Roseville Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are often wonderful companions and loyal protectors. Still, even a gentle dog is capable of delivering a damaging bite. In Roseville and all of California, if a dog bites someone, the dog’s owner can be held legally liable for compensating victims. 

If you are a dog bite victim, you may not know what damages you are entitled to or how to go about collecting them. This is where a Roseville personal injury lawyer from Triumph Law can help. When you connect with a Roseville dog bite lawyer from our team, you do not have to concern yourself with anything other than healing. Your attorney will take care of all legalities and the fight to secure a settlement.

California’s Dog Bite Laws

California follows “strict liability” for dog bites. Some states operate under a “one bite” rule. Under this system, to collect a settlement victims have to prove dog owners knew the dog had aggressive tendencies because they had bitten someone before.

Strict liability laws do not allow for that one bite. If a dog bites someone, even if the dog has never shown aggressiveness before, the owner can be found culpable. Further, even if the dog owner has taken measures to protect others from the dog, if the dog bites, victims can hold owners responsible under California law. However, there are some nuances. 

Trespassers and Tormentors 

California’s laws protect those who are on a dog owner’s property lawfully or in a public area when bitten, which means trespassers who are bitten typically cannot collect compensation. In fact, California law states dogs with a history of biting trespassers cannot be classified as dangerous or vicious. To be on private property lawfully, a person must have been invited to the property by the owner or carry out a legal duty–such as delivering mail. 

Those who are bitten after tormenting, abusing, or provoking a dog are not protected by dog bite laws either. Of course, people often have different interpretations of what counts as “tormenting.” A dog bite attorney in Roseville can help in those less-than-crystal-clear situations. 

Other Exceptions

If a person suspected of committing a crime is bitten by a police or military dog, that person cannot sue under the dog bite laws. However, if innocent bystanders are bitten, they may have grounds to sue. Typically, veterinarians bitten by dogs while rendering treatment to the animal cannot sue owners for the bites as the bite risks are part of the veterinarian’s job.

Roseville’s Leash Laws

Roseville dog owners must also comply with Placer County leash laws, along with dog owners in most other counties in California. Though you have probably seen many dogs running around unleashed, it is illegal for dog owners to unleash their dogs in unincorporated areas. These laws are in place to protect Placer’s residents and dogs but still go unheeded by many dog owners.

What Dog Bite Laws Cover

Dog bite laws apply to actual dog bites. It might seem like that is stating the obvious, but it is important to know that other dog-caused injuries do not “count” as dog bites. For example, if a victim is riding a bicycle and is knocked down when a dog attacks the bicycle wheel, the dog bite law does not apply.

However, those victims still have ways to collect compensation, specifically by proving the dog owner’s negligence and pursuing a personal injury claim, and should seek guidance from Triumph Law. Dog bites that do not break the skin may still count as “bites.” If a dog bites a victim’s pant leg and drags them to the ground, the dog bite law may still apply, and partnering with a skilled dog bite lawyer in Roseville is the best way to ensure it does. 

Partner with a Dog Bite Attorney in Roseville Promptly

California allows dog-bite victims two years to file an injury claim. Two years is the legal deadline, or statute of limitations, but do not wait until that deadline approaches to partner with an attorney. For the best outcome to your case, connect with a Roseville dog bite attorney as soon as possible after your injury.

Fast access to your case gives your attorney the chance to collect evidence while it is still available and build a solid case against the dog owner while still filing within that two-year window. Filing a claim also increases the possibility of settling with the at-fault party out-of-court rather than going to trial.

When the at-fault party and their insurance and other representatives see that a legal claim has been filed, they know you mean business. As a result, they are more likely to offer to negotiate fairly and come to a settlement agreement. Coming to an out-of-court agreement means you avoid a long trial and receive your financial compensation sooner. 

Compensation for Dog-Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause extensive damage that requires serious medical interventions. They come with a risk for infection, scarring and disfigurement, nerve damage, lingering emotional trauma, and long-term pain or other physical consequences. During recovery, victims may be unable to work and earn income and experience the resulting financial strain.

An experienced attorney will calculate a settlement amount covering all losses and seek to recoup or acknowledge:

• Medical costs and future care
• Income loss and lost future earnings, if applicable
• Pain and disfigurement
• Emotional suffering
• Reduced quality of life

Victims do not always recognize the true value and extent of their losses, and unfortunately, often accept low settlement offers from the at-fault party’s representatives before seeking guidance from an attorney. Do not risk losing what you deserve. Speak to an attorney after your accident and before discussing your injuries or settlement offers with the dog owner’s representatives. 

The Representation and the Triumph You Deserve

You deserve the best medical care for your dog bite injury. You also deserve the best representation and a substantial settlement. A Roseville dog-bite lawyer from Triumph Law will provide you with superior, attentive representation and fight for the highest settlement possible. Start moving toward financial recovery and justice by calling or messaging Triumph Law for a free case review today.