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.
Types of Animal Bite Cases
In some states, your legal rights can vary depending on the type of animal that bit you. If you have suffered a dog bite or other animal bite injury, contact an attorney to determine your rights. A personal injury lawyer who has experience with cases involving dog and animal bite injuries can advise you on your state's laws.
Dogs
The most common animal bite cases involve dog bites. Most states have enacted dog bite statutes that impose strict liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their pets. This means that the dog owner is responsible for any injury caused by his or her animal whether or not the owner had prior knowledge that the dog was dangerous or had the potential to injure someone.
In jurisdictions that do not have dog bite statutes, it can be more difficult for those injured by dog bites to prove their cases. The plaintiff has the burden of proving that the dog owner knew or should have known that his or her dog was vicious and could injure someone. Proving the owner's knowledge can be a difficult task, but not an impossible one. The owner's knowledge may be imputed by statements made about the dog to others, such as warning them to stay away from the dog, or by actions, such as keeping the dog confined or muzzled.
Horses and Other Domestic Animals
Most states do not have strict liability statutes for injuries caused by domestic animals other than dogs. As a result, injuries caused by domestic animals generally are treated as negligence actions. For example, if you were injured when a horse kicked you, you would need to prove that the owner knew or had reason to know the horse had dangerous tendencies that could harm someone. This knowledge could be inferred by warnings to others that the horse kicks or past incidents of the horse injuring another person.
Wild Animals
Wild animals are considered inherently dangerous and uncontrollable and people who own or keep wild animals are subject to absolute liability. This means that they are liable for any injury or damage caused by their wild animals regardless of their knowledge of the animal's dangerous propensities or any measures they took to prevent harm.
In general, wild animals kept by the government for education or entertainment purposes, such as a zoo, are not subject to absolute liability. Rather, standard rules of negligence apply. However, some states apply strict liability to injuries caused by wild animals at zoos if the zoos are held in a public park or if the maintenance of the wild animals is a private and not government function.
Conclusion
The type of animal that injures you can affect your legal rights. To find out if your state has dog bite laws or other animal-specific laws, contact a personal injury attorney experienced in animal bite cases in your area.
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