Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
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Rich Barnes
President
A dog attack can leave long-lasting emotional and physical scars. You may feel unsafe visiting friends, walking around your neighborhood, or even leaving your home. A California Department of Health study revealed that boys under 10 are the most frequent dog bite victims, followed by older adults. Children often suffer dog bite injuries to the head, face, and neck, and they account for 70 percent of dog bite fatalities worldwide, according to the World Animal Foundation.
Arthritis, frailty, and other conditions make it difficult for senior citizens to escape dog attacks, and they are more easily injured. However, an animal attack can cause serious injuries to people of all ages.
California dog bite victims are often unaware of their rights. Our experienced San Diego dog bite lawyers have over 500 years of combined experience, and we can advise you of your legal options and help you pursue compensation. If you or a loved one was injured in a dog attack, contact us online today or call (800) 800-0000 to schedule a free consultation.
An animal attack can leave you with permanent scars, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mounting medical bills. You may be unable to go to work or enjoy life as you did before the attack. You deserve compensation for these impacts.
We are an experienced dog bite law firm in San Diego with locations throughout California and an unparalleled record of success. When you choose us, you receive personalized service and 24/7 support. Unlike many firms that pass clients off to a clerk or paralegal, you will have direct contact with your attorney.
Our legal team thoroughly knows California dog bite laws and San Diego city ordinances, so we are ready to help you get the best result possible.
Attorney Allen Oghassabian is a San Diego native who earned his undergraduate and law degrees in San Diego. Attorney Richard Mackie grew up in California and attended law school in San Diego.
Our attorneys have strong relationships with local judges, lawyers, and insurance companies so that we can handle your case efficiently. We offer free consultations and charge no fees unless you get paid.
Our San Diego dog and animal bite attorneys can handle your legal details while you focus on recovery. Our attorneys will work around the clock to do the following:
We are dedicated to giving our clients a voice and presence in and out of the courtroom. You can trust that your case is in good hands at The Barnes Firm.
You may be entitled to substantial economic and non-economic damages for your dog bite injuries. Economic damages are compensation for the monetary costs associated with the dog attack injuries, including:
Non-economic damages are compensation for the subjective costs of the injuries, such as the following:
The amount you recover will depend on the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical care, the degree of your pain and suffering, and the unique facts of your case. To ensure you get the best results possible, work with a reputable attorney who has experience handling San Diego dog bite cases. When you choose The Barnes Firm, you will have passion and experience on your side. All of our San Diego personal injury attorneys care about your outcome and are committed to obtaining the best result possible through relentless advocacy.
An animal attack can change your life forever, and San Diego dog owners are responsible for the harm their pets cause when they attack. Our experienced San Diego dog bite attorneys are dedicated to helping you get the best results possible. We have recovered over $2.5 billion in compensation for injured clients and are ready to fight just as hard for you.
The initial consultation is free, and we charge no fees unless you get paid. Contact us online or call (800) 800-0000 now for a free consultation.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000You generally have up to two years after the incident to file a dog bite lawsuit under the California personal injury statute of limitations. However, you should contact a dog bite lawyer in San Diego County as soon as possible. Your attorney will need time to investigate and build your case. The insurance company will know if you are up against a deadline, which can work against you.
Once the statute of limitations passes, you usually lose your opportunity to seek justice. You can only sue after the statute of limitations expires in very limited circumstances, such as in cases involving minors or legal disability.
If you wait too long to contact an attorney, you could hurt your case even if the statute of limitations has not expired. The most important evidence may only be available for a short time. Video footage may be erased, eyewitnesses may become unavailable or forget important details, and forensic data could fade. Don’t wait to contact an attorney at The Barnes Firm. We are always available to take your call, even after hours and on weekends.
Dog bite cases commonly involve dogs and owners the victim knows, and we have decades of experience handling such scenarios. We can often start with a homeowner’s insurance claim. We will also search for other insurance policies belonging to you or the responsible party, such as umbrella or other insurance policies.
If the insurance companies fail to cooperate, we may be able to get you and the owner into the same room and mediate an agreement. Unfortunately, a lawsuit may be necessary if the responsible party and their insurer refuse to pay fair compensation. We understand how sensitive such a circumstance is and know what it takes to alleviate tension. We will advise you on how we think you should proceed, but it is always your decision whether to sue or accept a settlement.
ake immediate action to protect your health and your legal claim, including the following:
You may still be entitled to compensation. California’s pure comparative negligence laws allow you to recover compensation if you are less than 100 percent at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault. For example, if you were 40 percent at fault and your damages were $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $60,000.
It is easy to blame yourself for a dog attack, especially if you knew the dog. However, if you didn’t knowingly provoke the dog or trespass, you likely are not at fault. Never admit fault to the responsible party or their representatives. Our attorneys can investigate the incident and determine whether you were really at fault.
We are always available to discuss your case. Give us a call at (800) 800-0000.
Fill out our form and we will contact you shortly to discuss your case
Our attorneys will come to your home, office or hospital at your convenience.
We are available anytime, including after hours and
weekends.
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