Compassionate Legal Help for Victims of Animal Attacks
An animal attack is a terrifying experience that can happen in an instant, often leaving victims with severe physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma. Whether you were jogging in a park, delivering a package, or visiting a neighbor, you have the right to feel safe. When a pet owner fails to control their animal, they must be held accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured, you need an animal attack attorney who understands the complexities of California law. We provide aggressive representation to ensure you receive the medical care and financial compensation you deserve.
Understanding Your Rights: California’s Dog Bite Laws
One of the most common misconceptions victims have is that a dog owner is only liable if the dog has bitten someone before. This is known as the "one-bite rule", and it applies in many other states. However, California does not follow this rule.
Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are held to a standard of strict liability. This means that a dog owner is liable for the damages suffered by any person bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place. It does not matter if the owner did not know the dog was aggressive or if the dog had never attacked anyone before.
As your Pasadena dog bite lawyer, we use this statute to cut through the excuses and establish clear liability for your injuries.
We Handle All Types of Animal Attack Injuries
Animal attacks can result in catastrophic injuries that require expensive, long-term medical treatment. We have extensive experience representing clients suffering from:
- Lacerations and puncture wounds: Deep wounds that often require stitches and can lead to nerve damage.
- Infections: Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, including tetanus and rabies, requiring immediate medical intervention.
- Fractures and broken bones: Large animals can crush bones or knock victims to the ground, causing fractures.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Many attacks involve the face or hands, requiring reconstructive surgery.
- Psychological trauma: The emotional impact of an attack can lead to PTSD, anxiety, and a lifelong fear of dogs.
Investigating Your Claim
To secure the maximum settlement, an animal attack attorney in Pasadena must conduct a thorough investigation. We go beyond the police report to build a watertight case. Our process includes:
- Reviewing leash laws: We check if the owner violated local ordinances, such as failing to keep the dog on a leash in public spaces.
- Examining containment: We investigate if the owner failed to adequately confine the animal within their yard or if a fence was dilapidated.
- Gathering history: We look for evidence of past aggression or negligence by the owner.
- Consulting experts: We work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries and future care needs.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
As a dedicated dog bite injury lawyer in Pasadena, our goal is to ensure you are not left with the financial burden of someone else's negligence. We fight to recover comprehensive damages, including:
- Medical bills: Coverage for emergency room visits, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy.
- Future medical costs: Compensation for necessary future treatments, such as plastic surgery for scarring or counseling for emotional trauma.
- Lost income: Reimbursement for wages lost while you were recovering and unable to work.
- Pain and suffering: Financial compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack.
