Orange County Dog Bite Attorney

Orange County Dog Attack Lawyer

Dog bites remain surprisingly common, even though most cities and towns have leash and fence laws. In fact, two percent of all Americans will suffer a dog bite this year.

Of course, some of those dog bites are on dog owners by their own pets. But the victim of an attack by someone else's dog may suffer more than just a dog bite. Dog attacks can be vicious, even deadly. Dog bite victims can suffer physical injuries and emotional trauma. On top of all that is the possibility that the dog might have rabies or other diseases. The toll on victims of dog attacks can be overwhelming.

What Should You Do After an Orange County Dog Bites?

Cities and towns in Orange County require dog owners to keep their dogs tied up or enclosed by fences. Sometimes a pet owner ignores the law or a pet escapes its confines. Either way, dog owners are responsible for the consequences when their dogs bite others.

After a dog attack, the victim's first priority should be to seek medical care. Some dog bite victims are seriously maimed. They will need no prompting to persuade them to see a doctor. But even victims whose skin is barely pierced by the dog's teeth or claws should see a doctor. Dogs' mouths contain bacteria, which can be passed on to dog bite victims. To prevent infection and other disease from developing, the victim should seek the help of a medical professional.

The victim's next priority should be to protect legal options. Orange County dog bite victims are entitled by law to be compensated for their injuries. Victims can best preserve their rights by doing the following as soon as possible after the attack:

• Identify the dog and locate its owner. Dog owners need to be told that their dog has attacked while loose so that they can restrain the dog and keep it from injuring others. They also will need this information so that they can inform their insurers that their dog has bitten someone.
• Notify local authorities of the dog attack. Notify both the animal control authority and the police department about the dog bite so that they can make a report and follow up with the dog's owner.
• Preserve evidence of the dog bite event. If anyone else saw the dog attack, the victim should get their names and contact information. A dog bite lawyer will use this information to contact them later on. Take pictures of the dog bite, both before and after any blood, torn clothing or other evidence is removed. Also take pictures of the victim's wounds before and after medical care is provided. Save torn clothing as evidence.

Legal Rights of Orange County Dog Bite Victims

California law makes the owner responsible for any harm done when a dog bites someone, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. In a court of law, however, the victim will want the help of an Orange County dog bite attorney to prove the four elements of a dog bite claim. They are:

• That the person being sued is the dog's owner.
• That the dog attack occurred while the victim was on public property or was lawfully on private property.
• That the dog bit the victim.
• That the dog attack injured the victim.

After the victim has established these elements, the judge or jury may award monetary damages as compensation. What sorts of damages might a dog-bite victim claim? This will depend on the circumstances of the attack and the severity of the injury. Generally, the victim is entitled to compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses.
• Lost income.
• Pain and suffering.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Life care assistance expenses.
• Wrongful death.

Punitive damages may also be awarded in extreme circumstances. One example would be if the dog's owner ordered the dog to attack without a lawful reason, such as self defense.

Selecting a Dog Bite Attorney in Orange County

Dog attacks are almost always frightening and emotionally traumatic. They can leave the dog bite victim with scars and permanent disabilities. In some of the worst cases, dog attacks can even kill. When a dog bites, the dog's owner is legally responsible. That is where the services of a reputable Orange County dog bite attorney come in.

The Reeves Law Group has been representing personal injury victims in Orange County and throughout California for more than two decades. The firm has an established record of success on behalf of thousands of clients. Our Orange County dog attack lawyers have the knowledge and experience to represent you zealously in your dog bite claim. Please call us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000 or e-mail us.