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Do You Have Grounds for a Dog Bite Claim?
A dog bite lawyer can help in Newport Beach matters if you’ve suffered a serious injury. You need real advocacy to get full compensation. A dog attack can leave you with lasting physical injuries and real emotional pain. In bad cases, especially with children, these attacks can even be fatal. That can lead to a wrongful death claim.
The damages after a dog bite are often more than any victim should carry alone. This is especially true when the dog belonged to someone who failed to train or control it. If a dog attack hurt you or your family, a Newport Beach personal injury lawyer at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys can help you seek the compensation you need to protect your future.
Who Is at Fault for a Canine Attack?
If a dog bit you, one of the first questions is simple: whose fault was it? To file a claim, someone else must bear more blame for the attack than you do. In most dog attack cases, the at-fault party is either the dog’s owner or whoever was in charge of the animal at the time.
Where the attack happened also matters a lot. If you were bitten while trespassing, you likely won’t have grounds to sue. But if you were lawfully on the property, as a guest, delivery worker, or passerby, the owner had a duty to keep you reasonably safe. Failing that duty can lead to a premises liability claim.
California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
California law makes these cases more straightforward for victims than in many other states. Under the state’s strict liability rule, a dog owner can be held responsible for a bite even if the dog never showed aggression before. The owner doesn’t need a reason to expect an attack. This means you usually don’t have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. You just need to show that the bite happened while you were lawfully present.
Proving Negligence in Newport Beach Dog Bite Cases
Even with California’s strict liability rule, a strong claim still needs solid evidence. Your Newport Beach dog bite attorney will gather proof. This shows how the at-fault party’s actions, or lack of action, led to your injury.
Common examples of negligence include:
- Walking a dog off-leash, especially where leashes are required, since the handler can’t fully control the animal.
- Leaving a dog alone in an unfenced yard, letting it leave the property and attack someone nearby.
- Ignoring known aggressive behavior, like past bites or growling that went unaddressed.
- Failing to warn visitors, such as skipping a “beware of dog” sign when the law requires one.
Each detail helps build a clearer picture of what went wrong and who should be held responsible.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Dog Attack
Your Newport Beach dog bite lawyer will usually start by trying to settle your case without going to court. Depending on where the attack happened, the at-fault party may have a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. That policy may cover some or all of your damages, as long as we can build a strong case.
If the other side won’t accept responsibility, going to court becomes the best path toward a fair settlement. Should that happen, we’ll stand by you every step of the way. We’ll make sure you stay informed and ready for what’s ahead.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Newport Beach
The steps you take right after a dog attack can shape your whole claim. Consider the following:
- Get medical care right away, even if the bite looks small. Dog bites carry a real risk of infection and can cause damage that isn’t obvious at first.
- Report the attack to local animal control or the police. This creates an official record of what happened.
- Take photos of your injuries, both right after the attack and as they heal over time.
- Get the owner’s contact and insurance info, along with details from anyone who saw the attack.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to an insurance company before you talk to an attorney.
Taking these steps early makes your claim stronger. It also protects your right to full compensation later.
Newport Beach Dog Bite Compensation
Being bitten by a dog is traumatic, especially with serious injuries. A Newport Beach dog bite lawyer from our firm can help you find out what your claim is really worth. We make sure your settlement covers every loss you’ve suffered, including:
- Emotional trauma. Many victims develop PTSD or other emotional distress after an attack. This can mean needing therapy and ongoing support just to manage daily life.
- Medical expenses. All treatment tied to your injury, both now and in the future, should be covered by the dog owner’s liability insurance. We work closely with your doctors to add up the full cost of your care, as well as medical expenses.
- Physical therapy. If the attack broke a bone or reduced your physical ability, you may need long-term therapy. You should also get money to pay for it.
- Lost wages and income. Time missed from work during recovery should be paid back. You shouldn’t suffer financially because of someone else’s careless actions.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?
Like most personal injury cases in California, dog bite claims usually must be filed within two years of the attack. Wait too long, and you could lose your right to compensation completely, even with a strong case. Talking to an attorney soon after the attack helps protect your claim. It also keeps evidence, like witness accounts and medical records, accurate and easy to find.
Get Help From a Newport Beach Dog Attack Lawyer
Getting the settlement your recovery needs starts with a conversation with a Newport Beach dog bite lawyer. You can reach an experienced attorney at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys by filling out the contact form or calling 949.535.1341. We’re here to help you make sense of a traumatic situation. We’ll fight for the full compensation your injuries deserve.
Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Newport Beach
Beyond dog bites, Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys handles many other personal injury cases, including:
- Car accidents, from small fender benders to severe, life-changing crashes
- Truck accidents, including tricky cases involving commercial vehicles
- Motorcycle accidents, protecting riders hurt by careless drivers
- Slip and fall accidents, holding property owners responsible for unsafe conditions
- Burn injuries, fighting for victims harmed by negligence
- Workplace accidents, standing up for workers hurt on the job
- Construction accidents, covering falls, equipment failures, and other site dangers
Address: 20371 Irvine Ave Suite 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Phone: 949.535.1341
