Antioch Dog Bites Lawyer
Looking for a dog bite attorney in Antioch? Golden Gate Legal can help. We fight for victims to get the full compensation they deserve.
A dog bite can leave deep scars, both physically and emotionally, that last long after the incident. If you're seeking legal representation for a dog bite injury in the Antioch area, contact us at the number below for help.
At Golden Gate Legal, we have extensive experience handling dog bite cases specifically within Antioch, giving us a deep understanding of how to navigate these claims. We've created this guide to walk you through what to do after a bite, provide an overview of the legal process, and answer the most common questions you might have.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Antioch
If you are bitten by a dog in Antioch, it's important to follow the steps outlined below:
Make Sure You're Safe
After an animal attack in Antioch, your immediate priority is to move to a safe location to prevent further injury. Once you're clear of danger, take a moment to check yourself and others for any wounds.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
The most critical first step is to seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or visiting an urgent care or emergency room. Doing so not only helps prevent serious infections from the bite but also officially documents the extent of your injuries.
Call the Police and Animal Control
Filing a report with the police and animal control creates an essential record of the incident. Responding authorities will document what happened, and you should be sure to request a copy of the report for your own files.
Collect Information and Evidence
Gather the dog owner's name and contact information, find out if the dog is up-to-date on its rabies shots, and take pictures of your injuries, the dog itself, and the surrounding area. This evidence is vital for ensuring you receive proper medical care and for strengthening any potential legal claim you may have.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
If a dog has bitten you in the Antioch area, our attorneys at Golden Gate Legal can navigate the challenging legal process on your behalf. We will take charge of all dealings with insurance companies and advocate for the financial recovery you need to move forward.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal
At Golden Gate Legal, we have dedicated years of experience handling dog bite cases and a wide range of other personal injury proceedings for residents of Antioch. Here are a few reasons why you should choose our firm to represent you:
- We Will Get You Maximum Compensation: We have the expertise to hold negligent parties accountable and help you obtain the full compensation you are entitled to.
- We Will Protect You at All Costs: It is our top priority to protect your rights and interests while you focus on your recovery.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You won't pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case, so there is no financial risk to you.
- We Are Available at All Times: Our team is available to provide you with the legal and emotional support you need, whenever you need it.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We handle every step of the legal process for our clients in Antioch, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your recovery. Here’s how it works:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We start with a free, no-obligation meeting to discuss the details of your dog bite incident, address your concerns, and determine the strength of your claim.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will meticulously gather all crucial evidence—like medical reports, injury photos, and witness accounts—and manage all the necessary paperwork and communications with insurance companies for you.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: We can assist in coordinating your medical care and will track your recovery progress to make sure the full extent of your injuries is documented for your case.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've completed your medical treatment, we will compile a detailed demand letter outlining your damages and aggressively negotiate with the dog owner's insurance provider for the maximum settlement you deserve.
- Litigation (if necessary): Should the opposing party refuse a fair settlement, our skilled trial lawyers are prepared to take your case to court and fight to hold the negligent owner responsible.
- You Get Paid: Upon the successful resolution of your case, we handle the final paperwork to get your compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses to you as quickly as possible.
What Types of Damages Can You Claim After a Dog Bite?
In California, if you've been injured by a dog, the law allows you to seek financial compensation for the various damages you've suffered as a result of the incident. Compensatory damages for dog bites in California may include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Future medical care and treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Psychological counseling
Insurance companies and at-fault parties often try to undervalue claims to protect their own profits, which makes it crucial to have experienced California personal injury attorneys like the team at Golden Gate Legal handling your case.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
While this isn't a complete list, here are some of the most common types of injuries we handle:
Puncture Wounds & Lacerations
A dog's sharp teeth can create deep puncture wounds or jagged lacerations that tear through skin and underlying tissue, often causing significant bleeding, carrying a high risk of infection, requiring stitches, and leaving permanent scars.
Infections & Soft-Tissue Damage
A dog's bite can do more than just break the skin; it can crush and tear underlying soft tissue. This also introduces bacteria from the dog's mouth, creating a high risk of serious infections that require immediate medical attention.
