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Dog Bite Victims Injury Lawyer in Oceanside/Carlsbad
Dog Bite Injury Attorney
Zealously Fighting for the Recovery of Dog Bite Victims — Oceanside/Carlsbad Dog Bite Lawyer
When a dog attacks a person, the incident always leaves a mark. Injury goes beyond the puncture wound; dog attack victims often suffer psychological and emotional effects. No matter the age, size, or physical build of the victim, a dog attack is traumatic and can often lead to intense and long lasting anxiety.
Each day, over 1,000 U.S. citizens require emergency care treatment for dog attack injuries. California is home to more dog bite injuries and fatalities a year than any other state. Postal worker and mail carrier attacks are shockingly common in the state, with hundreds occurring yearly. Overall, State Farm Insurance Company reports that over 500 dog bite claims originated out of California and the payout on these claims exceeded $20 million.
Dog bite attack victims require the assistance of a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney who will champion their rights and ensure maximum recovery. At Skolnick Law Group our seasoned dog bite injury lawyer devotes her career to seeing accident victims obtain justice. At Skolnick Law Group, Attorney Skolnick will guide you seamlessly through the legal process and provide investigation, research, negotiation, and oral advocacy of unmatched excellence.
All this means you need not just a personal injury lawyer to recognize all the damages involved, but one who is an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as well.
You Pay Nothing Unless Compensation is Recovered!
Common Injuries Associated with Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries vary greatly by victim, but are often significant. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Fractures
- Deep contusions
- Serious head and facial injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Deep scratches and lacerations
- Limb loss
- Infection
- Long-term scarring
- Lasting emotional and psychological scars
- Contraction of diseases, such as tetanus or rabies
- Death
Most people are surprised to learn that the majority of bites involve dogs owned by family or friends. Sometimes, even dogs that have no history of aggressive behavior or biting can attack, resulting in injury. Sadly, thousands of dog bite victims each year are young children, who can provoke dogs unwittingly with their small size, fast movements, and sometimes less than gentle touch. Child victims are often among the most impacted by a bite, both physically and emotionally.
Dog Bites and Strict Liability in California
Under California law, as set out in Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets, regardless of the dog’s prior history for viciousness, and regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s history. The dog owner is liable for any injury suffered by a person who is bitten by their dog, whether on private or public property.
The only exceptions to strict liability will be when the dog attack was provoked by cruelty towards the animal or when the dog bites an individual who is trespassing or committing another crime on the owner’s property.
Strict liability generally transfers to financial liability as well. Dog owners can be held financially liable for the damages sustained to the attack victim and may also face citations or other penalties. Additionally, several cases have resulted in a finding of liability of the property owner who allows a tenant to house a dangerous dog on the premises.
Some possible damages a dog bite victim may be entitled to include:
- Medical bills, including emergency room visits, ambulance or helicopter transportation, and other first aid
- Future medical treatments, including treatment for any scars or broken bones, plastic surgery, and possible physical therapy
- Loss of earnings
- Psychological counseling for the emotional impact of the bite, including a fear of dogs, fear of being outdoors, PTSD, generalized anxiety, and dealing with physical issues or disfigurements stemming from the bite
- Damaged personal property, including torn clothing, broken glass, damage to vehicles, etc.
- Medications
- Pain and suffering
- Future disability
With the help of a knowledgeable dog bite injury attorney, the victims of dog attacks can obtain a cash recovery or financial judgment to cover all of these tremendous expenses that could otherwise have serious negative repercussions on the victim’s finances. Do not be spend years struggling to pay off medical bills or coping with permanent loss of income when you are entitled to compensation—retain the assistance of a skilled dog bite accident lawyers early on.
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OUR RESULTS
Russell S. Kohn and Suzanne Skolnick Attorneys Kohn and Skolnick represented a 60-year-old man in an under insured motorist claim against Farmers. After reduction for the worker’s compensation benefits and the third party recovery, Judge Hoffman’s net award totaled $520,000.
Our Recent WinsHomeowners Insurance and Dog Attacks
Homeowners’ insurance policies generally cover dog attacks. Most policies will provide between $100,000 and $300,000 in liability coverage. Over 33% of all homeowners insurance claims are based on dog bite injuries. If the dog owner lacks insurance or is a renter, the victim can still attempt to hold the owner liable for allowing a dangerous dog to live on the premises.
Several insurance carriers have begun to exclude certain breeds of dogs from their insurance coverage. Bites by so-called “dangerous breeds” like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Wolf Hybrids, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinchers may not be covered under homeowners’ insurance policies. You can still pursue an action against the dog owner, however, through a personal injury suit.
Contact the Skolnick Law Group Now for Superior Personal Injury Representation!
If you or someone you know has been injured in dog attack in California, it is crucial that you hire an attorney experienced in handling these types of cases. At the Skolnick Law Group, our Oceanside/Carlsbad dog bite injury lawyer will fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. Attorney Skolnick will also take the time necessary to answer all of your questions, guide you through the legal process, and assist you in making informed decisions about your case. Our seasoned personal injury lawyer serves clients in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Vista, San Marcos and throughout North County San Diego. To learn more about the firm’s comprehensive legal services, contact us at (760) 585-7092, or, feel free to visit us online to schedule your free and completely confidential initial consultation. We have evening and weekend appointments available, and will also visit you at home in the event you can’t come to us. For the personal attention and aggressive representation you need, contact us today.
