Stockton Dog Bite Attorneys
Eason & Tambornini’s Stockton dog bite attorneys know dog attacks are no joke. The life-changing injuries and emotional scarring can be devastating for both adults and children.
Painful infections, surgery, scarring, and the emotional toll that dog attacks can take on a person can interrupt a sense of normalcy for a very long time. If you are attacked and injured by someone else’s dog, you may be entitled to financial damages toward medical expenses, wages, and emotional distress.
Our Stockton attorneys are skilled and experienced. We offer a free, no-risk consultation to talk about your situation. If we take your case, you only pay if you win a settlement.
Call our office today at (209) 323-5126 to get your help.
Stockton Dog Bite Resources
If you encounter a vicious or dangerous dog within Stockton city limits, call the City of Stockton Animal Control at 209-937-7445. Outside the city limits, call San Joaquin County Animal Services at 209-953-6073.
The City of Stockton has numerous ordinances governing dog ownership and handling aggressive and unrestrained dogs. You can read about these ordinances on the City of Stockton website.
How Our Stockton Dog Bite Attorneys Handle Dog Bite Cases
Our personal injury lawyers in Stockton have handled countless successful dog bite claims for clients. We are skilled at conducting comprehensive investigations to gather all the facts, including finding and interviewing potential witnesses. We will handle all communication with the dog owner’s insurance company and attorney so you can focus on getting your life back to normal.
California Laws
California follows a strict liability system for dog bites (and most other animal attacks). This means the owner is liable if an animal bites someone, regardless of previous incidents or whether the owner knows the animal is potentially dangerous. Additionally, the owner is strictly liable if:
- The victim is bitten by the animal (if the animal grabs someone with its teeth, regardless if the skin is broken)
- The victim was in a public place when the attack happened or lawfully in a private place
The owner would not be liable if the victim were trespassing on private property when the dog bite occurred.
Our attorneys can explain the many other regulations that govern dog bite cases in California and San Joaquin County.
FAQ: What Compensation Is Available to Victims in Stockton?
Compensation is available if a dog has bitten you or one of your children, and compensation may be awarded for the following, as applicable:
- Future medical care
- Plastic surgery
- Recovery of lost wages
- Medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reimbursement of medical bills
- Mental health counseling
FAQ: What defenses are there against injury claims?
Like any civil claim, the person being sued will offer a defense, so the victim must have an experienced and skilled Stockton dog bite attorney to defend their rights. In some cases, the dog owner may try to claim the victim was trespassing when the bite occurred. It is common for a dog owner to falsely say that the victim provoked the dog, which could release the dog owner of liability.
FAQ: Is it possible for the dog bite victim and the owner to share responsibility?
Yes, the dog’s owner and the victim might both be found to have some responsibility. For example, if a dog owner is 50% liable, they must pay half of the victim’s request. For your rights to be fully protected after an attack, it is crucial to consult with one of our dog bite attorneys as soon as you can if a dog has bitten you.
After a Dog Bite Attack, Get Medical Aid and Call our Stockton Dog Bite Attorneys
Dog bite attacks can be terrifying, but it is essential that as soon as you are safely away from the scene, you get treated by a medical professional if the skin has been broken or you see signs of physical trauma anywhere on your body. Could you get the dog’s vaccine records to make sure everything, especially the rabies vaccine, is up to date? If you need to, call 911 and report the crime. If the police are called, get the officer’s name and phone number to request the police report. If you cannot obtain a copy, your Stockton dog bite attorney will get it.
FAQ: Are dog bites dangerous?
Injuries can result in severe infections. Surgery may be necessary if soft tissue damage to tendons or ligaments has occurred. Could you try to take pictures of the wound before and after treatment and keep all medical records? These will become evidence for your claim. Be sure to follow all medical advice for long-term physical therapy and maintain all records of contact with medical professionals about your treatment.
What to Do If the Dog Owner Contacts You
It is important to avoid speaking to the dog owner or their representatives after an incident. This is another reason to call one of Eason & Tambornini’s lawyers as soon as possible. We will handle all communication with the other parties.
Free Consultation with a Stockton Dog Bite Attorney
We offer a free consultation with one of our Stockton dog bite attorneys so you can explain what happened. You will have time to ask questions and get clarity on exactly how the process works. If we take your case, you will pay no fees unless you win a settlement.
If a dog has injured you, call one of Eason & Tambornini’s lawyers today at (209) 323-5126 to schedule your free, no-risk consultation.
