Have you or your child suffered a dog bite injury in Monterey County, California? At Mercado Kramer, LLP, we understand how serious these cases can be and are ready to fight for your rights. Call us today at (888) 311-4050 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Monterey County dog bite lawyer.
Dog owners don’t always want to accept responsibility when their animals cause harm. Our attorneys can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve for medical costs, lost income, and pain. Call our office today to learn how an experienced lawyer can advocate for you every step of the way.
Why Should I Choose Mercado Kramer, LLP To Help Me Recover Compensation After a Dog Bite in Monterey County?
At Mercado Kramer, LLP, we are proud to stand beside injured victims in Monterey County, CA. Our team has built a strong reputation for guiding clients through difficult times and fighting tirelessly for fair outcomes.
Here is why clients choose us:
- Our attorneys bring 18 years of combined experience representing clients in injury cases.
- We have successfully secured significant compensation for clients by standing up to insurance companies and defense teams.
- Our team understands the challenges victims face after an injury and provides compassionate, client-focused representation.
- We take an aggressive yet thoughtful approach to building cases, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
- We are dedicated to doing everything possible to help clients achieve the financial recovery they deserve.
Choosing the right advocate can make all the difference in your recovery. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a Monterey County personal injury attorney.
How Common Are Dog Bites in California?
California had the largest number of dog bite claims in the nation during 2024, according to Insurance Information Institute research. 2,417 dog bite injury claims were filed with insurance companies statewide that year.
Insurance companies in California paid dog bite victims over $208 million to settle claims in 2024 alone.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Monterey County Dog Bite Claim?
The value of any personal injury claim is directly tied to the nature and severity of the victim’s injuries. As our attorneys assess the value of your claim, we’ll consider multiple factors, including:
- Whether you will make a full recovery or suffer a long-term disability
- Your medical treatment costs and other expenses made necessary because of the injuries
- The value of any income you’ve lost during recovery
- Your ongoing needs related to the injury
- How the injury has impacted your mental health and emotional well-being
- Your age at the time of the animal attack
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bite injuries. However, you’ll have to prove each element of your case before the insurance company will award compensation. That includes proving how much money you deserve.
We can offer more information about your case value during a free case review. Contact us today to get started.
What Types of Compensation Are Available to Dog Bite Victims in Monterey County?
In California, damages are classified as economic damages or non-economic damages. Each type of damage is designed to compensate for a different type of loss.
Economic damages offset the financial costs you have incurred due to your injuries, including:
- Past and future medical expenses, including ER visits, hospitalization, reconstructive surgeries, medications, etc.
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Mental health counseling
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages are meant to offer some relief due to the subjective trauma and suffering you have experienced.
Some examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD and fear
- Reduced quality of life
Your damages award should account for all losses associated with the dog bite injuries–even those losses that do not have a clear financial value.
Who Can Be Liable for Paying My Damages After a Dog Bite in Monterey County?
Parties who may potentially be responsible or share blame for a dog bite injury include:
- The dog’s owner
- A business or property owner
- A dog walker, groomer, or pet sitter who was responsible for the dog at the time of the bite
Most victims start by seeking compensation from the dog’s owner. That said, additional parties may share legal responsibility depending on the facts.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Lawyer To Handle a Dog Bite Injury Case in California?
Most personal injury law firms in California operate on a contingency fee basis, and Mercado Kramer, LLP is no different. This means you won’t owe us any upfront fees or hourly costs while your case is pending. Instead, our payment depends entirely on the outcome we achieve for you.
When you hire our firm, you’ll agree to pay a set percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure on your behalf. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
Can Comparative Fault Hurt the Value of My Dog Bite Injury Claim in California?
Provocation is perhaps the most commonly used defense in dog bite injury claims. The dog’s owner may blame you, saying that you did something that provoked the dog to attack.
You don’t automatically lose your right to compensation. California has a pure comparative negligence law. Blame is divided among all parties who share responsibility for an injury. If you do share some fault, your compensation is reduced in direct proportion to your percentage of fault.
Don’t hesitate to consult a lawyer if someone is trying to blame you for your injuries. Insurance companies know these laws inside and out. They may try to blame you without strong evidence to back up their allegations.
Common Examples of Dog Bite Injuries in Monterey County
Dogs can cause a range of injuries. Even a relatively small dog can inflict a serious amount of damage.
At Mercado Kramer, LLP, we represent clients who have suffered all types of injuries, including:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Dislocations
- Shoulder injuries
- Soft tissue damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Internal injuries
- Amputations made necessary due to trauma or infection
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
Fatal dog bite injuries are rare, but always a possibility. If you lost a loved one, you can count on our Monterey County dog bite attorneys to fight for a full compensation award.
What Are the Laws That Govern Dog Bite Injury Cases in California?
Every state has its own set of laws when it comes to dog bite injuries. California follows a strict liability law. Dog owners are typically held liable when their dogs bite, even if they were not “negligent” from a legal perspective.
Instead of proving negligence, you must prove:
- The defendant owned the dog
- While you were on public property or lawfully on private property, the dog’s owner bit you
- You were injured when the dog attacked you
- The dog was a substantial factor in causing the harm that you suffered
Dog owners in California can be held liable for their dog’s actions even if they carefully guard or restrain the dog. There is no need to prove that the dog had bitten someone in the past or that the owner knew about the dog’s vicious tendencies.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in California?
A two-year statute of limitations governs most California personal injury cases. That means you lose your right to damages if you fail to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date that the dog bit you.
Some exceptions do exist–particularly in cases involving young children. When a child is bitten by a dog, their parent is permitted to take legal action on their behalf. When they do, the two-year deadline applies.
If the parent does not take legal action, the child has their own statute of limitations that begins running on their 18th birthday.
Contact a Trusted Monterey County Dog Bite Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a painful dog bite injury in Monterey County, CA, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. The team at Mercado Kramer, LLP is here to guide you every step of the way.
Our firm offers a free consultation with a Monterey County dog bite lawyer, so don’t hesitate to reach out today.
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450 Lincoln Ave Ste. 102, Salinas, CA 93901
(888) 311-4050
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