Dog attacks are scary and very personal for the victim! Finding a dog bite law firm to help you shouldn’t be.
Cohn & Swartzon, a Southern California personal injury law firm, has navigated numerous dog bite and dog attack cases for local individuals and families. We understand the shock, anger, and extreme fear that occur when these incidents happen. And we know how to work within the legal system to maximize compensation and pursue accountability for your injuries and suffering.
How Are Dog Bites Evaluated by the Legal System?
Dog bites are typically assessed according to severity. Using once type of scale, Level one and two dog bites include zero and minimal teeth-to-skin contact, respectively, that doesn’t inflict serious injuries. (Most dog bites fall into these categories.)
Level three and four dog bites include one or more skin-puncturing bites of various depths. Level five dog bites are when multiple deep bites occur, and level six is when the victim dies as a result of the injuries inflicted by the dog.
Injuries & Treatment
When a level three or above dog bite occurs, the injuries can be life-changing.
Common injuries and subsequent conditions related to severe dog attacks include:
- Puncture wounds
- Scars or disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Bacterial/Blood infections
- Eye injuries
- Amputation
- Severe emotional distress and anxiety
Depending on the severity of the dog bite, medical treatment for recovery can include physical therapy, reconstructive surgery, psychological counseling for resultant emotional trauma, and other forms of care.
Should You Bring a Claim Over a Dog Bite?
California’s strict liability law governing dog bites provides that a dog’s owner is liable for any damages that the dog inflicts, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. However, there still are defenses the insurance carriers and/or dog owners attempt to raise
If you or a loved one was the recent victim of a dog bite, it’s important to contact an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to determine your next steps. This will include your options for collecting damages and compensation for your injuries.
Why Do You Need a Dog Bite Law Firm After an Accident?
If you’re dealing with severe physical and emotional challenges as the result of a dog bite, the last thing you should have to worry about is how to prosecute a legal case against the dog owner and their homeowners or renters insurance company.
Why do you need a dog bite law firm? Unfortunately, despite the clear-cut state regulations, insurance companies and their legal teams will do everything they can to evade or minimize paying compensation for a dog attack in Southern California.
Without a dedicated legal team protecting your best interests, you may find yourself stuck with compensation that isn’t even enough to cover your medical costs, much less get you back to a normal life.
Since your top priority should be recovery, it’s important to choose an experienced dog bite law firm that can pursue the case on your behalf.
“Dog bites can be extremely traumatic, not only because of the injuries but also because of the unexpected nature of the attack and the emotional aftereffects. In severe cases, victims need an experienced legal team who can present a compelling claim that incorporates all of the current and future costs required to ensure that a normal life is possible again.”
– Jason D. Cohn, Founding Partner, Cohn & Swartzon
Put simply, your best opportunity to claim the compensation you’re entitled to after a dog bite is to partner with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you prove your case.
