The Physical And Emotional Damages After A Dog Bite

Many victims of dog bites don’t know their rights or don’t seek compensation because the animal’s owner is a friend or relative. First of all, dog owners are strictly liable under California law for injuries inflicted by their pets. Secondly, compensation is typically handled as a homeowners insurance claim rather “suing” a neighbor or family member.

If you or your child was seriously injured by a dog, the Law Offices of Michael R. Kaiser can assert your rights and maximize your compensation. Our personal injury lawyer has extensive experience in dog bite cases, including a precedent-setting appeal.

Our Palm Springs, California personal injury law firm offers a free consultation, serving the Coachella Valley, the High Desert and all of Riverside, Imperial and San Bernardino counties.

How Does Our Firm Assist Dog Bite Victims?

We know that dogs inflict serious injuries, even small dogs or normally friendly dogs. Children are especially vulnerable to severe and disfiguring injuries. Compensation for a dog bite may cover:

  • Treatment of bite and claw wounds
  • Scarring or plastic surgery
  • Injuries from being knocked down
  • Injuries from fleeing a vicious dog
  • Emotional distress (anxiety, nightmares, fear of dogs)

There is no “one free bite.” California’s dog bite law is strict liability, meaning that the owner is liable even if the dog has never bitten anyone or showed any vicious behavior. If you were bitten while walking on the sidewalk or other public property, the owner is liable even if the animal was on leash. If you were on the owner’s property with express or implied permission, the owner is responsible for your safety.

The only real defenses to a dog bite claim are trespassing, provocation or wrong dog. As a former insurance defense lawyer, Michael Kaiser can effectively counter any challenge on liability. In a case that went all the way to the California Supreme Court and established new law, he demonstrated that landlords can be held accountable for allowing tenants to harbor dangerous dogs.

Decades Of Personal Injury Experience — Call For A Free Consultation

Michael Kaiser can evaluate your claim, anticipate any problems and work with the insurance company to make sure that you are fully compensated in a timely manner.

Call our Palm Springs dog bite attorneys for a free consultation at 760-322-0806 or contact us online.

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