Dog Bite Lawyers in Los Angeles

Suing for Dog Bite Injuries

You should have a strong case as long as you were not provoking the dog or participating in trespassing or other illegal activities in a private household. Keep in mind, that you can only hold an owner responsible for dog attacks so the strict liability statute does not apply to anyone who may be temporarily watching the dog. To successfully file a claim for dog bite damages, you will need enough evidence that you were injured, and you will need to file a claim within the statute of limitations.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases

California statute of limitations for dog bite injuries is limited to 2 years. This is to ensure that cases are filed promptly while evidence is fresh but to also provide enough time for the victim to collect evidence and build a strong case. In some rare circumstances, the 2-year statute of limitations can be extended:

• When the victim is under 18; minors cannot sue so claims can be delayed until the victim is an adult
• When the victim is mentally or physically unable due to injuries sustained
• If the defendant flees the state

What You Need to Show to Have a Solid Legal Case in a Dog Bite Case

To pursue action for dog bite injuries, you must prove:

• The dog bit the victim
• The dog bite caused damage
• The victim was acting lawfully when the bite occurred
• The defendant owns the dog

If these things can be proven, the liability statute in California ensures that the victim has a strong case. A Mesriani dog bite lawyer will be able to collect evidence and build a case that will reward you with the compensation you deserve.

Collecting Evidence That Will Support Your Dog Bite Claim in California

The most important part of any legal battle is proving your claim. This requires securing as much evidence as possible as fast as possible. Evidence that will benefit your claim are:

• Photos of injuries sustained before and after treatment
• Receipts of all medical expenses and procedures done
• Photos of the dog and property with particular attention on warning signs, fences, open doors, etc.
• Eyewitness testimony
• Video / surveillance footage
• A copy of the police report
• Previous incident reports involving the aggressive dog
• Insurance information of dog owner

If you call Mesriani Law Group right after your dog bite incident, we can help with evidence collection and witness statements. We have an excellent understanding of the type of evidence used in court and will be looking to gather as much detail as possible to help support your dog bite case.

Who Is Ineligible to Sue for Dog Bites in California?

In addition to those that are exempted from the California liability statute, there are a few instances where there is little recourse for dog bite injuries:

• Victims of dog bites that were the result of law enforcement canines acting within the scope of their duties
• People who work professionally with canines who operate under the “Assumption of Risk Law” which states that individuals accept that there is a level of risk associated with their jobs; this includes vets, groomers, trainers, etc.