Fremont Dog Bite Lawyer
Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fremont’s team of dog bite lawyers are here for you and your family after your life has been affected by a dog attack. We understand how quickly a severe dog bite can affect everything you do in life, from your health to your daily activities. For a no-obligation consultation and to find out what options you have, contact us today.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite Accident?
Handling a dog bite situation might be one of the most difficult things that you have ever been through. As you make the decision to move forward with a personal injury claim, you may wonder if you need the help of an attorney on your side. If you have sustained minor injuries in your accident, you may be able to handle your claim on your own.
However, many dog bite incidents in Fremont involve catastrophic and traumatic injuries and emotional damage. There may even be questions concerning liability if the dog bite incident happened at a park or another place where you were legally permitted to be. An experienced lawyer will be able to help you in the midst of your claim. Some of the things we can do for you include:
- Investigate what caused your accident
- Explain all legal options that are available to you
- Gather crucial evidence and determine who is liable for your accident
- Provide you with medical experts
- Assist you through the claims process, including meeting deadlines
Who is Responsible for a Dog Bite Attack in Fremont?
In the state of California, strict liability applies to dog bite cases. In fact, Section 3342 of the California Civil Code, states that:
- Dog owners are liable for the injuries and damages that their dog cause. This applies even in cases when an owner was unaware that their dog acts in an aggressive manner.
The only exceptions that exist are if you, as the victim, were trespassing or provoked the dog at the time of the accident. In any other situation, the owner of the dog that bit you will be responsible for any of the damages you have suffered from.
What Injuries Result from Dog Bites?
Dogs attack with their sharp teeth and tend to target an individual’s face, hands, arms, and legs. Some of the most common types of injuries that result from dog bite attacks include the following:
- Facial injuries and disfigurement
- Nerve damage to the area
- Infection from the bite wound
- Loss of eyes or limbs
- Brain trauma if you were pushed down
- Permanent scarring
- Soft tissue damage
- Broken bones
The injuries that stem from a dog bite attack can be permanently damaging, as well as causing immense emotional damage. In some cases, the injuries that stem from these accidents can be permanent or even cause a person to tragically lose their life. Seeking immediate medical attention after a dog bite is one of the best things that you can do for your health and well-being, especially if you choose to move forward with a personal injury claim in the future.
How Does the Legal Process Work After a Dog Bite Incident?
After you have been hurt in a dog bite attack, you will have to decide how you want to move forward with a claim. You may choose to file an insurance claim against the dog’s owner or file a personal injury lawsuit. From there, the following steps will take place:
- You will file your claim with the help of your attorney.
- The insurance company will start to investigate the circumstances of the accident.
- Both sides will provide their evidence and present their claims.
- The insurance company will offer you a settlement.
In some cases, the settlement offer may be too low and will not cover all of your needs financially. In these cases, you may have no choice but to file a personal injury lawsuit for your damages. Speaking with an attorney will ensure that you take the best course of action for your case.
What Damages Are Available After You Suffered Injuries in a Fremont Dog Attack?
A dog bite can affect you on physical, emotional, and financial levels. Because of this, there may be a variety of damages that may be available for you in a claim.
Some of the damages you may find that you are eligible for include:
- Medical expenses and bills that you may incur in the future
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and future loss of earnings
- Pain and suffering damages
- Property damage related to the bite
- Punitive damages if gross negligence was involved
- Wrongful death damages if a victim tragically lost their life
Your dog bite accident claim is subject to California’s statute of limitations. This means that you have two years from the date of the incident to file your claim. If you fail to meet these deadlines, you could forfeit all opportunities for financial compensation. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident can offer you the protections that you need during these challenging times.
Contact a Fremont CA Dog Bite Lawyer Today for More Information
When you have suffered serious trauma due to a dog bite incident, you should never have to face your claim alone. Speaking with a Fremont CA dog bite lawyer can ensure that your rights are being protected as you navigate the legal system. The insurance company might try to pin the blame on you and try to avoid paying you the settlement needed to move forward. We are here to provide you with the resources you need. Please contact our dog bite accident lawyers serving victims of Alameda County for a free case consultation.