Orange Dog Bites Lawyer
Looking for a dog bite attorney in Orange? Golden Gate Legal can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve after an animal attack.
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 Orange area for a dog bite incident, contact our office at the number below for guidance.
Golden Gate Legal has a proven track record of successfully representing dog bite victims throughout Orange, and we understand the complexities of these cases. We've created this guide to walk you through what to do after a bite, provide an overview of the legal process, and address the common questions you may have.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Orange
If you've been bitten by a dog in Orange, it's important to take the following steps:
Make Sure You're Safe
Your first priority after an animal bite in Orange is to get to a safe place away from the animal to prevent further attack. Once you are out of harm's way, carefully check yourself and anyone else who was present for injuries.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
The most critical first step is to get immediate medical attention by calling 911 or going to the emergency room. This ensures your wounds are properly treated to prevent serious infections and that your injuries are officially documented.
Call the Police and Animal Control
Contacting the police and local animal control will create an official record of the incident. They will investigate the attack, gather information about the dog and its owner, and you can request a copy of their report for your records.
Collect Information and Evidence
Exchange contact and insurance information with the dog's owner, verify the animal's vaccination records, and document everything with photos of your injuries, the dog, and where the attack occurred. This evidence is critical for ensuring you receive proper medical care and for supporting any claim you might make.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
When you're recovering from a dog bite in Orange, let the dedicated team at Golden Gate Legal handle the legal burdens for you. Our attorneys will confront the insurance adjusters and work tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you need to move forward.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal
If you've suffered a dog bite in Orange, Golden Gate Legal has dedicated years of experience handling these specific cases among many other personal injury proceedings. Here are a few reasons why you should choose our firm to represent you:
- We Will Get You Maximum Compensation: Our duty is to guide you through the recovery process and make sure you recover all damages you are legally entitled to.
- We Will Protect You at All Costs: Our attorneys will aggressively fight for you and stand by your side from the beginning of your case to the very end.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You do not pay any legal fees upfront, and we only receive a fee when we win or settle your case.
- We Are Available at All Times: When you need support and guidance after an accident, our team is here for you 24/7.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We take care of every step of your dog bite case in Orange so you can focus on your healing, and here's how the process works:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: The process starts with a free meeting where we listen to your side of the story, assess the details of the dog bite incident, and determine the strength of your claim.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will then collect all necessary proof, like medical reports, injury photos, and witness accounts, and manage all the paperwork and communication with insurance companies for you.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: We can assist in arranging your medical care and keep track of your recovery 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'll compile a detailed demand letter outlining your damages and negotiate with the dog owner's insurance provider to secure the best possible settlement for you.
- 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 for your rights.
- You Get Paid: Upon reaching a successful resolution, we handle the final steps to get your compensation to you quickly, covering all your related costs and losses.
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 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
To protect their profits, insurance companies and at-fault parties will often try to undervalue your claim, making it essential to have experienced California personal injury attorneys like those at Golden Gate Legal fighting for you.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
While this is not 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 tear the skin, resulting in injuries that often bleed profusely, carry a high risk of infection, may require stitches, and can lead to permanent scarring.
Infections & Soft-Tissue Damage
When a dog’s teeth pierce the skin, it not only damages underlying soft tissues but also opens a pathway for bacteria from the animal's saliva, potentially causing serious infections if not addressed with immediate medical care.
Nerve Damage & Functional Impairments
A particularly deep bite, especially in a delicate area like the face or hands, can injure the nerves beneath the skin. This can cause anything from numbness and tingling to a lasting loss of function in that part of the body if it doesn't receive prompt medical attention.
Scarring & Disfigurement
A common result of a dog attack is scarring, which can be particularly severe on visible areas like the hands or face. When the bite causes major tissue damage, plastic or reconstructive surgery is often needed to help repair the area and reduce long-term disfigurement.
Crush Injuries & Fractures
When a dog bites with significant force, particularly a larger breed, it can lead to crushed tissues and broken bones. Such injuries are often accompanied by severe swelling and bruising, and recovery can involve surgery, splints, or a course of physical rehabilitation.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The impact of a dog attack often goes far beyond the visible scars, leaving behind deep emotional wounds such as lasting anxiety, a fear of animals, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These experiences can be especially difficult for children, who may need counseling to help them process the trauma and rebuild their sense of security.
Common Causes of Dog Bites in Orange
Most dog bites in Orange can be traced back to a few common causes:
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
When a dog is caught off guard by a quick movement or a loud bang, it might react defensively and bite without thinking.
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
A dog that's handled too roughly during play may feel like it's in danger and could lash out aggressively to keep itself safe.
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
An injured or sick dog might bite if touched or surprised, because it may see any physical contact as a source of more pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
With our Orange personal injury attorneys, you pay nothing out-of-pocket. We work on a contingency fee, so our payment only comes after we win or settle your case. For you, this means there is zero financial risk.
What if the dog’s owner denies responsibility?
In California, the law holds dog owners strictly responsible for bites. This means if a dog bites someone and causes an injury, the owner is generally liable. It doesn't matter if the dog had never shown any aggressive tendencies before or if the owner wasn't being negligent. Essentially, you don't have to prove the owner did something wrong; you just need to show that the bite happened and that it resulted in harm.
There are a few exceptions, however. An owner's responsibility might be reduced or even dismissed entirely if the person who was bitten was trespassing on private property or was provoking the dog. Because the specific circumstances are so important, it's crucial to understand how these rules apply to your case in Orange.
How long do I have to take legal action after a dog bite?
In California, you have a two-year window from the day you were bitten to file a personal injury claim under Civil Code § 335.1. If you don't act within that time, you will likely lose your right to sue, even if the dog's owner was clearly at fault.
There is an exception for minors, however. For children who are bitten, the two-year clock does not start running until they reach the age of 18, giving them an extended period to pursue legal action.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, insurance companies must follow a set timeline after you file a claim. Within 15 days of you reporting the incident, they need to acknowledge your claim and begin their investigation. From the day they receive all your required documentation, they have 40 days to decide whether to accept or reject your claim.
Once a claim is approved, the company is required to issue payment within 30 days. This means that, according to the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, the whole settlement process should be wrapped up in 85 days from the time you provide all the necessary proof.
Can I file a claim if the dog was on a leash or had no prior bite history?
Yes, you absolutely can. In Orange, California, the law holds dog owners accountable even if their pet was on a leash or had never bitten anyone before. If the bite happened and you were legally on the property, the owner is typically considered responsible.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
Here at Golden Gate Legal in Orange, our first step is to listen to your story and grasp the full scope of your circumstances. We want you to feel heard and supported from the very beginning. We'll also evaluate the extent of your injuries and can connect you with the right medical experts to ensure you receive proper care.
Your main focus should be on your health and getting better. Let us take care of the complex legal work. We will tirelessly pursue the financial compensation you are entitled to, covering the costs of your treatment and the personal impact the injury has had on your life.
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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