Californians love their dogs, but encountering someone else’s vicious dog is a terrifying reminder that they are animals. We can’t always predict their actions or understand their instincts. When a dog attacks, the result can be severe dog bite injuries, often requiring extensive medical care and leaving the victim facing a long road to recovery and lasting emotional trauma.
If you or a close family member was attacked by a dog, contact the Studio City personal injury attorneys at Martinian Lawyers to learn about your legal rights under California’s strict liability rule for pet owners. Call (323) 531-5676 today.
Why Choose Martinian Lawyers for Your Dog Bite Claim In Studio City?
At Martinian Lawyers, we customize a legal strategy for every client based on the unique circumstances of their case, always with the goal of obtaining the maximum compensation available. With our team of Studio City dog bite attorneys behind your case, you’ll have the following advantages:
- Responsiveness and open communication, with services available in Spanish, Armenian, Georgian, Hindi, and Farsi, to accommodate our diverse clientele
- We prepare every case as though for trial, ensuring a stronger position to obtain a settlement
- The advantage of the personal attention of attorney Tigran Martinian and an entire legal staff with years of experience in California’s dog bite law behind your case
We don’t charge injury victims upfront fees. Instead, we offer a free case consultation and contingency-based payment, so you pay nothing until after we’ve obtained a settlement or court award for you.
What Types of Injuries Result From Dog Bites?
A dog’s sharp, jagged teeth and strong jaws can cause severe trauma. Whether you suffered a single strong bite or multiple bites, a dog attack is terrifying and painful. Common dog bite injuries include the following:
- Lacerations, abrasions, and punctures
- Torn flesh
- Severe contusions
- Facial and scalp trauma
- Throat injuries
- Skin and soft tissue damage pulled back from digits, hands, or feet (degloving injuries)
- Bone fractures in the hands and fingers
- Nerve injuries
Dog bites are prone to infections, requiring antibiotic treatment. In severe dog attacks, the injury victim may require many stitches and may need to schedule reconstructive surgery to minimize scarring or restore function. The economic losses, including pain and suffering, are damages in a dog bite claim in Studio City.
Understanding The Dog Bite Liability Law In California
Some states have dog bite laws that require a bite victim to prove the pet owner’s negligence to recover damages in a claim, unless the dog has previously bitten at least once or has a known history of aggression. Instead, under California Civil Code 3342, the strict liability law states the following:
“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, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness…”
In other words, a dog’s owner is legally liable for any damages caused by their pet from the moment they take ownership or control of the pet. While this sounds clear, recovering compensation requires a compelling claim to the insurance company. Unfortunately, without legal representation, the insurance company may undermine or devalue your claim.
Contact Our Studio City Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Dog bites are painful and traumatic, often leaving victims facing damages such as medical expenses, future medical costs for scheduled procedures, and significant income loss. A successful premises liability claim in Studio City can also recover compensation for pain and suffering and counseling costs to address lingering trauma. The insurer may try to undervalue your significant damages. Instead of leaving your claim in the insurance company’s hands, reach out to a Studio City dog bite lawyer at Martinian Lawyers for legal representation. We offer free, no-obligation consultations.
