Have you been the victim of a serious dog bite in Orange County? Our law firm has over four decades in personal injury and our lawyers have won hundreds of millions for our clients throughout Orange County California.
If you are seeking compensation for an injury, be sure to consult a qualified dog bite attorney before you talk to the at-fault party or insurance companies. We can help determine how much compensation you are entitled to, including time lost on the job, medical bills, and emotional damages. For immediate assistance, call us at 949-203-3814 for a free, no-hassle, confidential consultation with an experienced Orange County Dog Bite Lawyer.
Orange County Dog Bite Resources
Negligence in a California Dog Bite Case
Liability in a personal injury case involving a dog or other animal may also be based on negligence or negligence per se. If it is shown that a dog is not properly restrained or that the owner has knowledge of the animal’s violent tendencies, the owner can be held liable for damages.
The State of California permits a person to recover damages for canine-inflicted injuries based on the negligence doctrine. To prove negligence, the plaintiff must show that: (a) the defendant owned or had responsibility for the dog and (b) he is negligent in failing to control it or failing to warn of its violent propensities.
Compensation Based on Negligence
A dog bite victim may be entitled to receive monetary compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Depending on the circumstances of the case, punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant acted with malice, fraud, or oppression.
In California, compensatory damages are typically determined using the multiplier method, where the total amount of special damages is multiplied by a number between 1.5 and 5.
Additionally, victims may be entitled to receive compensation from the dog’s owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy.
Some of Our Dog Bite Case Results
Bisnar Chase represents a variety of personal injury clients. From serious dog bite cases to catastrophic injuries due to a defective product; our attorneys have a vast knowledge of California injury laws and will fight to the end for our client’s right to fair compensation.
- $3,000,000.00
- $1,478,819.00
- $1,050,000.00
- $1,000,000.00
- $900,000.00
- $600,000.00
- $565,000.00
Why Dogs Attack
You are required by law to report any animal bites or attacks. Here in Orange County, on average 3 to 5 dog bites are legally reported every day, not to mention all of the incidents that are not reported. While some believe only specific types of dog breeds are dangerous biters, every dog is a risk, even with no prior history of aggressive behavior.
The majority of cases Orange County Dog Bite Attorneys deal with are involving dogs that have never shown any aggression prior to the bite incident.
Some key factors to consider before stereotyping breeds – reasons for dog attack situations can result from any of the following:
- Reaction to a stressful situation
- Scared or threatened
- Protecting themselves, their puppies, or their owner
- Startled or not feeling well
- Over-excitement, especially during rough play
Nationwide Dog Bite Fatalities
Out of a total of 78 million dogs throughout the nation, 4.5 million dog bites were recorded last year, with 41 U.S. fatalities.
All breeds have the capability to bite or attack at random or as a result of a specific situation. Statistic information reports these breeds to be accountable for last years annual report:
- Pit bulls contributed to 71 percent of these deaths, with 22 of the 41 deaths recorded
- Labradors made up 3 of the 41 deaths
- Rottweilers, American Bulldogs, Belgian Malinois, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepards, and mixed breeds each contributed to 2 deaths per breed
These fatalities included:
- 31 percent were infants ages 3-6 days old
- 42 percent or 13 of the deaths were children 9 years and younger
- 58 percent or 18 of the deaths were adults ages 30 and older
Danger for Postal Carriers in California
Southern California is a hotbed for dog attacks on postal carriers. Los Angeles to San Diego ranks top 4 for reported postal carrier dog bites.
Dogs are protective and may view letter carriers as a threat. Statistics show that one California city had 58 attacks in a single study year, trailing behind only Houston with 77. Fifty-one cities make up the top 30 rankings. See the national statistic report for postal carrier-related dog bites here.
To find additional help or to report a dog attack, contact Orange County Animal Control.
Having a Solid Legal Dog Bite Case
- The defendant owned the dog
- The dog bit the plaintiff
- The plaintiff was lawfully on the premises where the bite or attack took place
- The dog bite caused the plaintiff injuries
Once these prerequisites are met, further action can be taken. A skilled dog bite lawyer can put all the facts of the case together to attain fair compensation for you. We have had dog bite cases where the at-fault party (or their insurance company) offered a few thousand dollars but through our pre-litigation negotiations, we were able to collect much more for our clients.
Preserving Evidence in Your California Dog Bite Claim
The most important aspect of prosecuting a California dog attack case is to secure evidence as quickly as possible. We have our investigator on the scene, usually within an hour of notification, to gather and preserve evidence.
The best evidence to gather is to obtain the identity of the dog and its owner, photographs of the dog, the identity of witnesses, witness statements, and photographs of the injuries and location of the attack.
It is important to collect and preserve evidence to prove the defendant’s negligence or carelessness and the extent of your damages. Additionally, you should keep a written log of all expenses related to the injury and a diary of how the injury has impacted your daily activities and overall life, including any mental issues because of the attack.
Dob Bite - Who's at Fault?
In a dog bite case, the owner is usually the first person to be held responsible for the damages. Dog owners have a certain level of responsibility when they decide to take ownership of a dog, and if they do not adhere to this standard, they can be held accountable for their failure.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, other parties may also be liable for a dog bite, such as a landlord who has knowledge of a tenant’s dangerous dog but fails to take action. In some cases, there may be shared liability among multiple parties.
To determine who is at fault for a dog bite case, an experienced dog bite lawyer will need to review the facts of the case and the applicable laws of the state where the bite occurred.
California Ranks Top for Canine Attacks
It may surprise you that California is ranked first in the nation in fatal dog attacks. Insurers nationwide pay out over $1 billion in claims related to animal bites annually. One-third of the money paid out through homeowners’ liability claims are related to dog attacks.
At Bisnar Chase, our Orange County dog bite lawyers handle numerous California dog bite cases each year. We can use our knowledge and experience to represent you and achieve great results. In our experience, the most dangerous month for dog attacks is August. The days are long, it’s been hot for months, the gardeners are coming and going and children are generally home from school; a dangerous combination.
Contact an Orange County Dog Bite Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite or animal attack, our team of highly skilled Orange County Dog Bite Attorneys at Bisnar Chase for a Free Consultation. We will use our experience, knowledge and resources to achieve the best possible results for you and your family. Hire an attorney with a long history of pursuing dog attack cases in California. You don’t pay anything until we win your case.
