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Man Is Trying to Stay Stable Despite of The Dog's Biting

Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Dog Bite?

The Winter Law Group Aug. 8, 2022

Being bitten or attacked by a dog can be an extremely emotional and traumatizing experience. Thankfully, California dog bite laws allow victims of dog bites or dog attacks to seek fair financial compensation for any injuries and damages suffered. A skilled California personal injury attorney can enlighten you about who holds the responsibility to pay for your medical bills and help pursue your deserved compensation.

At the Winter Law Group, we are ready and poised to assist and represent victims of dog bites and their families in their personal injury or premises liability claims. Our skilled legal team can evaluate every aspect of your personal situation thoroughly, explore your possible legal options to recover damages, and help you hold the dog's owner liable.

As your legal counsel, we will fight compassionately for your legal rights and help you seek fair compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, future medical treatment, and any additional pain, discomfort, and suffering you were put through. The Winter Law Group proudly represents clients across Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Madera County, and Merced County.

California's Dog Bite Law

California’s dog bite laws are designed to protect people who were bitten or attacked by a dog – while lawfully on private property or in public – and help them seek fair compensation for their injuries. However, such dog bite laws often vary from one state to another. According to California law, dog owners are liable for any damages that the dog causes to another individual. If the dog is in a public or lawful place, including the owner’s property, the owner is still liable.

California is among the states that use strict liability for dog bites or attacks. The dog's owner will be held strictly liable for the victim's dog-bite injuries and damages, provided that they were on the property lawfully.

Who Pays for the Medical Bills?

As mentioned earlier, dog bite cases in the state of California are considered "strict liability" cases. This means that the dog's owner will pay for the victim's medical expenses, future medical treatments, and other potential damages.

Comparative Negligence in California

In addition, California follows the "pure comparative negligence" rule. According to the principle, a dog bite victim can seek compensation for their dog bite injuries, even if they were mostly or partially responsible for such injuries. However, the total damages that may be recovered will be reduced by their fault degree. This makes it so that you may still recover damages for your dog bite injuries, even if you were up to 99% at fault.

Available Damages

The following damages may be recovered through a California dog bite liability claim:

  • Medical expenses, including continued medical treatment

  • Physical and occupational therapy

  • Lost income/wages and benefits

  • Physical pain

  • Lost earning capacity due to the injuries sustained

  • Loss of consortium

  • Emotional or mental suffering and anguish

  • Compensation for property damage

  • Punitive damages to punish the dog owner for their gross negligence or malicious act

A skilled California premises liability attorney can fight compassionately to protect your rights and help you seek the maximum possible compensation for your dog bite injuries.

Experienced Guidance When You Need It Most

Being bitten by a dog can be unsettling and scary. Such an unfortunate incident can affect different aspects of your life, including your mental, financial, and physical health. However, you don't have to suffer the pain and financial liability alone. Therefore, if you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, retaining an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial to advocate for your best interests and help pursue fair financial compensation for your injuries.

At the Winter Law Group, our attorneys have the diligence, resources, and expertise to assist and represent dog bite victims after such a difficult experience. Using our in-depth understanding of the statutes and rules addressing liability in premises liability cases involving dog bites, our trusted legal team can help guide you through the complex claims process. We will fight vigorously to protect your best interests, help you hold the dog's owner responsible, and fight for the financial justice you deserve.

Advocacy Tailored to You

If you or someone close to you were bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be eligible to recover damages. Contact us today to schedule a simple case assessment with a knowledgeable dog bites attorney. Our reliable team can offer you the dedicated support and skilled representation you need in your premises liability claims. We're proud to represent clients across Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Madera County, and Merced County, California.