If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog, the effects can be life-changing. Depending on the severity of the attack, you could be facing a future full of expensive medical bills, constant pain and/or embarrassment from the scarring, long-term emotional distress, and/or a diminished ability to make a living, or all of these.
As a Southern California personal injury firm with decades of combined experience, the Cohn & Swartzon team has seen firsthand the damage that dog bites can do. Further, we have seen victims who were unaware of their rights, receive much lower compensation and settlements from the dog owner’s insurance companies which, if left unchallenged, basically amounts to a second attack on your quality of life.
Read on to learn more about dog bites and how an attorney can help you protect yourself after an attack.
Animal Attacks Facts & Figures
Animal attacks are sadly common across the US, and the costs related to dog bite claims are rising with the cost of medical treatment and recovery needs.
According to an Insurance Information Institute report released in April 2023, California is home to both the most dog bite claims and the highest value per claim annually, registering about 2,000 and $78,000 respectively.
While the specifics of every animal attack case are different, it’s important to understand how state law views dog bites and what a compensation claim would entail.
What You Should Know if You Were Bitten By a Dog in Southern California
Laws related to dog bites vary from state to state. According to California’s “strict liability” statutes, dog owners are liable for any injuries or damages inflicted by their dog on public or private property, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior.
If you or a loved one were attacked or bitten by a dog, you may need to move forward with litigation if the owner or their insurance fails to offer fair and reasonable compensation for what you have gone through, or will go through in the future.
Further, an appropriate settlement (or verdict if the case were to go to trial) should cover both the physical and the mental trauma that you have endured – and set you up for success as you work your way back to a normal life.
Why Do You Need an Animal Attack Lawyer if You Were Bitten By a Dog?
An attorney with animal attack experience is vital if you want to maximize compensation from the owner and their insurance company. You will need someone who knows how to gather and present all of the information relevant to your situation, including medical costs, physical pain and suffering, mental or emotional trauma, and related damages.
“I previously worked on the insurance company’s side of the table before we started this firm, which is valuable to our clients because we know how the defensethinks. We’ve done their job, we speak their language, and we know how to prosecute a case effectively so that our clients receive appropriate compensation.”
– Jason D. Cohn, Founding Principal, Cohn & Swartzon
Without someone on your side who can paint the whole picture of what you or a loved one has endured and may continue to suffer,, the insurance company’s legal team will deny, minimize, and avoid paying what you may otherwise be entitled to.
Contact Cohn & Swartzon for a free consultation to discuss your case. We take animal attack cases on a contingency basis, so we only get paid if you win.
