Encino Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites can lead to serious and disfiguring injuries. They can also result in significant psychological damage. When you have been injured because of the actions (or inactions) of a negligent dog owner, you have the right to seek compensation for the harm you suffered.

Attorney Douglas Younglove is a trial lawyer with more than 35 years of experience. He heartily believes you should not have to pay for medical expenses and other unexpected costs brought on by an unprovoked dog bite. We want to help you secure the compensation necessary to pay for your treatment and cover your other expenses while you recover. Contact Younglove Law Firm at (602) 737-3333 to schedule a free case review with a knowledgeable Encino dog bite lawyer.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you, your child, or another loved one is ever bitten by a dog,  our Encino personal injury attorneys emphasize the importance of knowing what steps to take to protect the victim’s health and your rights. Here are some tips to follow after a dog bite:

  • Use first aid to sterilize the wound and dress it
  • Seek prompt medical attention
  • Get the dog owner’s information, including their insurance information
  • Request the dog’s vaccination record so your medical team will know whether they need to monitor you for rabies or other animal-contracted illnesses
  • Follow all of your doctor’s instructions
  • Report the dog attack to animal control
  • Take pictures of your injuries as they progress over time
  • Keep all original documentation of the attack and your associated losses

Also, seek legal advice and representation from an experienced Encino dog bite attorney.

California Dog Bite Laws

California follows a strict liability policy regarding dog bites. This means that the dog owner is liable for the damages you suffer, so long as you were lawfully on the property. You are considered lawfully on the property if you were invited into private property, were on public property, or were on the property to perform duties assigned by state or federal law or postal regulations. You do not have to prove negligence when strict liability applies.

If strict liability does not apply, you could still have a claim against the dog owner based on negligence. This would require showing that the dog owner knew or should have known the dog was vicious based on past contact and failed to take reasonable care to protect the dog bite.

Potential Compensation You Can Recover in a Dog Bite Claim

Dog bite victims in California are entitled to compensation for the damages they suffered, which may include:

  • Medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgical expenses, costs of reconstructive surgery, and counseling to deal with the emotional effect of the attack
  • Lost wages for income you lost while you sought medical treatment or were recovering from your injuries
  • Permanent disfigurement or scarring
  • Pain and suffering
  • Reduced quality of life

Many dog bite claims are filed with the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s liability insurance. Another option is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner.

An experienced Encino dog bite lawyer can review your case and explain the types of damages that are available. They can also answer your questions and guide you through the claim process. Contact Younglove Law Firm for help pursuing the full compensation to which you are entitled by calling us at (602) 737-3333.

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