Santa Rosa Dog Bite Attorney
Were you or your child a victim of a dog bite in California? You may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Rely on the hard-working and dedicated Santa Rosa personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Freeman & Freeman. We have years of experience handling dog bite insurance claims and obtaining full and fair compensation for our clients. Call (707) 575-7141 for a free consultation.
THE NATURE OF DOG BITE CASES
In many cases, a dog bite injury occurs in the home of a family member, friend or neighbor. In such cases, victims may be uncomfortable pursuing a dog bite case. Please understand that injury lawyers with our firm use discretion in pursuing compensation for our clients. Negotiations generally take place between one of our attorneys and the dog owner's insurance company, not between us and your friends, family or neighbors.
Dog bite injuries can be severe, especially when injuries to children occur. The following are a few common types of dog bite injuries:
- Injury requiring surgery
- Orthopedic injuries
- Permanent damage to the extremities (hands or feet)
- Injuries resulting in permanent scarring to the face
- Loss of finger or loss of fingers
While other animal attacks do occur, dog bites are the most common type of animal bite in the United States, where more than four million people are bitten each year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
California dog attacks can be painful and frightening. You may be coping with medical bills as well as emotional loss and pain and suffering. An experienced injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for all your losses.
STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU'VE BEEN BITTEN BY A DOG
Maybe you were jogging and came across a strange dog that bit your leg. Perhaps your child was visiting a friend whose dog bit your child's arm. In any case, dog bites can be frightening events, especially for children. A serious dog attack can lead to steep medical bills and possibly cosmetic surgery and physical therapy costs. When a dog attacks you or your child, it's important to be prepared and understand what to do after a dog bite.
- Identify the dog, its owners and where they live.
- See a doctor and get copies of medical records related to the dog attack.
- Call your animal control officer or police department to report the attack.
- If safe to do so, take pictures of the dog that bit you.
- Take pictures of your injury and the accident location.
- Contact an experienced attorney to protect your legal rights.
At The Law Offices of Freeman & Freeman, we can put our experience and resources to work for you. Choose a Santa Rosa personal injury attorney who knows how to stand up to the insurance company.
INSURANCE IMPLICATIONS
If the owner of the dog that bit you is insured, then you might be contacted by the owner's insurance company after the attack. If this is the case, keep in mind that the insurance agent is not the only person who can ask questions. You are entitled to voice your own concerns as well. Among the most important information to obtain during this type of call is:
- The name of the insurance company
- The insurance claim number
- The address of the insurance office
- The telephone number at which the agent can be reached
- The amount of money available for the payment of medical expenses
Of equal importance at this time is the information that you choose to withhold from the insurance agent who contacts you. Contrary to the instincts of many individuals, you are not obligated to discuss certain topics with the agent of another insurance company. In fact, the following should be avoided until you have secured a Santa Rosa personal injury lawyer to assist with your case.
- Discussing money, settlements, or the value of your injury
- Permitting your conversation with the agent to be tape recorded
- Scheduling an appointment with the third party insurance agent
- Accepting money or an early settlement
- Writing and sending a letter or memo to the insurance company
- Discussing of who is responsible for the bite or attack
- Allowing for photographs to be taken of your injuries from the attack
Any of the aforementioned actions could be used against you when you attempt to seek compensation for the injuries that were sustained from a dog bite. Insurance agents are known for ruthlessly using immoral methods in order to avoid a payout amount that is anything more than the bare minimum, which is why you must be extremely careful when interacting with a representative from the dog owner's own insurance company.
Dog Bite Insurance Claims in Santa Rosa
WE KNOW HOW TO NEGOTIATE A CLAIM
California dog bite cases can be difficult. It's not unusual for a friend or neighbor's dog to attack you or your child, which can lead to a potentially uncomfortable situation. In most cases, however, you won't have to discuss litigation with someone you may be close to. The dog owner's homeowner insurance generally covers a dog bite insurance claim.
Dog bites can be painful and traumatic, with life-long consequences. A dog bite can result in high medical costs, including bills associated with cosmetic surgery. In addition to pain and suffering, you may be entitled to compensation for you or your child's emotional distress.
POTENTIALLY AGGRESSIVE DOG BREEDS
The following are breeds that can, under some circumstances, pose a serious threat to people:
- Chihuahuas
- Chow Chow
- Cocker Spaniel
- Dachshunds
- Giant Schnauzers
- Llasa Apso
- Miniature Pinschers
- Old English Sheep Dog
- Pekinese
- Pit Bull
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks
- Rottweiler
- Toy Poodle
TAKING ON THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR YOU
We're familiar with the tactics used by insurance companies in dog bite cases. In some cases, you may be entitled to much more compensation than you think. The insurance company may offer a quick settlement before the full extent of injuries is known. Don't sign anything or make any agreements before speaking with an attorney. Call (707) 575-7141.
DOG BITE COMPENSATION
You may be entitled to compensation if you were bitten by a dog. A dog bite may result in steep medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional damage and possibly bills related to cosmetic surgery. In general, you can pursue a claim through the dog owner's homeowner insurance policy.
Don't hesitate to contact a tough-minded Santa Rosa personal injury attorney who knows how to pursue compensation for dog bite victims. At The Law Offices of Freeman & Freeman, we can handle the insurance company for you. Call (707) 575-7141 for a free consultation.
If you've been bitten by a dog, you already know how painful and frightening the ordeal is. You may be entitled to compensation for any of the following losses:
- Emotional loss
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Cost of rehabilitation
- Prescription antibiotic or pain relief costs
- Lost earnings
- Loss of earning capacity
Each dog bite case is unique. If you're represented by our firm, we will look closely at your specific circumstances to pursue all possible forms of compensation.
CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED SANTA ROSA DOG BITE ATTORNEY
Dog bite cases can be complicated. Knowing what to do can be confusing. We can help. At The Law Offices of Freeman & Freeman, we fight to protect the rights of California dog bite injury victims. Don't hesitate to contact us. We're prepared to stand up to the insurance companies and pursue maximum compensation.
Our team is ready to confidentially review your case for free.