Petaluma Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite incidents can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries and emotional trauma. In California, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone, regardless of the dog’s history. Therefore, as long as you were lawfully on public or private property, you can seek compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Petaluma, it’s essential to understand your rights and take steps to protect your health and your legal case.

At Henderson Law, we have represented personal injury clients for over 20 years, helping them recover more than $10 million in compensation. With decades of experience, Petaluma dog bite lawyer Michael Henderson has focused on helping those who have suffered loss due to accidents, injuries, and wrongful deaths. Contact Henderson Law today for compassionate and experienced legal help if you have sustained injuries in a dog attack.

California’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites

In California, dog owners are strictly liable for dog bite injuries. A dog’s owner is automatically responsible for the damages caused by the bite, regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten before or showed any signs of aggression. If the attack occurred in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property, you can pursue a claim for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

This law is designed to protect victims and hold dog owners accountable. Because of the physical and emotional toll a dog bite can take, California ensures that victims have a clear path to compensation without needing to prove negligence on the part of the owner.

Why You Should Contact a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Right Away

After a dog bite, contacting a dog bite injury lawyer as soon as possible is essential. Not only do you need medical care, but you also need legal advice to understand your rights and the potential value of your claim. Dog bites can lead to costly medical bills, lost income from missed work, and long-term physical and emotional suffering.

Henderson Law has extensive experience handling dog bite cases, ensuring that you have a knowledgeable advocate on your side to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries From Dog Bites

Dog bites can result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Puncture wounds—these can become infected if not treated promptly,
• Torn muscles or ligaments—which may require surgery or physical therapy,
• Scarring and disfigurement—mainly when the bite occurs on the face or hands,
• Nerve damage—serious nerve damage might lead to loss of sensation or function in the affected area, and
• Emotional trauma—many adult and child victims experience anxiety or PTSD.

California sees thousands of dog bite injuries each year. In 2022 alone, over 48,600 people visited emergency rooms in the state due to dog bites, making California one of the states with the highest rates of dog bite incidents. Seeking immediate medical attention and legal advice is crucial to your recovery and any potential legal claim.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you have been bitten by a dog in Petaluma, taking the proper steps can help protect your health and strengthen your legal case. 

• Seek medical attention immediately. Even if the bite seems minor, dog bites can easily become infected, and hidden injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Report the incident to local authorities. File a report with animal control or law enforcement to create an official record of the attack and help prevent future incidents.
• Document your injuries and the scene. Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and any visible evidence that may support your claim.
• Gather witness information. If anyone saw the attack, collect their contact information for later use.
• Contact a Petaluma dog bite attorney. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.

By following these steps, you can begin the process of recovering both physically and financially from the incident. Henderson Law is here to help you every step of the way.

Insurance Claims for Dog Bites in California

The dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies often cover dog bite claims, with limits often ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. If the costs of the claim exceed the policy limit, the dog owner may be personally responsible for covering the remaining damages.

Working with an experienced lawyer who can help you navigate the insurance process and ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to is vital.

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite victims may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the severity of the injuries and the impact on their lives. Compensation can include:

• Medical expenses. Victims are eligible to recover compensation for emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care related to their injuries.
• Lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost income and even lost future earnings if you are unable to return to work for an extended period.
• Pain and suffering. Victims of dog bites often experience significant physical pain as well as emotional trauma, and compensation is available for both.
• Disfigurement or permanent injury. Scarring, nerve damage, or other permanent injuries may warrant additional compensation.

Each case is unique, and a Petaluma dog bite attorney at Henderson Law will work with you to determine the full extent of your damages and seek the maximum compensation available under the law.

Take the First Steps Towards Securing the Compensation You Need to Overcome Your Injuries

If you were recently attacked by a dog and suffered severe injuries, contact the Petaluma dog bite lawyers at Henderson Law to schedule a free consultation. At Henderson Law, we have extensive hands-on experience recovering meaningful compensation for clients throughout Sonoma County.

Call Henderson Law today to learn more and to schedule your free consultation. You can also connect with one of our attorneys by completing our secure online contact form.