949.481.1468

909.932.1162

Dog Bites
Dog Bites

We understand how dangerous animal attacks can be.

In California, dog bites are a serious problem. We know because our law firm has worked with numerous victims in the Inland Empire and throughout Southern California. Too often, children are the victims of dog attacks, and their injuries can leave emotional as well as physical scars.

At The Law Offices of Brian Brandt, we take dog attacks seriously. We know that a bite can result in potentially life-threatening injuries that require surgery and other emergency medical care. We serve victims of dog bites – whether it was you, your child or someone else you love – throughout the region.

People injured through no fault of their own regularly turn to Brian for help because they know he has a strong track record of success. If you’ve been hurt, you should turn to Brian, too.

How can Brian help me?

If you or a loved one has been viciously attacked by a dog, your focus should be on making sure the victim of the attack receives the proper medical care and has the time and resources to make a full recovery.

Brian can handle all the red tape associated with your claim – from investigating your attack and negotiating with insurance companies to fighting to make sure you are fairly compensated.

If a dog bit you or your loved one, you have options. Contact us and find out how we can help. Call 949.481.1468 or 909.932.1162 and schedule your free initial consultation in our office. We can also meet with you in your home, your hospital room or wherever’s convenient for you. You decide.

The Law Offices of Brian Brandt – your needs come first here.

Frequently asked questions about dog bites

Victims of dog attacks often contact us with questions. We also realize that people have many other questions as well about dog bites. Below, you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions along with helpful answers. These questions include:

How common are dog bites?

Dogs bite millions of people each year nationwide. That’s thousands of dog bites every single day. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people bitten by dogs need to seek emergency medical treatment at a hospital. And while dogs can bite anyone, dogs bite children 5 to 9 years old more often than any other age group.

Who pays damages for dog bites?

In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy will cover liability in an attack. This is important to keep in mind if a dog owned by a friend attacks you or a loved one. Some people may be reluctant to take legal action against the animal’s owner, but the owner of the dog typically doesn’t pay anything out of his or her own pocket if that individual has insurance. In most cases, we as your legal representatives can handle the case by talking to the insurance company- you and your friend don’t have to interact directly at all.

What types of dogs bite people?

Any type of dog could potentially bite someone. But certain breeds are more dangerous than others. In general, unneutered male dogs tend to be more aggressive than females or dogs that are neutered. As far as specific dog breeds, some of the most dangerous types of dogs include:

  • Pit bulls
  • Rottweilers
  • Dobermans
  • German Shepherds
  • Huskies

While larger dogs with bigger teeth and jaws can obviously cause more damage, any dog is potentially dangerous. Even bites from small dogs can cause serious injuries by severing tendons or leaving deep cuts that could become infected.

What are common dog bite injuries?

Injuries cover a wide range, and some of the most common ones include:

  • Lacerations to the face
  • Broken bones
  • Internal bleeding
  • Psychological trauma

Dog bites can leave deep wounds with ragged edges that can take a long time to heal. Significant scarring can ensue. That’s why getting compensation for a dog bite, especially a bite to the face, is so important. Often, that financial compensation can pay for reconstructive surgery and skin grafts to minimize scarring and long-term damage.

What are California’s dog bite laws?

Unlike some other states, California does not have a so-called “one bite rule,” in which dog owners are not held liable the first time a dog bites someone. Dog owners can be held legally responsible any time their dog bites a person. Whether their dog has been violent in the past does not matter. Dog bite victims need to prove that a dog bit them on public property or while legally on someone else’s private property, according to California’s dog bite statute. This is known as “strict liability” for dog bites.

Should I file a dog bite lawsuit?

It depends. Often, filing a lawsuit is the best and most effective way to obtain compensation. But other legal options also exist. That’s why it’s critical that you contact us and discuss the details of your case. We can walk you through all the legal options available to you. That way, you can make an informed decision about what strategy you want us to take to address your legal issues.

Free Case Consultation