Have you suffered injuries from a dog bite incident in La Jolla, CA? Dog bites can cause serious injuries, infections, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, we fight for dog bite victims and ensure they receive the financial support they need to heal and move forward. We have over 80 years of combined experience and have recovered over $100 million in compensation for our clients.
If you have been attacked by a dog, don’t wait to seek legal help. Call (858) 551-2090 or contact our team for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.
How Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Dog Bite Incident in La Jolla, California
A dog bite in La Jolla, California can leave you with severe injuries and expensive medical bills. Some injuries require surgeries, physical therapy, and even mental health counseling. Insurance companies often offer low settlements, leaving victims without the financial support they need. Our La Jolla dog bite attorneys are here to ensure that does not happen.
Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers can help by:
- Investigating the attack and gathering important evidence
- Filing a claim against the dog owner’s insurance to seek fair compensation
- Negotiating with insurance companies to maximize your settlement
- Taking your case to court if a fair offer is not made
- Providing legal advice and handling all paperwork so you can focus on recovery
Members of our legal team have been recognized by Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys. Our legal team will ensure that you receive full and fair compensation under the law.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What Are California’s Dog Bite Laws?
California follows a strict liability standard for most dog bite cases, meaning dog owners are generally responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of past behavior. If a dog has been classified as a potentially dangerous dog or a vicious dog, civil liability for their owner can increase.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every dog bite case is different, and the amount of compensation you may receive depends on several factors. Our attorneys will review the details of your case to determine what you may be entitled to recover.
Factors that impact case value:
- The severity of your injuries and your ongoing need for medical treatment
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Whether you share fault for the accident
- Whether your case settles or goes to trial
Our goal is to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and suffering.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Dog Bite Victims?
Dog bites can lead to financial, emotional, and physical struggles. Our attorneys will fight for both economic and non-economic damages to help you recover.
Economic damages include:
- Medical Bills: covers emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication
- Lost Income: compensation for time missed at work
- Future Medical Costs: covers long-term care, including therapy and plastic surgery
- Counseling Expenses: helps victims recover from emotional trauma and PTSD
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering: compensation for the physical pain and emotional stress of the attack
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: if injuries prevent you from doing things you love
- Emotional Trauma: anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the attack
- Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement: if the attack leaves lasting marks or requires reconstructive surgery
Under rare circumstances, California courts award punitive damages for particularly malicious or reckless conduct.
Our firm will carefully review your case to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries and suffering.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a La Jolla Dog Bite Lawyer?
Many dog bite victims worry about how much hiring a lawyer will cost. At Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront.
How our contingency fee works:
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t have to pay anything to start your case.
- We Only Get Paid if We Win: Our fee comes from your settlement or court award.
- Risk-Free Representation: If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Our firm believes that injury victims deserve justice, no matter their financial circumstances. If you have questions about how legal fees work, we are happy to explain everything in detail during your free consultation.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Dog Bite in California?
Under California law, a dog bite victim who provoked the dog or was trespassing on the dog owner’s property when the incident occurred can have their compensation reduced according to fault. For example, if you were found to be 40% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 40%. In any case, we can fight unfair allegations of comparative fault and get your liability reduced as much as possible.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause long-term damage and require extensive medical care. Our attorneys will work to ensure that all your injuries are accounted for in your claim.
Common dog bite injuries include:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Lacerations and scarring
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Psychological trauma
- Facial injuries
These injuries can affect victims physically, emotionally, and financially. We will fight to make sure you get the compensation you need for all medical expenses and long-term effects.
What Causes Most Dog Bite Incidents in La Jolla, CA?
Dog attacks can happen for many reasons, but some situations make bites more likely. Some dogs may become aggressive due to past abuse, neglect, or a lack of proper socialization. Others may lash out if they are in pain, feeling sick, or experiencing extreme stress. In some cases, dogs that have never shown aggression before may still bite if they feel startled or trapped.
Common causes of dog bites:
- Lack of training
- Negligent owners
- Fear or stress
- Protecting territory
- Unattended children
If a dog owner is negligent, they should be held responsible for your injuries. Depending on the severity of their wounds, victims of dog bites may require medical treatment, therapy, and even reconstructive surgery. We can help prevent future attacks and protect the community by holding irresponsible dog owners accountable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in California?
California law gives dog bite victims two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved, witnesses can be contacted, and your case remains strong.
Exceptions to the deadline:
- If the victim is a minor, they may have longer to file a lawsuit.
- If the injury wasn’t immediately obvious, the deadline may be extended.
- The time limit may be adjusted if the dog owner tries to avoid responsibility.
It’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to make sure your lawsuit is filed on time. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather key evidence, such as medical reports, photos, and witness statements. An attorney can review your case, explain the legal deadlines, and take immediate action to protect your rights.
Contact Our La Jolla Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident in La Jolla, you may be entitled to compensation. When you hire Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, you are choosing a firm with decades of experience and a strong track record of success. We understand how physically and emotionally challenging a dog attack can be, and we are here to help you through every step of the legal process.
And remember, you owe us nothing unless we win compensation for you. We will handle the legal battle while you focus on healing and recovery. Call our La Jolla dog bite lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
