Dog bites occur in various cities throughout the country on a daily basis. There are many reasons this may be the case. A stray dog who is ill may become aggressive and attack passerby’s, or a person may not follow appropriate procedures for keeping his or her dog is restrained. Whatever the reason, when dog bites occur they are considered a personal injury. This is why it is wise for victims to seek advice from the best dog bite lawyer California has to offer.
The technical term for assessing responsibility for injuries sustained by a dog is called dog bite liability. In most areas, individuals who are bitten and subsequently sustain injuries can seek compensation from the animal’s owner, who is usually held responsible. In other words, the owner is legally liable to the person who was bitten.
In certain areas, a dog who is not known to be aggressive and bites an individual is given a “one time free pass.” However, this is highly controversial, as many people argue that a person is entitled to compensation from the first bite, and a strong warning should go out to the dog owner that even one incident of this type is not acceptable. For this reason, seeking the advice of a lawyer who knows the local regulations is imperative.
Liability laws are strict in certain areas. This means that the responsibility is placed on the dog owner if the pet bites and injures another person, and it does not matter if it is the first incident. However, it is essential to realize that if an individual is goading the dog, attacking it, or acting aggressively toward it, the animal can defend itself against such action.
Negligence also plays a role in such circumstances. As previously mentioned, pet owners are expected to keep their animals under control at all times, and comply with laws regarding restraints, such as leashes. If the animal is allowed to run loose, the owner will almost certainly be held responsible for injuries sustained by an innocent victim.
The extent of one’s injuries will determine the amount he or she is awarded as compensation. For instance, if the person sustains only superficial wounds, he or she may merely be reimbursed for medical care. If severe injuries were sustained, however, or if the individual is permanently disfigured, such as when a person sustains permanent scars or loses a finger, a large settlement including money for pain and suffering will likely be given to the victim.
Anyone who is injured by another person’s animal should seek the advice of an attorney. This is because it is difficult to navigate the legal system for the purpose of acquiring compensation without professional advice. Lawyers who handle personal injury cases are adept at filing such suits and will typically not take cases they do not feel are winnable.
It is essential to select an attorney with care if one has sustained an injury from a dog. Asking acquaintances and relatives for word-of-mouth referrals is a good way to locate the most trustworthy dog bite lawyer California offers. Pursuing legal help is always in one’s best interest when another person’s pet has caused an injury.
When clients urgently need the legal assistance of a dog bite lawyer California has one of the best law firms at www.weinerlawoffice.com. To arrange for a consultation with the experienced attorney, click on http://www.weinerlawoffice.com.