Our Santa Ana Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Today
At DJA Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to helping Orange County residents who’ve suffered dog bite injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Santa Ana dog bite lawyer, and let us demand the money you need to rebuild your life.