Santa Ana Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs are beloved companions, but when a dog turns aggressive, a dog attack can result in severe and life-altering injuries. In California, dog owners are held strictly liable under California’s strict liability law, meaning that if their dog bites or attacks someone, they are responsible for the resulting damages.

Victims of a dog bite injury often face extensive medical expenses, emotional trauma, and even long-term disabilities. An experienced Santa Ana dog bite lawyer can make a critical difference in helping you navigate your dog bite claim and secure the fair compensation you deserve.

If you or a family member has suffered from a dog bite incident in Santa Ana or anywhere in Orange County, Bentley & More LLP is here to provide the skilled representation you need. Our dog bite attorneys understand the challenges victims face, and we are prepared to handle your dog bite lawsuit from start to finish.

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Why Choose Bentley & More LLP for Your Santa Ana Dog Bite Case?

Bentley & More LLP is dedicated to supporting dog bite victims in Santa Ana and surrounding areas in Orange County. We know that recovering from a dog bite injury can be physically painful and emotionally draining, which is why our personal injury lawyers in Santa Ana offer compassionate and comprehensive legal assistance.

Our law firm has years of experience in California dog bite law and a proven record of helping clients obtain just compensation for their injuries. We also understand dog owners’ responsibilities and liabilities and ensure that they are held accountable for the harm caused by their pets.

Our attorneys will guide you through the entire process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance company or, if necessary, taking your case to court. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, psychological trauma, and other costs dog bite victims often obtain.

The Serious Physical and Emotional Injuries Dog Bite Victims Face

A dog bite injury can cause a wide array of serious injuries that go beyond the initial wound. In many cases, dog bite victims endure lasting physical and emotional harm, including:

• Physical Injuries: Dog bite incidents commonly result in puncture wounds, which can become infected if not treated promptly. In addition to lacerations, victims may suffer broken bones from being knocked to the ground or experience nerve damage that leads to partial or full loss of function in an affected limb. Such injuries often require extensive medical care and sometimes even multiple surgeries to achieve partial recovery.
• Infections: A dog bite poses a high risk of infection due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth, potentially leading to severe complications like cellulitis or even sepsis in extreme cases. Victims may incur additional costs for antibiotics and other medical attention.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Many dog bite injuries result in permanent scarring or disfigurement, particularly on the face, arms, or legs. This can be emotionally devastating and require reconstructive surgery or therapy.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, dog bite victims frequently experience psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fear of dogs, anxiety, nightmares, and depression are common emotional consequences. Victims, especially children, may struggle with these effects long-term and may need therapy to cope with the trauma.

Dog Attacks Involving Children in Santa Ana

Dog attacks involving children are especially tragic, as young ones are often defenseless and may suffer serious injuries that have long-term physical and emotional effects.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur across the United States each year, with many involving young children. Statistics show that children aged between 5 and 9 years old are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks, with boys at a higher risk of severe injuries.

Children under the age of four experience some of the most severe injuries in dog bite cases, often involving the head, face, and neck. These injuries can require significant medical care and sometimes lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological trauma. Young victims often require specialized treatment and support to overcome the impacts of a dog bite.

Dog attacks involving children usually stem from the dog owner’s negligence, such as:

• Failing to follow state and local leash laws in public spaces
• Neglecting to warn guests about a potentially dangerous dog
• Allowing a dog to roam freely in areas where it could pose a risk to others
• Not properly confining the dog within their property
• Letting a known aggressive dog off-leash in public

If your child has suffered an injury in a dog bite attack, contact the experienced Santa Ana dog bite lawyers at Bentley & More LLP. Our team is committed to supporting families in Santa Ana and helping to secure the fair compensation needed to aid in your child’s recovery. We understand the emotional toll such an event can have on a family and will work tirelessly to pursue justice on your behalf.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Incident in Santa Ana

If you’ve been involved in a dog bite incident, taking immediate action can significantly impact your dog bite case and ensure your health and legal rights are protected. Here’s what you should do following a dog bite:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if the injury appears minor, it’s critical to get medical attention right away. Dog bites can cause infections and hidden injuries that might not be obvious at first glance. Additionally, having a medical report will serve as important documentation for your dog bite claim.
2. Identify the Dog and the Dog’s Owner: Try to get information about the dog’s owner and the dog itself, including any vaccination records. This is important for both your health and your legal case.
3. Report the Incident: Notify local authorities or animal control about the dog bite incident. A formal report can help establish a record of the event, which can be valuable evidence in your dog bite lawsuit.
4. Document the Scene and Injuries: If possible, take photos of your injuries and the location of the dog bite attack. Gather contact information for any witnesses who may have seen the dog bite incident.
5. Contact a Santa Ana Dog Bite Attorney: In the case of a Santa Ana dog attack, consulting with a Santa Ana dog bite lawyer as soon as possible will help protect your legal rights and the value of your personal injury claim. Your Santa Ana dog bite attorney can guide you through the process, help you build a strong case, and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.

