Many people that are bitten by a neighbors dog or that of a friend are unsure of what are the proper steps for them to take in the aftermath. The first thing most people do, is get the proper medical care at the emergency room or urgent care to care for their wound. However, after receiving medical treatment, people are put in the awkward place of approaching the dog’s owner to discuss the liability for the dog bite.
California is a strict liability state, which means that absent very rare exceptions, if a dog bites you, the dog’s owner is automatically liable for your damages. What this means is, if you are bitten by a dog, the dog’s owner is responsible for your medical bills and treatment, and any pain and suffering that you may have sustained from the bite. If the dog owner is a home owner, most home insurance policies will provide coverage for dog bite injuries.
A skilled attorney can assist you in filing an insurance claim for your dog bite injuries, and help you to get the maximum compensation for your injuries. Many people are hesitant to wanting to file a claim against the dog owner, because the dog’s owner might be their neighbor, friend, or family. But in many cases, there is insurance coverage for these types of losses, so they will only be going for insurance money for their damages. Serious dog bites can require significant medical treatment such as scar revision therapy, physical therapy, and extensive hospital treatment. In these situations, it is very unfair to have the victim of the dog bite have to pay out of pocket to cover these expenses, when it is the dog owner’s liability.
At the Law Firm of Rivers J. Morrell, we are skilled attorneys with many years of experience dealing with dog bite cases. We have the experience to properly evaluate your claim and help you receive just compensation for your injuries and damages.
If you or anyone you know has been bitten by a neighbors dog or injured from a dog bite or attack, please contact the Law Firm of Rivers Morrell or call for a free consultation at (949)305-1400 to discuss your claims and injuries. We can help you get set up with the proper medical treatment, and help you with your insurance claims and any potential lawsuits that you may need to file.
