San Rafael Dog Bite Lawyer

Putting the “Personal” back in injury law

Were you attacked or bitten by a dog?

In California, owners of dogs who bite other people can be held financially responsible for injuries that occur. An experienced San Rafael dog bite lawyer at Kuvara Law Firm can help you get the compensation you are entitled to receive.

At Kuvara Law Firm, we offer:

50 years of experience

NO LEGAL FEES unless we win your case

A legal team that puts you first

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How Kuvara Law Firm Can Help

Dog bites may result in permanent injuries or long-term damage. If you have been hurt in a dog attack, a personal injury attorney can work with you to help you recover the compensation that you need to move forward with your life.

At Kuvara Law Firm, we represent people who have been hurt through the negligence of other people, from car accidents and truck crashes to dog bites and product liability claims. With law offices throughout the Bay Area, we are well-positioned to advocate for clients in the San Francisco region. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact our law firm today at 1-800-446-5879 or contact us at any time.

California Dog Bite Laws

California’s dog bite laws impose strict liability on dog owners. This means if a dog bites someone, the owner is responsible for damages, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its aggression. Under California Civil Code, the victim can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The law applies if the bite occurs in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property. However, it does not cover bites from police or military dogs on duty or when the victim provoked the dog.

When Are Dog Owners Liable for Dog Bites?

Under California’s “strict liability” laws, it does not matter if the dog has bitten anyone before or if it has a history of aggression. There is no “one bite” rule in California; in most situations, if a dog bites you, its owner will be held responsible for any injuries that you suffer.

However, there are exceptions to this general rule. The owner will not be held strictly liable for a dog bite if:

The victim was trespassing on private property;
The victim provoked the animal;

The dog was protecting its owner or another person; or
The dog was a military or police animal being used appropriately.

In these situations, a victim may not be able to recover for a dog bite at all. For example, if an intruder breaks into someone’s home and the family dog attacks them, the intruder cannot file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner for the injuries that he suffered.

Dog Bite Statistics

Dog bite incidents are a frequent concern in California. The state consistently ranks high in the number of dog bite claims. In 2022, California led the nation with over 2,000 reported dog bite claims, accounting for nearly 15% of all claims in the United States. These incidents resulted in more than $120 million in insurance payouts. Children are particularly vulnerable, with a significant percentage of bites involving those under 10 years old. Adults, especially mail carriers and delivery workers, also face increased risks.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

People who are bitten by dogs may suffer a range of injuries, including infection from untreated bites, nerve damage, fractures or broken bones, scarring or disfigurement, and even death. Beyond physical injuries, many people who are attacked by dogs deal with emotional trauma, including anxiety. Severe dog bites or attacks may result in injuries that require hospitalization and long-term treatment.

The most important thing that you can do after a dog bite is to seek medical care as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 1 in 5 people who are bitten by a dog will require medical attention. Even if you don’t believe that the bite was serious, get the wound checked out to ensure that you do not develop an infection and that you haven’t contracted a disease such as rabies, Pasteurella, MRSA, or tetanus.

Seeking Compensation for a Dog Bite

Obtaining compensation for a dog bite involves filing a personal injury claim through the dog owner’s insurance policy. Both homeowners and renters insurance policies cover these types of claims (with some exceptions for certain dog breeds), so even if the dog owner is a loved one, you can still pursue a dog bite case without worrying that it will hurt him or her financially. The insurance company will simply pay you for your losses.

Despite California’s strict liability law for dog bites, insurance companies often try to deny or minimize dog bite claims. They may offer you a low ball settlement that doesn’t take into account the full amount of damages that you suffered, or deny your claim outright. In these situations, a California dog bite lawyer can advocate for you to get the maximum recovery available.

Compensation Available in Dog Bite Cases

In a California animal attack case, you may be able to recover for all the injuries that you have suffered, which may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. In some cases, punitive damages may be available if the dog owner acted with malice.

Economic Damages

Economic damages in California dog bite cases cover quantifiable financial losses such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage. These damages aim to compensate the victim for out-of-pocket expenses directly resulting from the dog bite incident, ensuring he or she is not financially burdened by the attack.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the intangible impacts of a dog bite, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages compensate for the victim’s psychological and emotional trauma, recognizing the broader impact on his or her quality of life beyond just financial losses.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages in California dog bite cases are awarded to punish the dog owner for particularly egregious or reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. These damages are not compensatory, but are meant to serve as a warning against negligence or malicious actions leading to dog bites.

Dog bite lawsuits, like other types of personal injury cases, generally must be filed within two years of the incident. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this period of time, then your claim may be barred entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Dog Bite Cases

What Is the Average Settlement for Dog Bite Injuries?

The average settlement for dog bite injuries can vary based on factors like the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Each case is unique, influencing the final settlement amount.

Will the Dog That Bit Me Be Euthanized?

In California, a dog that bites someone is not automatically euthanized. The decision depends on factors like the severity of the bite, the dog’s history of aggression, and local animal control laws. Authorities may require the dog to be quarantined, trained, or, in severe cases, euthanized.

Who Pays for Dog Bite Injuries?

In dog bite cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance typically covers the costs of injuries. If the owner is uninsured, he or she may be personally responsible for paying medical expenses and other damages. Victims can also seek compensation through legal action against the dog owner.

Your Case Matters

Hello, my name is Monica P Vilchis and I had an accident on 12/2022, and my life and all the projects I had for the future had to change drastically, but even with all the sacrifice and pain that it entails, I decided to face it and do everything necessary to overcome this stage in my life, I was fortunate to be represented by the Kuvara law firm, from the first moment I contacted the Kuvara staff and lawyers, I felt protected, informed, and very well legally represented I am very happy and satisfied with the way my case was resolved, the professionalism on the part of the firm and the monetary compensation I received, it was fair, and I only have gratitude on my part to all the members of the Kuvara law firm.

~ Monica Vilchis

I found the Kuvara Law Firm when I did a search for personal injury attorneys. I scanned down the possibilities, but their name jumped out at me. I called, sure I didn't have a claim because I've never done this before, but on reviewing my case, Mr. Kuvara said I DO have a case and assigned me to the appropriate person to get things started. They held my hand through the whole thing, answering my silly calls with questions and showing great patience. They were always very friendly and encouraging whenever I contacted them. Colby is an absolute doll! Then, when I had my fall and concussion, Mr. Kuvara referred me to a colleague at another firm that specializes in that type of case. They, too, were good and helpful and full of information I'd never think of! Everything was perfect, they really knew their jobs at both firms and took great care of me. I can't recommend them highly enough and will keep their contact information in my wallet ready to share with all who may ask! Thanks so much, Colby!

~ Lynne De Boer