Escondido Dog Bite Attorney

Attacked By a Dangerous Dog in Escondido? We Can Help

At Saeedian Law Group, our Escondido dog bite attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you or your loved one was attacked by a dangerous dog in San Diego County, we are here to fight for justice for your family. Contact us today for a free, fully confidential initial consultation with a top-rated Escondido dog bite lawyer. 

Dog Bites in Escondido Require Prompt Medical Care

If you or your loved one was attacked by a dog in Escondido, you should see a doctor right away. Dog bites can cause very serious injuries. You may be more badly hurt than you realize in the immediate aftermath of the attack. Even a seemingly small bite can hide severe underlying trauma. Getting prompt medical care also helps create a clear record if a legal claim becomes necessary. Some of the most common dog bite injuries that are reported in Escondido include: 

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

An Overview of Dog Bite Liability in California

Under California law (California Civil Code § 3342), dog owners are strictly liable if their animal bites an innocent person. For victims in Escondido, that means that you are not required to prove a dog owner’s negligence in order to hold them accountable for your injuries. Strict liability is an easier standard for victims to meet. As long as you were in public or you were lawfully on private property, you have the right to hold a dog owner liable on the grounds of strict liability. 

Beyond strict liability, victims may also bring a negligence claim if the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog. Even non-bite injuries, such as being knocked down or mauled, can lead to liability. In some cases, third parties—business, property owners, landlords, etc—can also be held accountable if they knew a dangerous dog posed a threat and failed to act. Our Escondido dog bite lawyers can help you explore every option for seeking justice and compensation. 

Take a Proactive Approach: Statute of Limitations

You need to be ready to take legal action as soon as possible after an attack by a dangerous dog. In Escondido, injured parties have a strict two-year period to sue for dog bite injuries (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). The clock starts ticking from the date of the attack. Waiting too long could mean losing your chance to hold the dog owner or any other negligent party accountable. Be proactive: Speak to an Escondido, CA dog bite attorney as soon as possible. 

Recovering Compensation for a Dog Bite 

In California, dog bite victims may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages. However, it is important for dog bite victims in Escondido to understand that the insurance companies that typically defend these claims fight hard to pay out as little as possible. They want to settle cases for less. Our team can help. Along with other damages, a dog bite claim in Escondido may include compensation for: 

• Emergency room treatment; 
• Hospital bills and other medical expenses; 
• Physical therapy and psychological counseling; 
• Loss of wages and diminished earnings; 
• Pain and suffering and emotional Trauma;
• Permanent physical scarring; and
• Wrongful death of a family member. 

Know the Other Side: Dog Bite Defenses that May Be Raised 

While California is a strict liability state for dog bites, it does not impose automatic liability on dog owners in Escondido. A dog owner can raise an affirmative defense. It is crucial that victims are prepared for any defenses that they might face in their case. Common defenses include: 

• Trespassing: A dog owner is generally not strictly liable if the victim was unlawfully present on private property. If trespassing is proven, it can serve as a strong defense. 
• Provocation: The owner may argue that the victim provoked the dog into biting. If the evidence supports this claim, the owner’s liability could be reduced or eliminated.
• Assumption of Risk: If the victim knowingly engaged with a potentially dangerous dog, they may have accepted the risk of injury. It is most common with dog trainers and veterinarians. The owner must show that the victim clearly understood the risks.
• Comparative Negligence: In California, a victim’s own negligence can reduce the amount of compensation they receive. For example, ignoring warnings about a dog’s behavior could diminish the value of the claim. 

Why Dog Bite Victims Rely On Escondido Attorney, Michael Saeedian

California’s dog bite liability laws are complicated. Do not rely on a dog owner or any insurance company to look out for your best interests after an attack. You need a top-rated advocate on your side. Michael Saeedian and Daniella Saeedian are proud to fight for justice for the people who need help the most. Our case results tell the story best. Among other things, our Escondido dog bite lawyers are prepared to: 

• Hear what you have to say and answer your legal questions; 
• Investigate the dog bite attack—gathering all relevant evidence; 
• Represent you in any settlement negotiations with insurance companies; and
• Take whatever legal action is needed to help you secure the maximum financial support. 

Escondido Dog Bite Claims: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite?

Medical care always comes first. You should seek prompt medical care to treat your injuries and prevent infection. Next, try to identify the dog and its owner, and report the incident to local animal control authorities. You should also try your best to document everything you can—from photographs of the injuries to the location of the attack to contact details for any witnesses. Early action protects both your health and your legal rights. 

Does It Matter If the Dog Was on a Leash When It Bit Me?

No, not necessarily. It certainly does not absolve the dog owner from liability. The fact that a dog was on a leash does not prevent a victim from filing a claim. California’s strict liability law still applies if a dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog was leashed or unleashed. However, leash status might be relevant if the owner tries to argue that you provoked the dog. If you have any specific questions about this type of case, our Escondido dog bite lawyer can help. 

Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Dog Bite?

Yes. In Escondido, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, under California’s comparative negligence rules. However, your total compensation would simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent responsible, your recovery would be reduced by 20 percent as well. Unfortunately, defendants and insurers often try to place unfair blame on victims. Our Escondido, CA dog bite lawyer can help. 

What Happens if the Dog that Bit Me Was a Stray?

Get yourself to a doctor right away. These cases can be challenging. If you are bitten by a stray dog, it may be harder to bring a direct claim against an individual owner. With that being said, if a business, landlord, or city negligently allowed dangerous stray animals to roam, you might still have a claim. These cases often require a comprehensive investigation to determine if a third party had responsibility for the animal. 

Is There a Maximum Settlement for a Dog Bite?

No. California technically does not cap dog bite damages. Through a dog bite injury claim in Escondido, you have the right to seek compensation for economic losses and non-economic damages, including for things like pain and suffering. A settlement that is five, six, or even seven figures (severe injuries) could be possible. A top-rated Escondido, CA dog bite lawyer can help you determine the proper value of your case. 

You Can Always Afford a Top Escondido Dog Bite Lawyer

Following an attack by a dangerous dog in Escondido, you may be wondering how much it is likely to cost to hire a lawyer. The good news is that with Saeedian Law Group, you can always afford the best top bite injury representation in California. We do not charge upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees. Our firm handles these claims on contingency. If you do not get paid, we do not get paid. Your initial case review with our Escondido, CA dog bite lawyer is free and without any obligations. 

Contact Our Escondido, CA Dog Bite Attorney Today

At Saeedian Law Group, our Escondido dog bite lawyer has the professional experience that you can trust when it matters the most. If you or your family member was attacked by a dangerous dog, we are here as a legal resource. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a top Escondido dog bite lawyer. We fight for injured victims throughout San Diego County.