805-962-1930 Santa Barbara Dog Bite Lawyer
A sudden attack from a large dog can be terrifying and even life-threatening. Perhaps you thought a dog was friendly, but it bit you without provocation. Or, an aggressive animal you thought was securely restrained jumped a fence and charged you.
At Maho Prentice, LLP, we help victims of dog bites obtain compensation for serious injuries. With 50 years of combined legal experience, our personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and dedication to help you seek maximum compensation for your damages.
When A Bite Causes Serious Injuries
A nip that breaks the skin does not usually cause enough damage to sue. However, large breed dogs, especially those with guard dog instincts but poor training, can cause devastating, permanent injuries, such as:
- Broken or crushed bones
- Disfiguring scars
- Nerve damage
- Muscle, ligament and tendon damage
- Severed veins and arteries
- Severed body parts
- Shock due to blood loss
- Wrongful death
An animal attack can also cause psychological trauma, leading to insomnia, panic attacks or other symptoms. Finally, even when a dog doesn’t bite, jumping on a child or an elderly person can cause a severe injury due to a fall on a hard surface, such as a sidewalk.
California Dog Bite Law Supports The Injured
California is not a state that allows a dog “one free bite.” California Civil Code § 3342 holds dog owners accountable even when the animal has shown no previous signs of viciousness or the owner was unaware of previous viciousness. Owners are liable for attacks that take place:
- In public places
- On private property, when the victim had a legal right to be there
This law protects letter carriers, meter readers, delivery people and others who enter an owner’s property with implicit permission.
The Compensation You Need
As with all personal injuries, victims of dog attacks are entitled to obtain compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In many cases, homeowners’ insurance policies include coverage for any injuries their pets cause. If the dog owner is uninsured, Maho Prentice, LLP, investigates other means by which you can obtain full compensation directly from the dog owner.
Contact Our Santa Barbara Attorneys For Quality Legal Representation
Maho Prentice, LLP, has the experience to pursue the maximum compensation possible for your dog bite injuries. To schedule a free consultation with a dog bite attorney, call us at 805-962-1930 any time, day or night in English or in Spanish or contact us online. If your injuries prevent you from visiting our office, we can come to your home or hospital room. Evening and weekend hours are available if necessary.