Chula Vista Dog Bite Attorneys

Representing Dog Bite Injury Victims in Southern California

If you or a loved one is a victim of a dog attack, contact The Sexton Law Firm for assistance with your claim. Often, folks are hesitant to make personal injury claims after suffering dog bites or dog attacks because they do not want to sue a neighbor or family member who owned the dangerous dog.

Remember that homeowner’s insurance or business insurance may be available to compensate the injured victim. Our Chula Vista dog bite attorneys understand this may be difficult, but we will work with you to make the case go as smoothly as possible.

To schedule a free consultation with our Chula Vista dog bite lawyers, contact us online or call our office at (619) 202-8976.

Should You Hire an Attorney After a Dog Bite?

All dogs can be potentially dangerous, but some dogs are more dangerous and vicious than others. Many dogs can be considerably stronger and larger than a person of average size. Training, socialization, and proper care can make an impact, but some dogs are specifically bred by years of human selection to be more aggressive. Dog bites and attacks can be mentally traumatic and physically life-changing experiences, and they account for thousands of emergency room visits each year.

Dog owners, business owners, dog spas, and property owners have a duty to protect adults and children from vicious dogs in neighborhoods, and especially in public parks. At The Sexton Law Firm, we hold these people accountable for injuries.

What Am I Entitled to if I Have Suffered Permanent Physical Damage from a Dog Attack?

Dog attacks are very interesting. The dog attacks that we see here at The Sexton Law Firm are generally attacks from larger dogs. The vast majority of dog bites come from smaller dogs, such as poodles, cocker spaniels, and chihuahuas. Fortunately, when those smaller dogs bite or nip somebody, the damages are not that great. They usually just break the skin a little bit, and issues are resolved without any problems.

When bigger dogs (such as rottweilers, German shepherds, and pit bulls) bite, they usually cause very serious physical damage. We have seen injuries to noses, ears, lips, and cheeks. Injuries on the leg could be a bite where a little bit of flesh is lost but may not be as significant as bites in the facial area. Sometimes the hands can incur more serious damage from a dog bite attack.

Determining compensation for permanent physical damage from a dog bite is sort of a gray area. It depends on the amount of disfigurement and what types of monetary damages are appropriate for something affecting someone’s face or hands. If you are a model or a concert pianist, then the damages could be higher, because those types of people depend on their hands and face for their livelihood.

They could lose money from not being able to do their job. Compensation is determined on a case-to-case basis. Generally, the damages from a dog attack are the same as in any other accident case. You get paid for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potential loss of future income.

If a Victim Had Emotional Trauma Due to the Attack, Can They Claim That as an Injury?

Yes, if it can be documented and proved. We had a couple of cases where after being attacked by a dog, the person becomes terrified of dogs. It might have been a big dog that attacked them, but even a chihuahua causes them to experience panic attacks, or a dog barking can cause them to experience some type of anxiety.

That is a real type of damage, too. That has to be documented by a psychiatrist or a psychologist. That is the proof that you would need for something like that. When you are attacked by a dog, it is normal to have experienced some type of trauma and fear, but sometimes it goes beyond that — where you are having nightmares and panic attacks.

We had a case where a woman was terrified even just hearing a dog bark. It reminded her, and she relived that attack. If those things are documented by going to see a physician, then you can recover for the bills incurred, as well as the pain and suffering.

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Accidents

Common injuries from dog bites include:

• Puncture Wounds: Deep wounds caused by the dog’s teeth penetrating the skin.
• Lacerations: Cuts and tears in the skin that may require stitches or surgery.
• Infections: Bacterial infections such as rabies, tetanus, and sepsis from the dog's saliva.
• Nerve Damage: Injuries to nerves that can lead to loss of sensation or motor function.
• Scarring: Permanent scars that may necessitate plastic surgery.
• Emotional Trauma: Psychological effects, including anxiety, PTSD, and fear of dogs.
• Broken Bones: Fractures caused by the force of a dog’s bite or from being knocked down.
• Facial Injuries: Damage to the face that may require reconstructive surgery.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Accident Claims in California?

In the state of California, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim is normally two years from the date of the injury. This means victims will have a two-year window to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If the claim is not filed within this period, the victim could lose the right to pursue compensation for their injuries.

However, certain exceptions can alter this timeline. For instance, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations could be extended until they turn 18. Additionally, specific procedural rules and shorter filing deadlines may apply if the responsible party is a public entity, such as a city or county. It is essential to consult with our Chula Vista dog bite lawyers to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Chula Vista Today

Dog bite incidents can be traumatic and overwhelming. The legal process of seeking compensation for your injuries should not add to your stress. Our Chula Vista dog bite attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure you obtain the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact The Sexton Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you need to heal and rebuild your life.

Call (619) 202-8976 or contact our Chula Vista dog bite attorneys online to discuss your injuries in a free consultation.