It is estimated that 4.5 million people are bitten by a dog each year in the United States. Dog bites often cause bone fractures, permanent nerve damage, traumatic brain injury, fatalities, scarring, paralysis, and intense phobias that prevent the victim from returning to a normal life. California had the highest number of dog bite claims in 2013 and that number does not appear to be decreasing. Even worse, some owners fail to take the proper precautions to prevent future dog bites. One Studio City woman has been criminally charge after a third person was bitten by a dog owned by the woman.

If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog, a dog bite injury lawyer can help you pursue your legal right to seek reimbursement for your costs from the owner of the dog. The compensation will not take away the pain caused when you are bitten by a dog; however, it will help cover your costs, provide for necessary medical treatment, and compensate your for your damages.

The Levinson Law Group wants to help you receive the justice you deserve if you have been bitten by a dog. We accept cases on a contingent fee. That means that if there is no recovery in your case you pay no fee. And in most cases, we even advance the costs. For your free consultation, call (760) 827-1700 today.

What Steps to Take After Being Bitten By A Dog?

California dog bite laws hold the owner of a dog responsible if that dog bites or attacks another person who is not trespassing and who did not willfully provoke the dog (this element does not apply to children under 5 years of age). You are not required to prove that the dog is vicious or that the dog has attacked or bitten another person before this incident. Therefore, if you are bitten by a dog, you need to take the following steps immediately to protect yourself and your legal rights.

1. Obtain the name and contact information for the owner of the dog. Note the address of where the incident took place and take photographs, if possible, of the scene, the dog, and your injuries.
2. Obtain immediate medical attention. Regardless of the severity of the injury, you should see a doctor immediately. Keep copies of all medical records including a list of all medical professions and facilities providing treatment.
3. File a police report. The police may not charge the owner with a crime; however, this provides a report of what occurred and valuable information you may need in the future. It can also help document if the dog has bitten others before your attack.
4. Keep the clothes that you were wearing. Do not wash or alter the clothes that you were wearing at the time of the attack as they may be used as evidence in a dog bite case.
5. Keep a journal – Begin a written log detailing your pain level, how being bitten by a dog has impacted your daily living, photographs of the healing process, and any other detail that related to the dog attack. This can be very useful to your attorney.
6. Contact The Levinson Law Group (personal injury attorney) – Contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options for obtaining justice for this tragic event. We want to provide the support and guidance you need as you continue to recover.

If you’ve been injured by a dog in North County, the experienced Carlsbad dog attack lawyer team at Levinson Law Group can help protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries.