Buena Park, a vibrant city located within the sunny realms of Orange County, California, is loved for its family-friendly environment, beautiful parks, and leisure attractions. However, amidst friendly faces and wagging tails, incidents of dog bites can occur. If you are in this unfortunate situation, the Buena Park personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell stand ready to help.
Understanding California’s Dog Bite Law
In California, the law enforces a ‘strict liability’ approach to dog bites. This means that the dog’s owner is held responsible for injuries caused by the dog, regardless of whether the dog showed prior aggressive tendencies. It emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownership in protecting the well-being of community members in Buena Park and beyond.
Some Common Dog Bite Injuries Include
Dog bites can result in a variety of injuries. Some common injuries include:
- Deep tissue wounds
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Infections, including Capnocytophaga and Pasteurella
- Emotional trauma
- Nerve damage
- Rabies, although rare, is still a possible concern
What to Do After a Dog Attack
It is important to take action right away if you are attacked by a dog in California. First and foremost, seek medical care to have any bite examined and treated properly. Dog bites can easily become infected. Make sure the wound is cleaned and dressed correctly.
After getting medical attention, you will want to report the incident. Contact animal control to file a report providing the details of the attack. This includes information about the owner and the dog. Animal control can investigate and determine if the dog poses an ongoing threat. Additionally, filing a report with the police creates an official record. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
Take time to carefully document everything related to the incident. This includes taking photographs of any injuries sustained. Also write down information such as the date, time, location, and descriptions of the dog and owner. Thorough documentation will be valuable moving forward.
Try to get contact and insurance information from the dog’s owner as well, if possible. In California, dog owners are financially liable for injuries and damages caused by their pets. This information could be useful if you pursue legal action.
Speaking with a lawyer is highly recommended. The Buena Park personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell will review your situation and advise you on your legal rights and options under California’s strict dog bite laws. You may be eligible to recover costs related to medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases in California
For dog bite cases in California, victims have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue legal action for the incident. However, there may be specific circumstances or exceptions. Time can pass quickly when dealing with recovery and insurance companies, so it’s vital to get legal help as soon as possible.
The Benefit of a Buena Park Dog Bite Lawyer
Contacting a dog bite lawyer in Buena Park allows for comprehensive support throughout the legal process. The Buena Park personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell are well-versed in local and state laws, proficient at negotiating with insurance companies, and will advocate for your rights.
We are committed to helping dog bite victims secure the compensation they deserve. Our team utilizes its extensive understanding of California’s dog bite laws to build your case. Plus, with our no-win, no-fee policy, you can be confident that we are fully invested in your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.