Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog in Santa Clarita, Miller Wilmers APC is here to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our caring and experienced team understands how overwhelming this experience can be and is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the legal process.
California is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. This means the dog’s owner is presumed responsible if their dog injures someone, regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten or attacked anyone before. The law does not require proof of a vicious history; liability comes simply from the injury itself. The only exceptions are if the person bitten was trespassing on private property or provoking the dog at the time of the attack.
It’s important to note that strict liability applies only to the dog’s owner, not landlords, dog walkers, or others who might have temporary possession of the dog. Additionally, this strict liability extends beyond household pets to include animals owned by farmers, ranchers, and exotic pet owners who can be held responsible for any injuries their animals cause.
Dog attacks can result in devastating injuries, including:
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can have long-lasting physical and emotional effects.
Liability in dog bite cases in California is generally straightforward thanks to the state’s strict liability rule. However, establishing liability can sometimes involve more complex issues.
For example, there are exceptions if the injured person was trespassing on private property at the time of the attack or if they were provoking, teasing, or otherwise inciting the dog to bite. Determining whether these exceptions apply requires a careful review of the facts.
Our attorneys thoroughly investigate all aspects of the case, including gathering evidence such as eyewitness statements, veterinary records, and photographs. We also assess the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the location, conduct of the parties involved, and any history of the dog’s behavior. This detailed investigation allows us to build a strong claim proving the dog owner’s legal responsibility and secure full compensation for our client’s injuries.
Victims of dog bites may be entitled to recover damages including:
In some cases, punitive damages may be recovered to penalize egregious behavior by the dog’s owner.
Dog bite cases are rarely straightforward, even with California’s strict liability rule. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, using tactics like disputing who legally owned the dog or arguing that the victim provoked the attack. Ownership issues can come up if the dog was boarded, walked by a third party, or temporarily cared for by someone else.
An experienced animal attack attorney knows how to handle these cases with ease, ensuring your rights are protected from the start. At Miller Wilmers APC, we can handle all communications with insurance companies to prevent mistakes that could jeopardize your claim. When necessary, we can negotiate or take your case to court to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Dog attacks typically happen with animals you already are familiar with. That’s why having a local team on your side can help. We know the dynamics of Santa Clarita and work to diminish conflict between our fellow neighbors.
If you or a family member have suffered from a dog attack, don’t hesitate to reach out. Miller Wilmers APC offers a compassionate, thorough approach to dog bite cases, fighting to hold negligent owners accountable and secure justice for victims. Contact us today online or by phone at (661) 310-1357 for your free consultation.
Seek medical treatment promptly, document your injuries and the scene, and get the dog owner’s contact information. Early action protects your health and strengthens your legal claim.
Under California’s strict liability law, yes. Owners are generally responsible even if the dog has never bitten before, except when the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.
Yes, emotional trauma related to the attack is compensable, in addition to physical injuries and financial losses.
Typically, you have two years from the date of the bite to file a claim. It’s important not to wait, as missing the statute of limitations can bar recovery.
You can recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement, and in some cases, punitive damages against the owner.
