Long Beach Dog Bites Lawyer

Hurt by a dog bite in Long Beach? The dog bite attorneys at Golden Gate Legal can help you get the compensation you deserve.

A dog bite can leave you with more than just physical scars; the emotional trauma can be just as challenging to overcome. If you are seeking legal representation in the Long Beach area, contact our experienced team at (XXX) XXX-XXXX to discuss your case.

At Golden Gate Legal, we have a proven track record of successfully handling dog bite cases and fighting for victims' rights throughout Long Beach. This article will provide clear direction on what to do after an incident, offer an overview of the legal process, and address the common questions you may have.

Call to schedule a free case evaluation today
(310) 445-3425

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Long Beach

If a dog has bitten you in Long Beach, it's very important to take the following steps:

1

Make Sure You're Safe

Your first priority is to move away from the animal to prevent any further harm. Once you are in a safe location in Long Beach, carefully check yourself and anyone else who was involved for injuries.

2

Seek Immediate Medical Care

Your immediate priority is to get medical help by calling 911 or going to an emergency room. This is crucial for preventing potentially serious infections and formally documenting the extent of your injuries.

3

Call the Police and Animal Control

You should report the bite to the police and local animal control to ensure the incident is properly documented. These authorities can gather evidence and statements, and you should ask for a copy of the official report for your own files.

4

Collect Information and Evidence

After a bite, you'll want to exchange contact and insurance information with the owner, find out if the dog is up-to-date on its shots, and take clear photos of your injuries and the surrounding area. This evidence is crucial for seeking medical care and provides the foundation for any potential injury claim.

5

Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help

When you're recovering from a dog bite in Long Beach, the last thing you need is legal stress, which is where the compassionate team at Golden Gate Legal comes in. We will handle all the complex negotiations with insurance companies, fighting to secure the financial compensation you need to move forward.

Why Choose Golden Gate Legal

Golden Gate Legal has years of experience helping Long Beach residents with dog bite cases among many other personal injury proceedings. Here are a few reasons why you should choose our firm:

  • We Will Get You Maximum Compensation: Our attorneys will fight aggressively 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, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
  • No Legal Fees Upfront: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win or settle your case.
  • We Are Available at all times: Our team is here for you 24/7 to provide legal and emotional support whenever you need it.

We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials.

Legal Process Overview

We handle every step of your Long Beach dog bite claim so you can concentrate on your well-being. Here’s how our process works:

  1. 1. Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We start with a no-cost consultation to discuss the details of your dog bite incident, address your concerns, and determine the strength of your claim.
  2. 2. Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will collect all necessary evidence, including medical reports, injury photos, and witness accounts, while managing all paperwork and communications with insurance providers for you.
  3. 3. 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.
  4. 4. Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've completed your medical treatment, we will compile a detailed demand letter outlining your damages and negotiate with the dog owner's insurance company to secure the best possible settlement for you.
  5. 5. Litigation (if necessary): Should the opposing party refuse a fair settlement offer, our skilled trial lawyers are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.
  6. 6. 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 damages to you quickly.

What Types of Damages Can You Claim After a Dog Bite?

In California, if you've been injured by a dog bite, the law allows you to seek financial compensation for the various losses 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 frequently attempt to undervalue your claim to protect their bottom line, making it crucial to have experienced California personal injury attorneys like those at Golden Gate Legal fighting for you.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

While this is not an exhaustive list, here are the typical types of injury cases we handle:

Puncture Wounds & Lacerations

A dog’s sharp teeth can cause deep puncture wounds or create jagged tears, known as lacerations, that break through the skin and damage underlying tissue. Such injuries frequently lead to significant bleeding, pose a high risk of infection, often require stitches to heal correctly, and can leave permanent scars.

Infections & Soft-Tissue Damage

An open wound from a dog bite allows oral bacteria to invade, which can result in serious complications ranging from localized skin infections and abscesses to widespread, dangerous infections like sepsis.