Nerve Damage & Functional Impairments
A powerful bite can sever or crush nerves, particularly in vulnerable areas like the hands and face. This damage can cause anything from numbness and tingling to a total loss of sensation, and if not treated properly, it could result in a permanent loss of function in that part of the body.
Scarring & Disfigurement
Dog bite injuries frequently result in scarring that is often most visible on the face and hands. For more severe wounds involving significant tissue damage, reconstructive or plastic surgery may be essential to repair the injury and lessen the long-term disfigurement.
Crush Injuries & Fractures
When a dog, especially a larger one, bites with significant force, it can crush underlying tissue and even break bones. Such injuries are serious, often presenting with deep bruising and swelling, and may necessitate surgical repair, splinting, or a course of physical therapy to restore function.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional trauma from a dog bite, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, lasting anxiety, or a new fear of animals, can often outlast the physical injuries and may require professional therapy, especially for children, to help them rebuild their confidence and sense of safety.
Common Causes of Dog Bites in Antioch
Dog bites in Antioch often happen for a few major reasons:
Lack of Proper Training
An improperly trained or socialized dog might not know how to handle a stressful encounter, causing it to react defensively with a bite because it's scared or unsure what to do.
Fear or Startling
In the same way, a dog that is caught off guard by an abrupt noise or action may bite as a defensive reflex.
Territorial Behavior
A dog might consider its home, yard, or even its owner to be its territory, and it may bite if a stranger comes too close and is seen as a threat.
Rough Play
When playtime becomes too intense or forceful, a dog may feel cornered and react defensively out of a perceived need to protect itself.
Protective Instincts
A dog might bite if you try to take something they are guarding, whether it's their food bowl, a favorite toy, or even a person in the family.
Pain or Illness
A dog in pain from an injury or illness might bite when touched or startled, as it may come to view physical contact as a source of more hurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
For our Antioch personal injury clients, there are no out-of-pocket legal fees to start. We only receive payment after we secure a win or settlement for you, eliminating any financial burden on your end.
What if the dog’s owner denies responsibility?
In California, the law holds dog owners responsible for injuries their pets cause. This is known as a “strict liability” rule. It means that even if an owner denies responsibility, they are typically liable if their dog bites someone. It doesn't matter whether the dog had a history of aggression or if the owner was being negligent; if the bite happened and caused an injury, the owner is generally on the hook.
However, there are a few situations where the owner might not be fully responsible. For instance, if the injured person was trespassing on private property or was teasing or provoking the dog, the owner's liability could be lessened. The context of the incident is key. If you're dealing with a dog bite case in Antioch, knowing these rules can help you navigate your next steps.
How long do I have to take legal action after a dog bite?
Under California's statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit for a dog bite. This deadline is established by Civil Code § 335.1. If you don't file your claim within this two-year period, you will likely lose your right to sue, and your case will probably be dismissed.
However, there's a special rule for minors. If the person bitten was under 18, the two-year clock doesn't start ticking until they reach their 18th birthday, giving them an extended period to take legal action.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, insurance companies are held to a strict schedule when handling claims. Once you notify them, they have 15 days to acknowledge your claim and start their investigation. From the day they receive all your necessary paperwork, they then have 40 days to make a decision on whether to accept or deny your claim.
If the insurance company approves your claim, they must send payment within 30 days of making that decision. This means that, according to California's fair claims settlement rules, the entire process from start to finish should typically be wrapped up within 85 days.
Can I file a claim if the dog was on a leash or had no prior bite history?
Yes. In Antioch and throughout California, dog owners are held accountable for bites even if their dog was leashed or had no previous history of aggression. As long as you were legally in the place where the bite happened, the owner is considered responsible.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
For our clients in Antioch, we start by listening to your story so you feel supported. We then determine the extent of your injuries, connecting you with top medical specialists for your treatment.
While you concentrate on getting better, we manage the legal fight for your rightful compensation. This settlement is meant to cover your pain, suffering, and the entire cost of your recovery.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for legal support
Golden Gate Legal has helped countless personal injury victims get back on their feet. Let’s do the same for you.
Call us now at (310) 445-3425 or click below for your free consultation.
Protecting your rights when you need it most
We believe in doing what’s right: you focus on your recovery, and we’ll handle the legal process from start to finish.
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We are available at all times
No legal fees paid upfront
We will protect you at all costs
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