Chula Vista Dog Bite Attorney

Attacked By a Dangerous Dog in Chula Vista? Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review

At Saeedian Law Group, our Chula Vista dog bite attorney is skilled, knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate. We are always prepared to invest the time, resources, and attention to detail to fight for justice. If you or your loved one was attacked by a dangerous dog, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review with a top Chula Vista dog bite lawyer. 

Most Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites are actually one of the most commonly reported injuries in the United States. Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of people get emergency medical care for dog bite injuries each year. Young children are disproportionately the victims. It is vital to obtain immediate medical care to prevent infections, repair damage, and address internal injuries that are not always visible to the naked eye. Delaying treatment can cause complications that make recovery more difficult and painful. Quick medical attention is also important for properly documenting injuries for your personal injury claim. Common dog bite injuries in Chula Vista include: 

• Severe lacerations; 
• Deep puncture wounds; 
• Nerve damage; 
• Infections; 
• Fractured/broken bones; 
• Facial scarring; 
• Amputations; and
• Permanent disfigurement.

Understanding Dog Bite Liability in California

If you or your loved one was attacked by a dog in Chula Vista, it is crucial that you understand how California dog bite liability works. Under California Civil Code § 3342, a strict liability standard applies to dog owners. A dog owner can be held responsible for bite-related injuries even if they had no prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies. It is not necessary for a victim to prove negligence to hold the owner liable. Quite the contrary, dog bite victims only need to show that the bite occurred in a public area or while lawfully present on private property.

California also allows for common law negligence claims in dog bite injury cases. If a dog owner was careless, for instance, by failing to leash a dog in a public park, and the injury resulted, the owner could be held accountable even if a bite was not involved. California law also recognizes that third parties, like landlords, can sometimes be held liable if they knew a dangerous dog was on the premises and failed to act. Our Chula Vista, CA dog bite lawyer can help you explore every potential option to seek justice and financial compensation for your injuries. 

Dog Bite Claims: Statute of Limitations

There is a strict statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims in Chula Vista. California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 holds that a personal injury lawsuit—including a dog bite injury case—must generally be filed within two years of the date of the attack. Failure to take legal action in a timely manner could result in the outright dismissal of your case without any compensation. Do not miss your opportunity to seek justice: Consult a Chula Vista dog bite lawyer right away. 

You Need the Maximum Compensation for a Dog Bite in Chula Vista, CA

Were you or your loved one attacked by a dog in Chula Vista? It is imperative that you are able to effectively navigate the personal injury claims process so that you can secure the maximum compensation. Sadly, you cannot rely on any insurance company to look out for your best interests. Our Chula Vista, CA dog bite lawyer can help. You may be entitled to recover compensation for: 

• Emergency room care; 
• Hospital bills; 
• Other medical expenses; 
• Physical therapy; 
• Psychological support; 
• Loss of wages; 
• Diminished future earnings; 
• Pain and suffering; 
• Emotional distress;
• Long-term Disability; 
• Permanent scarring; and
• Wrongful death. 

Dog Bite Defenses You Could Face in Your Claim

Strict liability imposes liability on a dog owner even without a finding of negligence. With that being said, strict liability should not be confused with automatic liability. It is not the same thing. A dog owner could potentially bring an affirmative defense against a dog bite claim, such as: 

• Trespassing: Strict liability may not apply if the injured party was trespassing on private property. Dog owners may avoid liability by proving the victim had no legal right to be there.
• Provocation: Dog owners often argue that the victim provoked the attack. If the court finds provocation led to the bite, it could limit or even completely bar liability. 
• Assumption of Risk: When a victim voluntarily interacts with a known risky dog, such as a dog under behavioral training, their rights to compensation may be limited. 
• Comparative Negligence: California’s comparative negligence rules mean victims can lose part of their recovery if their own actions contributed to the attack. 

Why Dog Bite Victims in Chula Vista Trust Attorney Michael Saeedian

Dog bite injury claims are complicated. It is normal to have a lot of questions about the legal process after a serious attack in Southern California. Michael Saeedian and Daniella Saeedian are dog bite lawyers who invest the time, resources, and attention to the smallest of details to do right by victims and families. Our case results show what we can do for victims and their families. Along with other things, our Chula Vista dog bite lawyer is prepared to: 

• Hear your story and answer questions about your legal case; 
• Investigate the dog bite attack, gathering all relevant evidence; 
• Handle legal paperwork and represent you in settlement talks; and
• Develop a comprehensive strategy designed to help you secure the best outcome. 

Dog Bite Injury Claims: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I See a Doctor After a Dog Bite?

Yes. All dog bite injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. Even if the wound seems to be relatively minor, it is still crucial to get yourself checked out by a qualified physician. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and may cause hidden damage beneath the skin. Early medical treatment can prevent complications and ensure that the injury is properly documented. 

Can a Dog Bite Become Infected?

Yes. Not only can a dog bite become infected, but there is a very serious risk that this will happen. It is a myth that a dog’s mouth is “clean.” It is not. When a bite punctures the skin, it could lead to an infection. Infections like cellulitis, sepsis, or even more serious conditions can develop if a bite is not cleaned and treated properly. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, pus, and fever.

Can I Get Compensation for Pain and Suffering for a Dog Bite?

Yes, California law allows victims to seek compensation for pain and suffering after a dog bite injury. This includes both physical pain and emotional distress, such as anxiety, fear of dogs, or trauma from permanent scarring. Pain and suffering damages are considered “non-economic” losses and are evaluated based on the severity and impact of the injury. Our Chula Vista, CA dog bite lawyer can help you seek the maximum compensation for all of your losses, including pain and suffering. 

Is My Dog Bite Claim Brought Against an Insurance Company?

Many dog bite claims in Chula Vista are brought against insurance companies. Indeed, your claim will often be brought against the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. While the legal claim is technically against the individual owner, the insurance company usually defends the case and pays any settlement or judgment. You should be prepared for the insurance adjuster to try to minimize your damages.

Could a Third Party (Non-Owner) Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?

Yes. However, in California, strict liability is not imposed on a non-owner. Still, in some cases, someone other than the dog’s owner can be held liable for a dog bite injury in California. For example, a landlord who knew about a dangerous dog on the property but failed to act could face responsibility. Beyond that, a dog walker, kennel, or business that had custody and control of the dog at the time of the attack might also be liable. 

What Happens if the Dog Owner Claims I Provoked the Dog?

If the owner claims you provoked the dog, it could potentially reduce or even eliminate their liability under California law. The burden is typically on the owner to prove that provocation occurred and was the primary cause of the attack. Courts will closely examine the facts, including things like witness statements, the behavior of both the dog and specific conduct of the victim.

We Handle Dog Bite Claims in Chula Vista On a Contingency Fee

How much does it cost to hire a top Chula Vista dog bite lawyer? With Saeedian Law Group, victims and families can always afford the best legal representation. Our firm handles dog bite injury cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, and there are no out-of-pocket fees. If you do not get paid, then we do not get paid. Your initial consultation with our Chula Vista dog bite lawyer is free of charge and carries zero additional obligations. 

Contact Our Chula Vista, CA Dog Bite Lawyer Today

At Saeedian Law Group, our Chula Vista dog bite attorney is a strong advocate for justice. Dogs can cause devastating harm. It is imperative that victims are able to get justice and full financial compensation. Give us a call now or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review. We fight for justice for dog bite victims in Chula Vista, San Diego County, and all across the wider region.