Did someone’s dog recently bite you and you aren’t certain if you have a case or not? Have you been attacked by someone’s pet and you go back and forth in thinking that you have a case? If you think there’s even a small chance you have a case, it’s worth it to reach out to Belal Hamideh and the rest of the team here. As a Long Beach dog bite injury lawyer, Belal Hamideh can help answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Do I Have a Dog Bite/Animal Attack Case?
Not to answer a question with a question, but, were you injured by the animal? Yes, if the bite broke your skin, then you most likely have a case. However, even if the animal’s bite didn’t break your skin, you still may have a case, depending on if your injury were a result of the animal attacking you and other factors.
There are many factors that determine these cases, such as if the person bitten by the animal were trespassing, the control the owner had of the animal, and so forth. We can represent you as aggressively as possible every step of the way.
The Severity of the Bite/Attack Matters in Your Case
The least severe injuries involve scratches or cuts caused by aggressive behavior without an actual bite. These might include situations where the dog’s claws cause harm but teeth never make contact. While less serious, even these incidents can lead to medical issues, such as infections, that require attention.
Bite marks that are present but do not puncture the skin can still cause bruising and tissue damage beneath the surface. While the absence of puncture wounds might make these seem less severe, they still pose risks, particularly if the dog’s saliva contains bacteria or pathogens.
A deeper level of injury occurs when the dog’s bite punctures the skin. These injuries are not just painful; they can lead to significant scarring and increase the risk of infections.
More severe injuries involve deeper bites combined with shaking or pulling motions from the dog. These often result in torn flesh, extensive bruising, and even permanent tissue damage. Victims in such cases might face reconstructive surgeries and long-term physical rehabilitation.
Multiple bites with numerous puncture wounds signify the most violent attacks, often causing serious trauma that extends beyond physical injuries. These can include emotional and psychological scars, especially if the victim feared for their life during the attack.
Who Is Responsible for My Dog Bite/Animal Attack?
As California is a “strict liability” state, the owner of the dog (or other animal) is probably liable. That said, they might not be the only liable party. For example, perhaps, at the time that the animal bit/attacked you, it was controlled by a family member of the owner, a friend of theirs, etc. They could be liable. If you’re bit by a dog that’s being controlled by a paid dog walker, then they could be liable, too. However, children can’t. If a kid controls a dog when the dog bites you, the kid’s parents would be liable.
What Can Be Done After a Dog Bite?
If a dog bite occurs, immediate action is critical to protect your health and your legal rights. First, ensure your safety. If the dog is still present, get to a secure location where you are no longer at risk. Afterward, seek medical attention promptly. Even if the injuries seem minor, underlying damage or exposure to disease can make the situation more serious than it initially appears.
Medical care serves two essential purposes: treating the injuries and documenting them. The latter can be vital for any legal proceedings. Whether the injury involves a bite, a fall while escaping the dog, or defensive wounds, thorough medical records provide evidence that strengthens your case.
Authorities should also be notified immediately. Contact the police so they can file a report detailing the incident, the injuries, and the dog owner’s information. This report can later be invaluable in legal matters. Additionally, inform Animal Services. They may investigate the dog’s behavior, check for prior incidents, and take steps to prevent future attacks.
Photographic evidence is another crucial step. Capture clear images of your injuries, the dog involved, and the scene where the attack occurred. Such evidence can provide clarity and support during legal proceedings.
What Do I Do If It’s a Family Member or Friend’s Animal?
It is natural and completely understandable that, should the pet of someone you care about bite you, you might be reticent about filing a case against them. However, what’s important to keep in mind here is that your family member or friend won’t have to pay. It will come from their insurance. It’s not like you’ll be taking money from someone that you care about. If you have any further questions, reach out to us to learn the truth from a dog bite injury lawyer.
A Long Beach Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Who Can Help
Recovering from a dog bite is a physical and emotional journey. With the right steps, victims can focus on healing while holding those responsible accountable for their actions. As a Long Beach dog injury lawyer, Belal Hamideh offers the guidance and legal expertise needed to help dog bite victims in California achieve just that.
Dog bites and animal attacks are difficult cases for many reasons. If you are bitten or attacked by an animal, receive medical care as quickly as possible. Even if the injury seems minor, you never know the health of the animal that bit you, whether it’s diseased, and so forth. Once you’ve done that, we encourage you to reach out to us for a free case evaluation to see how we can help. You can schedule this through our site or by giving us a call.