Modesto Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are beloved in our culture and so trusted that we allow them to live in our homes with our families. It is easy to forget that dogs have the natural tools needed to inflict serious damage on humans. Dog attacks can be terrifying and result in tremendous injuries and medical bills. 

Of course, most dogs will never bite a human, but if they do, their owner can be liable. If you are a victim of a dog attack, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. A Modesto dog bite lawyer can help you make sure the owner is accountable for their pets’ actions.  

At J&Y Law, we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured victims like you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how our Modesto personal injury lawyers will fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Do You Have to Sue the Owner for a Dog Bite?

In many cases, a lawsuit over a dog bite is not necessary. However, it is still smart to speak with a lawyer after your injury. The dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy covers expenses for dog bites. Some insurance companies require separate policies to cover dog bites. 

You don’t want to deal with insurance companies alone. Consult a lawyer to ensure you are treated fairly. In some situations, they may offer settlements that are lower than what you need. A Modesto dog bite attorney can help you get the compensation you really deserve.

While homeowners’ policies have limits, they may be enough to cover your expenses. If not, you may need to file a civil suit. An attorney’s experience and knowledge are essential here. We can help walk you through the process and represent you in court.

Who Is Liable When a Dog Bites?

We will investigate the attack and discover who is liable. California dog owners are responsible for their pets, and when a dog bites someone, liability often falls on the owner. In some situations, additional liable parties could also be involved. 

A dog walker who fails to control an animal could be liable if the dog bites someone. A landlord who knows a dangerous dog is living on the premises but does nothing to warn people or prevent an attack is another example of a potential at-fault party. 

In some situations, the victim’s behavior may remove responsibility from the owner. Examples include a dog biting a person who was provoking or harming it or if the victim ignored warning signs and trespassed on the dog owner’s property.

How Much Is a Dog Bite Case Worth?

The compensation you can recover for a dog bite depends on the extent of your injuries and damages. Your dog bite lawyer in Modesto will assess your economic and non-economic damages to calculate maximum compensation. 

We can help you file the appropriate claims and paperwork and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. While every case is different, some of the damages we may attempt to recover could include: 

• The cost of doctors and specialist visits
• Expenses associated with procedures such as stitches
• The cost of medications required due to the dog bite
• Physical and occupational therapy bills
• Lost wages due to your inability to attend work
• Property damage
• Project medical costs such as future surgeries, medications, and therapy

You may also be able to recover non-economic damages for things like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress. Dog attacks can be traumatic events, and you may feel fear and anxiety for months or years afterward. 

Do You Have to Report Dog Bites?

In California, you must report all bites by animals with the potential to have rabies to the local health officer, as per 17 California Code of Regulations § 2606. Rabies vaccinations are required by law in California, and most dogs should be safe, but verification is necessary.

It is also a good idea to report dog attacks to the police, especially if the dog appears to be overly aggressive or trained to attack people. The police can intervene and prevent other people from being bitten by the same dog. 

Taking the time to report the attack to the police can help you if it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit. Later, when it is time for your attorney to investigate your case, a police report can help piece together the events of the attack and establish liability.

What if a Stray Dog Bites You?

If you are bitten by a dog that does not appear to have an owner, you may need to rely on your health insurance to pay your medical bills. It is important to seek medical attention, not only to have your injuries treated but also due to concerns about rabies. 

Without an owner or other party responsible for the dog, there is no way to seek compensation. However, it is still a good idea to report the attack to the police. They may search for the dog, and your report could stop another attack. 

Of course, you will need to report the attack to the local health officer. Taking photos of the dog may help the police and health department identify it later.

Get Help From a Modesto Dog Bite Attorney

Even good dogs may lash out at times when they feel scared or threatened in the presence of a stranger. Responsible pet owners take the proper steps to make sure their pets are protected from people and that people are protected from their pets. 

When dog owners are negligent or when they train their dogs to behave in dangerous ways, they are liable for the damages caused by their pets. If a dog has bitten you, our Modesto dog bite attorneys can help you get the compensation you need to recover. 

At J&Y Law, our team has fought for injured accident victims since 2010, and we are ready to advocate for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.