call for your free consultation (619) 238-0370
The Smart Choice When You Need an Injury Attorney
Request a Free Consultation

San Diego Dog Bite Attorney

How Our San Diego Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You

James S. Iagmin has been handling personal injury claims since 1997 and has a proven track record of achieving the best possible results for his clients. Jim is known in the legal community as an outstanding lawyer and is recognized by his clients and fellow lawyers for his kindness, character and intelligence.

Jim is a leader among injury lawyers in San Diego and served as the President of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego. Jim has received a number of honors and awards for his skill as a lawyer. Jim has achieved successful results for clients in the highest-stakes cases involving brain , spine , burn injury and wrongful death claims.

Why Hire a Dog Bite Attorney in San Diego

We all love our dogs, but there are certain responsibilities that come with dog ownership. In California , dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pet. This means that even if the owner did nothing wrong, they will still be held liable for any injuries if their dog attacks someone.

There are limited exceptions to California’s strict liability rule. Owners are not liable for dog attacks if: 1) the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property, 2) the victim physically threatened or attacked the owner, or 3) the victim provoked the dog in some way.

Strict liability applies only to dog bites. If you were injured by a dog jumping on you, as opposed to biting you, then you would have to show that the owner was negligent for letting the dog jump on you.

Some states have a “one bite” rule which exempts owners from liability if their pet has never bitten anyone before or shown any previous aggressive behavior. California has no such rule. Dog owners in California are held liable for attacks even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

Can Dog Trainers and Walkers be Held Liable?

Keepers and handlers of animals (e.g. trainers and walkers) are not held to the strict liability standard. A keeper or handler must have knowledge that the dog had previously bit someone, or had a tendency to bite, in order to be held liable for injuries caused by an attack.

Injuries Commonly Caused by Dog Attacks

Dog attacks can cause severe injuries, and even death. Injuries caused by dog bites commonly include blood loss, nerve damage, puncture wounds, lacerations, infections, emotional distress, fractures and broken bones. Dogs more commonly attack children due to their small size, and commonly target the face, neck and head. Such attacks may result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.

What to Do if You Were Bitten by a Dog

If you were bitten by a dog, you probably have a lot of questions about what to do next. Here are some practical steps to follow from the American Veterinary Medical Association :

  • If the dog’s owner is present, request proof of rabies vaccination.
  • Record the owner’s name and contact information.
  • Clean the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible.
  • Immediately seek medical treatment for injuries.

All bites which break the skin of a person must be reported to San Diego County Animal Services whose phone numbers are: Emergency Contact Number (619) 236-2341, Non-Emergency Number (619) 767-2675. The dog must be quarantined for ten days after the date of the bite. It is a crime for an owner not to quarantine a dog who has bitten someone. San Diego County provides this useful summary of San Diego pet ownership laws if you would like more information.

In addition to the steps above, we further suggest contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible in order to protect your legal rights.

What Compensation is Available for Dog Attack Victims

If you were injured in a dog attack through no fault of your own, you may be eligible to recover for past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, emotional pain and suffering, lost wages, lost earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement, property damage and other damages. If someone you know or loved has died as a result of a dog attack, contact a wrongful death attorney in San Diego today.

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY STRATEGY SESSION WITH A DOG BITE LIABILITY LAWYER IN SAN DIEGO

Complete this contact form to schedule a complimentary strategy session with an experienced dog bite liability lawyer in San Diego. You will have the opportunity to meet with a top personal injury attorney from James S. Iagmin and will learn legal strategies which may help you get the results you want. You will receive a well written summary of the facts of your case for free. Do not delay, as you may lose valuable legal rights by doing so.