Dog Bites Attorney San Bernardino

Dogs can be “man’s best friend,” but even a well-trained family dog, under the right circumstances, can turn vicious. Dog bites occur more often than dog-lovers may want to admit, and while many of these bites are minor, others cause severe injuries or even death. It is crucial to understand your legal rights if you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog and sustained serious injuries.

Personal injury law and dog bites

When a person is injured due to the negligence of another party, personal injury law comes into play. In a dog bite case, if the dog owner was negligent in controlling the dog or failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent an attack, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. The dog's owners can be held responsible for covering the victim's medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Understanding dog bite laws in California

Under state law, the owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.

What to do if you've been bitten by a dog

If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, it is essential to take the necessary steps to protect your health – and your legal rights. First and foremost, seek medical attention immediately, even if the bite appears to be minor. Even small puncture wounds can become infected and lead to severe complications.

After seeking medical attention, gathering as much information as possible about the incident. This includes identifying the owner of the dog and obtaining their contact information, as well as collecting witness statements and taking photographs of the injuries and the scene of the attack. Finally, it is essential to contact a personal injury lawyer to help you fight for justice and fair compensation. At the Law Offices of Vincent Hughes, you will be advised, guided, and supported at every phase of the legal process, and the maximum compensation will be vigorously pursued.

How can dog owners prevent dog bites?

Dog owners need to take responsibility for their pets. This includes properly training and socializing their dogs, keeping them on a leash in public spaces, and keeping them contained on their property. When they fail to do so, innocent adults and children can be seriously or even fatally injured. A dog that is untrained, allowed to roam, or aggressive poses an extreme risk to others. Those who have an aggressive dog must keep the animal fenced and leashed at all times, and if the dog bites another person, they must be held accountable.

Experienced dog bite attorney in San Bernardino

While dogs can bring joy and companionship into our lives, remember that they are still animals with the potential to cause harm. If a dog has bitten you or someone you know, remember to seek medical attention, and contact the Law Offices of Vincent S. Hughes, a law firm that is widely known for delivering the highest level of personalized service, and extraordinary legal skill in personal injury law.

Liability for dog bite cases in California

In dog bite cases, liability is often decided based on the specific circumstances of the incident. In California dog bite liability is determined under the state's strict liability statute, which means that the owner of a dog is liable for any damages caused by their pet, regardless of whether or not they knew about the dog's aggressive tendencies. In other words, the victim does not have to prove that the dog's owner was negligent in seeking financial compensation for damages.

Why choose us for your dog bite case?

At the Law Office of Vincent Hughes, we have extensive experience in handling dog bite cases and understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that they can take on victims. We are committed to fighting for our client's rights and obtaining the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Mr. Hughes has been recognized for his outstanding legal work by Super Lawyers, listed as a Rising Star in 2023. He has also been recognized by The National Black Lawyers as one of the Top 40 Under 40 in 2023 and received the Elite Lawyer designation for Criminal Law from 2021-2023. These accolades demonstrate his commitment to excellence and ability to deliver exceptional client results.