Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers in the Inland Empire | Nearly $300 Million Recovered in Client Compensation
A dog bite can lead to a lifetime of pain. Obtain the compensation you deserve.
It is a common misconception that dogs of certain breeds are inherently dangerous. In reality, every dog has the potential to cause serious harm to an unsuspecting individual. Every year, there are millions of dog bites and attacks across the nation. Many of these cases often result in disfigurement, scarring, serious infections, and sometimes even death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are the most susceptible age group to suffer a dog bite. Additionally, the agency reports that when a child suffers an attack, he or she is more likely to have severe injuries. If you or your child was recently attacked by a canine, there may be an opportunity to recover compensation from the dog’s owner.
More Than 30 Years of Dedicated Experience in Dog Bite Cases
The Inland Empire dog bite attorneys at Castillo & Associates have many years of qualified legal experience bringing legal aid to residents of the Inland Empire. The law firm has comprehensive knowledge of the California laws that govern dog bite and dog attack cases. Consequently, the law firm uses all resources available to fight for the rights of injured victims.
Attorney Domingo Castillo, as a prior insurance claims adjuster and senior claims examiner, has been in the insurance claims industry for over 30 years and handled thousands of cases for insurance carriers such as Allstate, Cigna and more. With a professional portfolio that includes successfully bringing justice to over 10,000 clients, the attorneys at Castillo & Associates are leaders in their respective field. Consider contacting the firm today for a free case evaluation.
Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases in California
Throughout the United States, many states follow the one-bite rule, which protects canine owners from responsibility under certain circumstances, and when the animal has no prior history of attacking a person in the past. The theory behind the one-bite rule is to protect dog owners who may not have known about the animal’s aggressive tendencies.
In California, however, the canine owner is held responsible for the dog bite even if the dog had no record of biting another person in the past. This is recognized as California’s strict liability law. Even when the owner had no knowledge of the animal’s aggressive tendencies, he or she cannot use this as a defense and will therefore be held liable for any harm a person suffers as a result of their pet’s attack.
Proving Your Case
If you are the victim of a dog bite, you will need to prove certain factors in order to have a successful case. For a successful claim, you will need to demonstrate that:
- The party you are accusing in your claim, the defendant, is the owner of the dog;
- The dog bite occurred when you were on public property or lawfully on private property; and
- You were bitten by the defendant’s dog, which resulted in your injury.
Potential Liable Parties in a Dog Bite Case
In a majority of cases, the dog’s owner will be held responsible for the injuries caused by the dog, but there are circumstances that may give rise to other liable parties. Depending on the specifics of each individual case, other parties that may be held accountable for damages include:
The Dog’s Caretaker
If the canine was under the supervision and control of another person and/or business when the incident occurred, this party can be held accountable for the damages sustained. It is important to note, however, that the caretaker will only be held responsible if he or she had prior knowledge of the animal’s aggressive tendencies. Moreover, the caretaker may also face accountability if he or she negligently handled or controlled the canine.
Residential Property Landlord
A landlord can be held accountable for the damages caused by a dog bite if he or she knew that a tenant’s canine posed a dangerous threat to others in the property. When a landlord learns of a dangerous dog in the premises, he or she has the right to remove the animal from the property.
Commercial Property Landlord
Commercial property landlords in the state have a legal duty to inspect their property for potentially dangerous conditions, which includes dangerous animals. If someone has allowed a dangerous dog on the property, which resulted in the bite of an unsuspecting customer, the landlord can face liability. This is the case even if the landlord did not know the animal was in the property.
Residential Property Owners
Residential property owners can face accountability if their dangerous dog has escaped their property through a hole or other enclosure defect. Residential property owners will continue to face liability if the attack has occurred off-site.
Consult With a Skilled Dog Bite Attorney in the Inland Empire
If you have suffered a dog bite, you should know that you have the legal right to seek compensation for your damages. A dog bite can cause serious injuries that can sometimes lead to a lifetime of anguish. Following a dog bite, speak to a proficient California dog bite attorney who will help you understand your legal options and help you choose what course of action is best for you.
The personal injury attorneys at Castillo & Associates are exceptionally skilled in the field of California dog bite cases. The firm has established a strong reputation in successfully helping thousands of accident victims recover compensation for their damages. Allow the firm to fight on your behalf, and consider contacting the firm through their online Contact Form for a no-obligation consultation.
