DOG BITE
ATTACK
Dog Bite Attorneys Putting Southern California People First
Touted for being man’s best friend, most dogs are valued family members. Unfortunately, dog bites do occur and for many dog bite victims, however, they incite terror at their very mention. If you’ve experienced a vicious attack from a dog or other animal, you may have injuries beyond physical lacerations. In addition to the torn muscles and disfiguring scars, the psychological scars that result can be equally, if not more, detrimental to your well-being.
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation from the owner, including:
- Medical bills.
- Loss of income.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage.
Owen, Patterson & Owen (OPO) has been helping dog bite victims receive compensation for more than 40 years. We understand that a dog attack can be one of the most traumatic events for you or your loved one, and you should be compensated for your physical injuries as well as your emotional trauma. We understand that while the injuries from dog bites may be similar, each client that walks through our doors is unique with their own set of life circumstances. We see the person beyond their case, a person who may be confused, scared, and desperately trying to preserve a sense of normalcy for their loved ones while suffering alone in pain.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Southern California, call 800.672.5295
How an Attorney Can Help You Get Compensation for your Dog Bite Injury Claim
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Consultation
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation from the owner, including:
- Medical bills.
- Loss of income.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage.
Owen, Patterson & Owen (OPO) has been helping dog bite victims receive compensation for more than 40 years. We understand that a dog attack can be one of the most traumatic events for you or your loved one, and you should be compensated for your physical injuries as well as your emotional trauma. We understand that while the injuries from dog bites may be similar, each client that walks through our doors is unique with their own set of life circumstances. We see the person beyond their case, a person who may be confused, scared, and desperately trying to preserve a sense of normalcy for their loved ones while suffering alone in pain.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Southern California, call 800.672.5295
How an Attorney Can Help You Get Compensation for your Dog Bite Injury Claim
Contact Us Today
Request a Free
Consultation
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Even the most well-behaved dog can bite if it feels threatened. According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, dogs bite for four main reasons: as a reaction to stress, being scared or startled, feeling threatened, or due to illness. Determining the cause of your dog bite incident can be helpful to your case. An experienced dog bite attorney will thoroughly investigate your claim, interviewing witnesses, talking to neighbors, examining veterinarian records or animal control complaints to determine the dog’s past behavior.
How Does California Law Treat Dog Bite Attacks?
California enforces strict liability on dog owners rather than the one-bite rule, which states a victim can only collect damages if the injured party can demonstrate the dog owner was aware of a previous biting incident or had been aggressive in the past. The dog-bite statute under Civil Code section 3342 makes negligent dog owners liable for damages regardless of whether the animal has bitten before or previously demonstrated violent tendencies.
The Financial Impact of Dog Bites
According to the most recent survey by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.7 million people receive dog bites, 799,700 of which require medical care. The most susceptible populations to dog bites are the elderly and young children under 14 years of age, who account for nearly half of the incidences.
The medical expenses for dog bites can be just as impactful as the injury itself. The average cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay was $18,200, about 50 percent higher than the average injury-related hospital stay. Our dog bite lawyers have extensive experience handling various dog bite claims and will work hard to make sure you receive the best settlement available. In addition, our vast network of doctors and medical professionals will readily provide you with the medical treatment you or your loved one needs at no upfront costs.
I highly recommend Owen, Patterson & Owen! They are an experienced firm that knows how to take care of their clients. Tamiko and Greg were amazing to work with when they handled my son’s dog bite case. They genuinely cared about my son and the process was flawless. — Hillary Broadwater
Dealing with the Emotional Trauma from Dog Bites
As dog bite attorneys, a large part of our job is getting you the medical treatment you need to heal from your injuries. However, at OPO, we take it one step further and work hard to ensure you also receive the proper psychological care. A dog bite can often trigger an emotional response that can last a lifetime.
For children, the psychological effects are even more severe. A recent study by the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in California revealed that the majority of dog bite victims are between the ages of 6 and 12, with children ages two and under leading closely behind.
Unlike adults who can verbalize and make sense of a traumatic event such as a dog bite, children have not yet developed the cognitive ability to process their attack. Experts suggest that the effects of a dog bite incident can result in a decreased sense of security that can linger well into adulthood.
While the memories eventually fade over time, the fear and psychological damage can leave a permanent scar. Signs of emotional distress in children include an inability to control emotions, bedwetting, nightmares, sleep disturbances, sudden withdrawal, clinging to parents, and unexplained anger. If your child has suffered a dog bite, a dog bite attorney can help your child get the physical and psychological treatment they need.
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Dog Bite
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Learn About Your Rights and Legal Options
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, contact Owen Patterson & Owen at 800.676.5295 or contact us for your free consultation. During this free evaluation, an experienced attorney will review your case and advise your best options for a successful outcome.