How do you find the best lawyers for dog bites? Do you even need a lawyer after being bitten by a dog? What makes one personal injury attorney a better choice for your case than another?
The Cohn & Swartzon team has seen enough of these cases to know that you should always speak to an attorney if you’re seriously injured by a dog bite. As a personal injury law firm in Southern California with decades of combined experience, we are dedicated to helping clients recover from this traumatic experience and restore the normal life they had before the dog attack happened.
Why Southern Californians Need Lawyers for Dog Bites?
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog and you’re considering your options, it’s important to understand the liability statutes that govern California dog bite claims.
According to California Civil Code 3342, “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
In plain terms, this “strict liability” statute means that a dog’s owner is liable for any damages that their dog inflicts, whether or not the dog has bitten or attacked anyone before. This is an important difference from other states that have a “one-bite” rule, where owners aren’t liable for a dog bite if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
That said, strict liability doesn’t mean that your dog bite case will be resolved quickly or easily. You’ll need to hire experienced personal injury attorneys to help you build your case and secure compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
This leads us to another common question – “How much does it cost to hire a dog bite attorney? What if I can’t legal services?”
What Does it Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Attorney?
The short answer to this question is… nothing! Or at least nothing upfront.
If you choose Cohn & Swartzon as your dog bite attorneys, for example, we will work with you on a contingency basis. This means that our firm only receives compensation if you do as a result of your case’s settlement.
Further, the right legal representative will work with you and on your behalf to obtain the maximum possible compensation for your damages.
Case Study: Out of Court Settlement for a Dog Attack
Our client, a young girl, was viciously mauled by a family friend’s American Staffordshire Terrier as her mother and brother watched in horror. Our client suffered severe lacerations and post-traumatic stress.
The at-fault party’s insurance company originally argued our client provoked the attack but later realized such an argument lacked merit. The case settled on the eve of trial for $800,000.
Why Cohn & Swartzon Take Dog Bite Cases in Southern California?
At Cohn & Swartzon, we’ve worked with many dog bite victims to assess legal options and proceed with claims for damages.
We understand that when you’re attacked by a dog, the physical harm that you suffer is only one aspect of the incident. There may also be emotional trauma, post-traumatic stress, and other mental or non-economic damages to consider.
That’s why you need attorneys who have experience with relevant state laws and insurance coverage, as well as the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying what you’re rightfully owed.
“When you’re recovering from a dog bite, it shouldn’t be your job to go after the negligent dog owner and their insurance company to hold them accountable. One of the most important benefits of working with our team is that you can stay focused on recovery and restoring the normal life you had before the incident. We handle all aspects of your case, and we provide the information you need to make the best possible decision for your situation.”
– Saar Swartzon, Founding Principal, Cohn & Swartzon
Finally, if you were injured by a dog bite in Southern California, it’s important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The right legal team will start investigating the incident and gathering information right away to ensure that you get the full compensation you’re entitled to.
