Dog Bite Lawyer Santa Monica CA
Each Santa Monica, CA dog bite lawyer from our firm understands how traumatic dog bites can be for both children and adults. According to national statistics, more than 4 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Approximately 20 percent of dog bite victims develop some type of infection from the bite, and 30,000 victims need reconstructive surgery. At Cohen Law Group, P.C., we have successfully represented many dog bite victims who suffered damages and complications from the bite. Our legal team uses all available resources to get victims the compensation they deserve.
Infections
One of the most common – and potentially dangerous – complications of a dog bite injury is developing an infection. If the infection is caught quickly, the victim can be prescribed antibiotics to clear it up. In some cases, the victim may need to be hospitalized and receive intravenous antibiotics.
Knowing what symptoms to watch for can ensure that the infection will not spread and cause serious medical complications. Certain infections caused by dog bites can be fatal if left untreated. Examples are sepsis and acute osteomyelitis, which begin in the victim’s joints or bones and can quickly spread if not treated.
If a victim develops any of the following symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately:
- A loss of sensation in the body part that was bitten
- Discharge from the bite wound
- Excessive swelling around the area of the bite.
- Extreme pain around the area of the bite. Persistent pain is also another sign something could be wrong.
- Fever
- Limited mobility of the part of the body that was bitten
- Night sweats
- Red streaking around the bite area
- Swollen lymph nodes
Disfigurement and Scarring
Dog bite victims can also suffer disfigurement or scarring from the bite. If the skin is badly damaged following the attack, this complication will be evident. However, in many dog bite cases, the permanent damage is not known until after the bite wound has healed. Depending on the extent of the disfigurement or scarring, victims often need to undergo reconstructive surgery. Your Santa Monica dog bite lawyer will make sure that all future medical expenses are included in any insurance settlement or jury award.
Psychological Trauma
Not only do victims suffer the painful effects of the bite and the surgery, but they also often suffer from the psychological effects caused by the damage the bite has left. This may be especially traumatic when the damage is to the face or other visible parts of the body. They may relive the attack over and over again and develop a fear of all dogs. It is not uncommon for a dog bite victim to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) over the incident.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer for Legal Assistance
If you or a loved one has suffered dog bite injuries, do not delay in calling Cohen Law Group, P.C. to find out what legal recourse you may have against all liable parties. Call our office to schedule a free case evaluation with a skilled Santa Monica dog bite lawyer. We will fight to get you the financial compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable?
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Santa Monica, CA, it’s important to understand your legal options and seek the guidance of an experienced dog bite lawyer. A dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for any injuries or damages you have sustained.
In California, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries or damages caused by their dog. This means that if you are bitten by a dog, the owner is automatically responsible for your injuries and damages, regardless of whether they were negligent or intentional.
To establish liability in a California dog bite case, you must be able to prove that you were bitten by the dog and that you sustained injuries or damages as a result. You do not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent or that they had any knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
If you are successful in establishing liability, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, damages, and other losses. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
According to data from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, there were over 3,000 dog bite incidents in Los Angeles County in 2020. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Santa Monica, CA, it’s important to seek the guidance of an experienced dog bite lawyer. A dog bite lawyer in Santa Monica, CA can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
As a dog owner, you have a responsibility to take steps to prevent your dog from attacking others and potentially causing harm. Some of the steps you can take to avoid being sued for a dog attack include:
- Properly Containing Your Dog: You should ensure that your dog is contained in a secure area or on a leash at all times when in public to prevent the dog from running loose and potentially attacking someone.
- Training and Socialization: Proper training and socialization of your dog can help to prevent aggressive behavior and reduce the risk of an attack.
- Warning Others of Your Dog: If you know that your dog has a history of aggressive behavior, you should warn others about the potential danger and take extra precautions to prevent your dog from attacking.
- Supervision: You should supervise your dog at all times to ensure that it does not attack someone.
- Compliance with Local Laws: You should comply with all local laws and regulations related to dog ownership, including licensing and vaccination requirements.
Failure to take reasonable steps to prevent a dog attack can result in liability for the dog owner. If your dog does attack someone, you could be held responsible for any injuries or damages that result, and you may be sued for compensation.
How Can a Santa Monica Dog Bite Attorney Help?
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Santa Monica, CA, it’s important to seek the guidance of an experienced dog bite lawyer. A dog bite lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for any injuries or damages you have sustained.
Here are some ways that a Santa Monica dog bite lawyer can help you:
- Investigate the incident: A dog bite lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the bite to determine who is liable and gather evidence to support your claim. This may include interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and collecting any available video footage of the incident.
- Determine the extent of your injuries and damages: A dog bite lawyer will work with medical professionals to assess the extent of your injuries and determine the full extent of your damages. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiate with the insurance company: If the dog owner has insurance, a dog bite lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, a dog bite lawyer can take your case to court to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Advocate for your interests: A dog bite lawyer will be your advocate throughout the legal process, representing your interests and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Santa Monica, CA, it’s important to seek the guidance of an experienced dog bite lawyer. A dog bite lawyer in Santa Monica, CA can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
