Dog Bite Attorney Covina & West Covina

About 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, nearly 800,000 require medical care and most dog bite victims are children. Millions of people are bitten by dogs every year and in 2013, a reported 23 people died from dog bites. Over half were children, and many of these events occurred on the family’s property, and many others on neighbor’s properties, public and private property.

If a dog bit and injured you or a member of your family in Covina or West Covina, you have right to collect the maximum financial compensation for the damages you have suffered. Our dog bite attorney in West Covina has more than 20 years of experience helping dog bite victims.

Although Covina is about 20 Minutes away from The Paris Firm in Chino Hills, our injury team has handled cases from throughout Los Angeles County and the San Gabriel Valley. After our initial consultation at your place or ours, most of our communication can be done via phone and Email – but we’ll never leave your side.

The Paris Firm Wins $100,000 Settlement for Dog Bite Claim

Our client was at work when she was attacked by a dog which bit her arm so hard that it crushed the bone. After the insurance company purposely delayed, the case settled for the entire homeowners insurance policy the day after we destroyed the defendant in deposition.

Dog attacks can lead to a range of severe injuries and health complications that extend beyond immediate physical harm. These injuries often include:

• Puncture wounds: Deep lacerations that penetrate the skin, which can vary in severity depending on the size and strength of the dog.
• Infections: Dog bites pose a significant risk of infection, including rabies, which can be life-threatening. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent the spread of infection, which can complicate recovery.
• Scarring: Many dog bite victims are left with permanent scars, which can have both physical and emotional repercussions, impacting a person’s self-esteem and quality of life.
• Broken bones: In some cases, a dog’s powerful bite or the force of an attack can result in fractures, particularly in vulnerable areas such as the arms and legs.
• Loss of sight or hearing: Attacks can lead to serious injuries that result in sensory loss, significantly affecting an individual’s daily life and independence.
• Traumatic brain injury: Victims who are knocked down by a dog may sustain head injuries, which can lead to long-term cognitive impairment and other serious health issues.
• Psychological conditions: The emotional toll of a dog attack can be profound, with many victims developing psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression as a result of the traumatic experience.

Injuries from dog bites often occur on the face, arms, hands, and legs, areas that are particularly susceptible to damage during an attack. Severe dog bites may necessitate extensive medical interventions, including multiple surgeries, to repair the physical damage.

This can involve complex procedures such as reconstructive surgery or plastic surgery to restore function and appearance. The aftermath of a dog attack can significantly disrupt a victim’s life, leading to long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges that may require ongoing support and rehabilitation.

Dog Owners Are “strictly Liable” for Injuries Caused by Their Dog

In California, the legal framework robustly supports individuals who have suffered injuries from dog bites. The state enforces a strict liability policy, which means that dog owners are held accountable for any damages their dogs cause. This liability exists regardless of the owner’s knowledge about the dog’s temperament or history.

To establish a dog bite injury claim in California, three essential elements must be demonstrated:

1. The defendant was the owner of the dog in question.
2. The dog bit and caused injury to the victim.
3. The incident occurred while the victim was in a public space or legally present on private property.

Importantly, it is irrelevant whether the dog owner was aware of the dog’s potential danger, whether the dog had previously bitten anyone, or the breed of the dog involved in the incident. Under California law, both dog owners and individuals responsible for the dog’s care at the time of the attack are liable for damages resulting from the bite. This strict liability approach aims to protect victims and ensure that those affected by dog bites receive appropriate compensation for their injuries.

Do I Need an Attorney for My West Covina Dog Bite Claim?

If you or a family member has suffered a serious injury or wrongful death due to a dog attack in Covina, California, you have the right to obtain financial compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. Call The Paris Firm today at (909) 551-4040 and schedule a no obligation consultation. If there is no recovery there is no fee and there are no up-front out of pocket fees. Our firm advances costs on behalf of our clients.