Dog Bite Lawyer in Redlands, CA

Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the United States and across California. They have a reputation for companionship and loyalty, but when neglected they can become dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are 4.5 million dog bites each year. Though not all of these dog attacks result in hospital visits, some can have serious consequences. Our Redlands dog bite lawyer believes it is important that you stay informed about this risk to your family.

At Dolen, Tucker, Tierney & Abraham, our attorneys have represented Inland Empire residents since 1973. We have decades of experience that can help families recover the compensation they need. When a dog attack results in serious injuries or wrongful death, you can rely on us to help.

Why Do You Need a Redlands Dog Bite Attorney?

As mentioned before, millions of dog bites happen every year. In most cases the damage is minimal and does not require medical attention. But for those attacks that do result in serious injury, getting compensation can be hard.

Those injured in a dog attack must contend with insurance companies, local authorities and property owners. Some of these individuals may even be your neighbors. Facing these parties is an added stress that could complicate your recovery. Let our Redlands dog bite lawyer step in to handle these issues.

James F. Tierney, III's experience will guide you to the legal solutions you need. This guidance is especially important if your injury develops complications as you recover.

Complications From a Dog Bite

Dog bite injuries are unlike other types of lacerations or abrasions. These wounds can develop into other medical conditions. These ailments can last for a long time and be expensive to treat. Some of these conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Infections - Due to the nature of a dog bite, microbes can enter your blood stream. This could lead to Staph infections, MRSA or worse. Depending on the health of the dog, you could even contract a disease such as rabies. The result of such infections includes sickness, amputation and death.
• Disfigurement - Another condition that could result from a dog attack is disfigurement. When this happens, victims often carry scars that change their looks and their ability to function. Dog bite scars on the hands can leave fingers unable to move. If damage from the wound is bad enough, it may require amputation. Scars left on the face and neck can lead to social difficulties and emotional distress. This could contribute to any other psychological conditions suffered due to the attack.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Also known as PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder is an often unforeseen result of dog attacks. Panic attacks, irrational fear, depression and flashbacks often haunt sufferers of this disorder. PTSD is often caused by intense trauma. And though children are most at risk for developing dog attack-related PTSD, adults are susceptible as well.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?

California has several laws in place when it comes to determining fault in a dog attack case. These laws can hold property owners, dog owners, dog handlers or even third-parties liable. The circumstances of the incident often play a role in who is responsible. California Civil Code Section 3342—which governs what liabilities a dog owner has—may even come into play when recovering compensation.

Another law that could come into play is CACI No. 405, the comparative fault rule. This regulation relates to how much responsibility each party has in an incident. Even victims can have some fault appropriated to them. Though partial responsibility for an incident will not exclude you from recovering damages, it can limit the amount of damages recoverable. Understanding this and accounting for all parties involved is critical to achieving fair results.