When you are faced with an animal bite case, an attorney who has regularly advised and represented clients in these matters can help you achieve a cost-effective and timely resolution. To learn more about legal services, contact our firm to schedule a case evaluation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Helping Dog Bite Victims Obtain Fair Compensation
Under California law, pet owners are directly responsible for the injuries caused by their animals. You deserve fair financial compensation if you have suffered an injury because of a dog bite or other animal attack.
At the Law Office of Scott Barbag, we assist dog bite victims in Los Angeles, California, and the surrounding area with taking legal action against negligent pet owners. Contact us by calling 888-578-3539 to schedule a free initial consultation with our lawyer. We will provide you with an honest assessment of your case and inform you on how to take proper legal action.
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At the Law Office of Scott Barbag, located in Los Angeles, California, our practice is devoted to assisting victims of dog bites and other animal attacks with obtaining fair compensation for their injuries. Our attorney knows the local court system and the laws applicable to pet owners.
Contact us online or call 888-578-3539 to schedule a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable lawyer to discuss the incident in which your were attacked by a dog or other animal. We will provide you with a straightforward assessment of your case and help you understand what to expect during the legal process.
Payment of Damages in Animal Bite Cases
Sometimes an injured person does not want to bring a legal action against an animal owner because the injured person is worried that the animal owner will face economic hardship as a result. In many cases, however, the animal owner does not pay anything. The owner may have an insurance policy that will cover the expenses from any legal claim. If you have been injured by an animal bite, contact a personal injury lawyer experienced in animal bite litigation in your area today.
Damages
While the amount and type of damages you may be entitled to will vary depending on the facts of your case and the laws in your jurisdiction, the types of damages generally awarded in animal bite cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
If the victim died from the animal bite, the estate also may be entitled to damages for loss of consortium, loss of companionship and wrongful death, among others.
Sources of Compensation
Depending on the specific situation, a legal claim resulting from an animal injury may be paid by one or more of the following sources:
- Homeowner's Insurance: in most instances, an animal owner's homeowner's insurance policy will cover liability arising from animal bites that occur on the owner's property. Insurance companies, however, will generally only cover the first incident in which an animal causes injury. Also, some insurance companies refuse to cover specific breeds of dogs, such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.
- Car Insurance: if the animal bite occurred in a car, it may be covered by an owner's automobile insurance. Not all auto insurance policies cover animal bites and the ones that do may have important restrictions on coverage.
- Animal Insurance: there are specialty insurance companies that provide insurance for pet owners. Pet owners are not required to carry such insurance, but if their pet has a history of biting or their insurance company has already covered one incident, they may have purchased one of these types of policies.
- Animal Owner: if the owner is found liable for your injuries and does not have an applicable insurance policy that will cover the claim, the owner is still responsible for paying your damages.
Conclusion
In many cases, animal owners have one or more types of insurance that will cover animal bites, enabling an injured person to receive just compensation for his or her injuries without causing the animal owner financial hardship. If you have questions about who will pay for your injury, consult a qualified lawyer for additional information. An experienced personal injury attorney can assess your situation and discuss your legal right to compensation for your injuries. Contact a personal injury attorney in your area to arrange a consultation today.
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