Nerve Damage & Functional Impairments

A particularly deep bite, especially in a sensitive area like the hands or face, can damage underlying nerves. This may lead to numbness, tingling, or chronic pain, and if not addressed quickly, could result in a permanent loss of function in the affected body part.

Scarring & Disfigurement

Severe dog attacks can leave behind lasting scars, especially on visible areas like the hands and face, sometimes requiring cosmetic or reconstructive procedures to address the disfigurement.

Crush Injuries & Fractures

Bites from bigger dogs can exert enough force to crush tissue and break bones, resulting in fractures or damage to joints. These severe injuries typically involve major swelling and bruising and may require treatments like surgery, casts, or a long road of physical therapy to fully recover.

PTSD & Emotional Trauma

Beyond the physical wounds, a dog attack can inflict significant emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder and a persistent fear of animals, which may require professional therapy to address, especially in children.

Common Causes of Dog Bites in Long Beach

Dog bites in Long Beach often stem from a few key situations that every resident should be aware of:

Lack of Proper Training

When a dog hasn't received adequate training or socialization, it can become overwhelmed in unfamiliar circumstances, often leading to a bite driven by anxiety or uncertainty.

Fear or Startling

An abrupt scare, whether from a loud noise, a quick gesture, or a new person, can trigger a dog's self-preservation instincts, causing it to bite.

Territorial Behavior

A dog's natural instinct to defend its territory—be it their home, yard, or even their human family—can cause them to react aggressively and bite when someone invades their space.

Rough Play

When playtime gets too physical, a dog can feel threatened and may bite or snap in an attempt to defend itself from what it perceives as danger.

Protective Instincts

A dog might instinctively guard things it values, such as its food, toys, or even a particular spot on the couch, and may bite if it feels those resources are threatened.

Pain or Illness

A dog that is sick or injured may bite if it's touched unexpectedly, as it might interpret the contact as a source of further pain.

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(310) 445-3425
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?

When you hire our Long Beach personal injury lawyers, you pay nothing out-of-pocket. We only collect a fee if we secure a financial recovery for you, so there is no cost to get started.

What if the dog’s owner denies responsibility?

In California, the law holds dog owners responsible for injuries their pets cause. It doesn't matter if the owner claims they weren't careless or that their dog had never been aggressive before. Generally, you only need to show that the dog bite happened and that it resulted in an injury.

There are exceptions, though. An owner's responsibility might be lessened or even dismissed if the injured person was trespassing on private property or provoked the animal. The specific circumstances of the incident are important, which is why understanding your rights after a dog bite in Long Beach is crucial.

How long do I have to take legal action after a dog bite?

In California, you have a two-year window from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit for a dog bite, as outlined in Civil Code § 335.1. If you don't act within that timeframe, you will almost certainly forfeit your right to pursue a claim, even if the owner was clearly negligent.

For victims who are minors when the bite happens, the rule is different. The two-year clock doesn't start ticking until they reach the age of 18, 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 operate under strict deadlines once you file a claim. They have 15 days from the time you notify them to acknowledge your claim and start their investigation. Once they have received all the necessary proof and documentation from you, they have another 40 days to make a decision on whether to accept or deny your claim.

If your claim is accepted, the company must issue your payment within 30 days of their decision. This means that, according to California's regulations for fair claim settlements, the entire process from when you file to when you get paid 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 Long Beach, and throughout California, a dog's owner is responsible for a bite even if the animal was on a leash and had never been aggressive before. As long as you were lawfully present where the bite happened, the owner can be held accountable.

How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?

At Golden Gate Legal, our first step is to listen to your story and understand the full impact of your accident here in Long Beach. We want you to feel supported from day one. A crucial part of this is getting a clear picture of your injuries, which often means connecting you with the right medical professionals to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Your main focus should be on your health and recovery. Let us handle the complexities of the legal system. We will work tirelessly to build a strong case and fight for the financial compensation you are entitled to, covering everything from your medical bills and lost income to the personal toll of your pain and suffering.

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.

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We will protect you at all costs

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When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need strong support by your side to help you make the right decisions.

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