Los Angeles Animal Attack Lawyer

Q: Who is liable for a dog bite or animal attack in California?

California follows a 'strict liability' statute for dog bites. This means an owner is responsible for damages if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, regardless of the animal's prior behavior or the owner's knowledge of such behavior.

Q: What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

Under California's strict liability laws, the 'one-bite rule' does not apply. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog was known to be dangerous. The owner is liable for the very first instance of a bite, provided the victim did not provoke the animal.

Q: Can I still file a claim if I was bitten while on the owner's property?

Yes, as long as you were 'lawfully' on the property. This includes being there as an invited guest, a delivery person, or a postal carrier. If you were trespassing at the time of the attack, the owner's liability may be limited or eliminated.

Q: What kind of damages can I recover after an animal attack?

Victims of animal attacks can recover compensation for medical bills (including plastic surgery for scarring), psychological counseling for trauma, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be sought.

Q: How long do I have to file an animal attack lawsuit in California?

Generally, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the victim is a minor, the timeline may be different. It is critical to speak with an attorney early to preserve evidence and meet all legal deadlines.

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Award-Winning Animal Attack Lawyers

Animal attacks can leave victims with lasting physical pain, serious injury, and psychological trauma. This type of personal injury accident happens due to the negligence of pet owners or animal keepers who’ve failed to secure their pets or wild animals, making them dangerous to the general public.

An animal attack victim can suffer property damage related to their personal effects, as well as bodily injuries, with some cases ending up in wrongful death. These personal injuries may include cuts, bruises, lacerations, spinal injuries, bone fractures, and even head and brain injuries.

Compensation for Animal Attack Victims

Severe animal bites often result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses and long-term recovery needs. A successful personal injury claim can help you recover:

Medical Costs: Coverage for emergency room visits, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and orthopedic evaluations.
Future Care: Funding for necessary surgeries, post-operative care, and ongoing pain management or chiropractic treatments.
Loss of Earnings: Compensation for time missed at work or lost business revenue.
Pain and Suffering: Recovery for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the attack.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for personal belongings damaged during the incident.

Proving Liability in an Animal Attack

Personal injury accidents involving animals are often the result of negligence—when an owner fails to keep their animal properly restrained. To secure a successful claim, your legal team will help you:

Establish the Event: Demonstrate that the attack actually occurred and identify the specific location.
Identify Negligence: Prove the owner or handler failed to exercise reasonable care in restraining the animal.
Link Injuries to the Incident: Show that your personal injuries were a direct result of the attack.

The Importance of Professional Representation

Attempting to negotiate directly with an animal owner or their insurance company puts you at a distinct disadvantage. Insurance adjusters and defense lawyers are trained to exploit loopholes, minimize your injuries, and offer settlements that are far below what you truly need.

By enlisting a premise liability attorney from Mesriani Law Group, you ensure:

Expert Evidence Collection: We help organize medical records, bills, and employment certifications to justify the exact amount of your claim.
Protection Against Underhanded Tactics: We handle all communications with insurance companies to prevent you from unintentionally waiving your rights.
Maximized Recovery: We fight to ensure that all long-term effects, including permanent disability or scarring, are factored into your final compensation.

Contact Our Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyers

Animal attacks can have life-altering consequences. Don’t shoulder the burden of medical expenses and recovery alone. Mesriani Law Group has dedicated its practice to championing the causes of injury victims throughout California.

Contact us today at (866) 500-7070 or message us online to discuss your case with a dedicated legal professional.

Animal Attack & Dog Bite: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is liable for a dog bite or animal attack in California?

California follows a "strict liability" rule for dog bites. This means an owner is legally responsible for damages if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place. Unlike some other states, the owner is held responsible regardless of the animal's prior history or the owner's lack of knowledge regarding the dog's aggression.

2. What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

In California, there is no "one-bite rule." You do not have to prove that the dog was dangerous in the past or that the owner was negligent in their handling of the pet. The owner is liable for the very first bite, ensuring that victims have a path to recovery for their injuries from the start.

3. Can I still file a claim if I was bitten while on the owner's property?

Yes, provided you were lawfully on the premises. This includes individuals performing a legal duty (like postal workers) or those invited onto the property for social or business reasons. If the owner can prove you were trespassing or that you provoked the animal, it may impact the strength of your claim.

4. What kind of damages can I recover after an animal attack?

Animal attacks often lead to severe physical and emotional trauma. You may be entitled to maximum compensation for medical expenses, reconstructive surgery for scarring, lost income, and emotional distress (such as PTSD). We focus on securing the funds necessary for both your immediate recovery and long-term care.

5. How long do I have to file an animal attack lawsuit in California?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is typically two years from the date the injury occurred. Because animal attacks require gathering evidence like witness statements and veterinary records, it is vital to consult with a legal team as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation.

Justice for Animal Attack Victims

An animal attack can be a terrifying experience with lasting consequences. Our Los Angeles legal team is dedicated to holding negligent owners accountable and ensuring you receive the medical care and financial recovery you deserve.

Free Confidential Case Review: 866-500-7070

Contact Us Today at (866) 500-7070 or Message Us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation

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The Mesriani Law Group Process.

Mesriani Law Group offers No Win, No Fee representation and litigation services. This means our lawyers only get paid if you win.

Step 1:
Get Free Consultation

Submit your claim details and schedule a free consultation with a qualified attorney who will discuss your case.

Step 2:
Sign a Contract

Before a lawsuit is filed, a binding contingency contract will be created and signed by both parties.

Step 3:
Investigation

Our lawyers will investigate your claim to determine negligence, malice, or wrongdoing.

Step 4:
Negotiate a Settlement

An optimal settlement agreement may be negotiated before the claim goes to trial.

Step 5:
Fight in Court

If a settlement isn't reached, our trial attorneys will go fight to protect your rights and recover damages.

What Our Clients Have To Say

“I cannot emphasize enough the level of their professionalism and effectiveness. It was great working with Rodney and the whole team at the Mesriani Law Group. The compensation they got me was more than I expected. I highly recommend them. With the Mesriani Law Group you’ll be in the right hands when you have an accident. They’ll take care of your case like no one else and get the maximum that you deserve.“

Rated 5 out of 5

George Yadegar

“After contacting many different lawyers and law firms to discuss my legal issue, I was lucky enough to come across Mesriani Law Group. They took the time to listen to all the details of my case patiently & kept me updated through out the process on a regular basis. His team was very responsive and accessible both via email and phone. Rodney Mesriani and his team did a fantastic job. Let me add that Cory, Stephan and Brandon were very helpful along the way.
Highly recommend this law firm.“

Rated 5 out of 5

Ali Daneshgar

“My insurance gave me the run around for a horrible car accident I was involved in. I was getting so frustrated until i contacted Rodney and his team. Not only was his staff super professional, they actually cared and followed up with me. My case has been settled and I couldn’t be happier. Hopefully I don’t get into any more accidents but if I do, I know where to go. Thanks for having my back Rodney!!!“

Rated 5 out of 5

Maya R.

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