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Understanding California’s Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases

California’s strict liability law holds a dog owner fully accountable for injuries their pets inflict, even if the dog has no history of aggression. This makes California different from states with a “one-bite” rule, where dog owners are only held liable if their dog has a known history of biting. Under California’s dog bite statute, you only need to prove that the dog caused the injury while you were legally present.

This rule benefits dog bite victims by simplifying the requirements for a dog bite claim. Instead of proving that the dog’s owner was negligent, you only need to establish that:

• The dog bite incident caused serious injuries.
• You were lawfully on the premises at the time of the dog bite.

Dog bite attorneys in Santa Ana can help you build a strong case by gathering evidence such as medical records, photographs, and eyewitness testimony to prove the full extent of your injuries.

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims in Santa Ana

In a dog bite injury case, victims may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: This can cover all costs of medical care, from emergency treatment to ongoing care and future medical bills for reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, and other treatments.
• Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may seek damages for lost wages as well as reduced future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation can be awarded for the pain and suffering caused by a dog bite attack. This often includes psychological trauma like PTSD.
• Property Damage: In some cases, victims may also claim compensation for damaged property, such as torn clothing or personal items.

California’s Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims

Generally, California’s statute of limitations for personal injuries, including dog bites, is two years. However, if the dog bite victim was a minor when they sustained the dog bite injuries, then they may be able to file a claim until they turn 18.

However, while the statute of limitations accommodates minors, waiting years to file a personal injury claim is usually not a good idea. Evidence often fades and disappears over time, making it all the more challenging to successfully resolve a claim. Missing the deadline altogether means you lose your right to pursue compensation.

Other exceptions to California’s statute of limitations may affect your case, so be sure to contact an experienced Santa Ana dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.

How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Deal with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often employ tactics designed to minimize the amount they pay out on claims, and dog bite cases are no exception. They may attempt to downplay the severity of your injuries, question your need for extensive medical care, or even dispute the circumstances of the dog bite incident. Some common tactics include:

• Quick Settlement Offers: Insurers might offer an initial settlement that is far lower than what you truly deserve. This tactic is meant to encourage dog bite victims to accept less compensation than necessary before they understand the full extent of their injuries and future medical bills.
• Delaying the Claims Process: Some insurance companies use delays to pressure claimants, hoping they’ll become frustrated and settle for less. These delays can be distressing for dog bite victims who are dealing with mounting medical expenses and lost income from missed work.
• Disputing Liability: The insurer may argue that the dog’s owner was not fully responsible or that the victim was somehow at fault. By creating doubt around the dog bite case, insurers aim to reduce their financial responsibility.
• Challenging Medical Evidence: Insurers might claim that your injuries aren’t as severe as they are, or they may argue that some of your medical care was unnecessary. They may require excessive documentation, hoping you’ll give up on part of your claim.

Having a dedicated trial lawyer like those at Bentley & More LLP can help counter these tactics and maximize your dog bite claim. Our Santa Ana dog bite attorneys know how to build a compelling case that includes detailed evidence of your serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses.

Our team of trial lawyers has the experience to negotiate aggressively on your behalf, and we are ready to take your case to court if necessary. Our lawyers are trial-tested and committed to fighting for just compensation through every stage of the process.

When insurers know they’re dealing with a skilled trial attorney, they’re more likely to offer a fair settlement rather than face the risk of a costly trial. We take on the burden of dealing with the insurance company and legal proceedings so you can focus on what matters most—recovering from your injuries.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Bentley & More LLP Today

If a dog bite in Santa Ana has injured you or a loved one, Bentley & More is ready to help you obtain the just compensation you deserve. A dog attack can have serious and long-lasting implications, making experienced legal representation crucial for your recovery.

Our law offices provide dedicated, compassionate representation to help ease the burdens on you after a serious dog bite injury. Call our Santa Ana personal injury attorneys at (949) 870-3800 for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first steps toward recovery and justice. Don’t face this battle alone—our team is here to provide the legal assistance you need.

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