Palm Desert Animal Bites Lawyers of Coachella Valley
Over 1,000 people visit Emergency Rooms because of an animal bite.
California Civil Code Section 3342 states, “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This includes the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.” The law requires that the victim recover damages without having to prove any fault of the owner.
Dangers
Bites to the hand can be potentially dangerous because of the way it is structured. The hand consists of bones, tendons and joints; there is less blood circulation. Because of the structure, it is harder to fight infection.
If a child gets bitten in the face, neck or head, these areas can prove hazardous. A dog bite can cause fractures on the face and skull, resulting in possible brain infections.
What to do if you are bitten
If you know the animal’s owner, make sure to get his or her complete name, address, telephone number and insurance company information.
If you do not know the animal’s owner, it would be wise to get a rabies shot. These are very painful but necessary in order to protect yourself against possible disease.
What not to do
The following should never be done without an experienced Personal Injury attorney’s presence:
- Do not discuss settlement
- Do not sign anything
- Write a letter
- Permit yourself to be recorded or photographed
- Admit to responsibility
- Accept money
California Statute of Limitations
California law gives a victim two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the victim dies due to this animal bite, the victim’s family has two years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death suit.
If you or a family member is the victim of a dog bite, you are protected by California law. A dog bite can be emotionally traumatizing, not to mention very expensive from medical bills. Contact a Palm Springs Animal Bites attorney who is familiar with dog bites – an experienced attorney like Dale Gribow. He will investigate your claim and get you the financial settlement you deserve.