San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyer

San Francisco is home to millions of Californians, and their dogs too — and those dogs are not always friendly. If you have been the victim of a dog bite or attack, it is important to know that you can file a claim against the owner for compensation. These claims are governed by many different laws, though, and those will have a big impact on your case. Below, our San Francisco dog bite lawyer breaks down these laws so you know what to expect when pursuing compensation after a dog bite injury.

Like the rest of California, San Francisco is a strict liability state. This means that when filing your dog bite claim, you do not have to prove the owner was negligent. You do not have to prove that the dog had bitten someone in the past, or that the owner knew of the dog’s violent or aggressive tendencies. You must only show that the dog bit or attacked you, and that the incident was the cause of your injuries.

All personal injury cases involve some degree of injuries, but those in dog bite cases are somewhat unique. Some of the most common injuries sustained during a dog bite incident include:

• Lacerations
• Puncture wounds
• Abrasions
• Contusions
• Hematomas
• Avulsions
• Amputations
• Fractures
• Crushing injuries

In addition to the above injuries, dog bites can also result in permanent scarring and disfigurement for accident victims. Not only are these painful conditions to recover from, but they can also result in a lifetime of embarrassment for injured individuals. It is important to know about these injuries, and the impact they will have on you in the future. These types of injuries will cost you additional loss, and it is critical that you include those damages within your claim. Your San Francisco dog bite attorney will help you assess the total amount of damages you should claim.

Unfortunately in San Francisco, you do not have an unlimited amount of time to file your claim. Dog bite claims are governed by a certain time limit known as the statute of limitations. In California, this time limit is just two years from the date of the bite or attack. If this time limit expires and you have not filed your claim, you will likely forfeit your right to claim any damages.

It is not uncommon for people to become hesitant to file a claim, even when they are injured, because the owner of the dog was a friend or family member. It is important to know that when claiming damages, you do not generally have to sue your loved one. Instead, you file a claim with their insurance company. Only if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, or the policy limits do not cover the cost of your injuries, will you have to go to court. The vast majority of cases settle out of court.

If you have been injured by a dog, a dog bite attorney in San Francisco can help you claim the maximum damages you deserve. Call Brod Law Firm today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.