According to the concept of strict liability, if you or someone you care about experiences harm from a dog bite, the animal’s owner is responsible for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. Your personal injury attorney does not have to prove that the pet owner was negligent. Since these claims are complex, you should speak with an experienced Santa Clarita dog bite lawyer at Swift Justice, Inc., who could help you hold the owners responsible.

Dog Bite Law in California

Your Santa Clarita attorney could explain that in California, dog owners are liable for the damages their pets cause when they bite. The law protects you if you were in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the owner’s property, when the dog bit you.

The state does not ascribe to the “one-bite” rule, which protects dog owners if their pets have never attacked before. Therefore, the state could hold a dog owner legally liable even if their dog has never before shown signs of aggression or bitten anyone. However, the court could absolve the owner of liability for your losses if it determines that you provoked the dog into attacking.

What Happens When a Dog Attacks but Does Not Bite?

Strict liability only applies if a dog bites you, not if it attacks without biting.  However, even in the absence of a bite, a dog attack can do considerable harm. This is especially true when the victim is a child.

If a dog attacks and harms you without biting you, you may wish to bring a personal injury claim. With the support of our dog bite lawyer in Santa Clarita, you could seek compensation for covered losses on the basis of the dog owner’s negligence.

The Circumstances of the Attack

To pursue your claim, you would need to demonstrate the dog owner’s liability in the attack. For example, you would need to prove that the dog belongs to the person in question and establish that their dog was the animal that bit and injured you.

You would also need to show that you were legally on the property. This means that you may need to prove that you were not trespassing at the time the dog bit you.

If someone other than the dog’s owner was walking the dog at the time it attacked, the owner would still likely be held legally liable. If you suffered harm after being attacked by a dog, our skilled Santa Clarita attorney could examine the circumstances of your case and fight for maximum compensation.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can do very serious damage and are prone to infection. When dogs attack, they cause serious tears by ripping at the flesh with their powerful jaws,  and they may cause crushing in the affected area. These jagged injuries are slow to heal and are associated with significant scarring.

A dog can cause immense damage if it bites your hand, a common attack site. Additionally, when dogs attack children, they often bite their faces, which is extremely dangerous and can be permanently disfiguring. A compassionate Santa Clarita lawyer could help you navigate the legal process as you recover from your dog bite injuries.

Protect Your Right to Compensation

While your dog bite claim will be unique to you, there are several steps that everyone in your situation should take, including:

  • Seek immediate medical care
  • Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions
  • Retain a seasoned Santa Clarita dog bite attorney early on
  • Allow your dedicated lawyer to skillfully negotiate on your behalf

You should also refrain from posting on social media while your claim is pending, as insurance companies watch for information that may compromise your claim.

Call an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney in Santa Clarita

Our Santa Clarita dog bite lawyer at Swift Justice, Inc. understands how devastating dog attacks can be. We are committed to advocating for a settlement that covers your complete losses. Contact us online or call us today to learn more.

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