Were you or your child injured in a dog attack in Salinas, California? Schedule a free consultation with Mercado Kramer, LLP at (888) 311-4050. Our Salinas dog bite lawyers are here to help you hold the dog’s owner fully liable and fight for the justice you deserve.
Our Salinas personal injury law firm has 18 years of combined experience and a proven track record of securing substantial recoveries for clients across Monterey County. Dog bite cases can be complex, but we understand the law and know how insurance companies operate as well as anyone in the area.
Learn more about your legal rights and options today by contacting our personal injury attorneys for a free initial consultation.
Why Choose Mercado Kramer, LLP, to Handle My Dog Bite Case in Salinas, California?
Mercado Kramer, LLP was founded by two of the most experienced and successful personal injury lawyers in Salinas, CA. We’ve received accolades from The National Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and other leading professional organizations for our dedication to client success.
A few reasons to consider hiring our Salinas personal injury lawyers include:
- Nearly two full decades of legal experience
- Meaningful personal injury recoveries secured for our clients to date
- A willingness to take your case all the way to trial if necessary
- Extensive resources, including relationships with leading expert witnesses
We’ll treat you like family if you hire us and ensure that maximum compensation ends up in your pocket as best as we can under the law. Contact our Salinas dog bite attorneys today for a free case review.
Dog Bite Laws in California
California has some of the strongest laws in the country for dog bite victims. Unlike many states that require proof of prior aggression, California follows a “strict liability” rule under California Civil Code § 3342.
This means that dog owners are automatically liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This remains true regardless of whether the dog has ever shown signs of aggression before.
To recover damages, you must show that:
- The defendant owned the dog;
- The dog bit you while you were in a public place or lawfully on private property; and
- You suffered injuries as a result of the bite.
You generally do not need to prove negligence (carelessness) to win your claim. However, there are exceptions worth noting. For example, if you were trespassing or provoking the dog, your claim could be denied in some instances.
How Much Is My Salinas Dog Bite Claim Worth?
Every Salinas dog bite case is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on several distinct factors. The most important considerations include the severity of your injuries and the impact the attack has had on your daily life.
Overall, your potential compensation may be influenced by things like:
- The extent of your physical injuries and disfigurement
- The cost of your medical treatment, both short-term and long-term
- How much work you’ve missed and whether you can return to your job
- Any emotional or psychological trauma you’ve experienced
- The amount of available insurance coverage
- Whether the injury caused lasting scars and disabilities
- Whether you’re being blamed for the incident
Severe or permanently disfiguring injuries tend to result in higher settlements or verdicts. However, even moderate injuries can warrant significant compensation when pain and suffering are considered.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Salinas, CA?
Victims of dog attacks can recover a range of damages, depending on the severity of their injuries and the impact on their lives. California law allows compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications and future medical treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages cover losses that are more personal and harder to measure, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases involving intentional harm or gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available. However, your case must generally proceed to trial for punitive damages to be considered.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Salinas, CA?
Nothing up front. We understand that a serious injury can cause financial stress. That’s why our dog bite attorneys in Salinas represent clients on a contingency fee basis.
This means that instead of paying us up front or by the hour, you only pay attorney’s fees if we successfully handle your case. We’ll receive an agreed-upon percentage of your jury verdict or settlement if we win. If we don’t recover any compensation for you, then you typically don’t owe us anything.
During your free consultation, we’ll explain how our contingency arrangement works and answer all your questions.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for My Dog Bite Injuries in California?
Typically, yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence law that may apply to your case. This means if you share some responsibility, you can usually still recover compensation except in rare circumstances. However, your damages can generally be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your case is valued at $100,000 but you’re found 25% at fault, you can likely still recover $75,000.
Our personal injury lawyers are well-versed in these tactics and know how to respond effectively. We’ll collect witness statements, photos, and expert testimony to demonstrate that you acted reasonably and that the owner is fully responsible. You shouldn’t be blamed for another person’s failure to control their dog.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Salinas, California
Dog attacks can cause severe and sometimes life-changing injuries.
Our attorneys can represent clients suffering from all types of dog-related injuries, including:
- Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Muscle and tendon injuries
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Facial disfigurement and scarring
- Catastrophic injuries
- Eye injuries
- Infections such as cellulitis and rabies exposure
- Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Children are especially vulnerable to serious injuries in dog attacks because of their smaller size and inability to defend themselves. In these cases, the emotional impact can last a lifetime.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims (including dog bites) is typically two years from the date of the attack. If you fail to file your lawsuit before that deadline, you may lose your right to recover damages entirely.
However, there are exceptions. For example, if the victim is a child, the two-year clock typically doesn’t start until they turn 18. Since timing is critical, it’s best to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the incident occurs to ensure you understand the deadlines applicable to your situation.
How Can a Salinas Personal Injury Lawyer Help After a Dog Bite?
You might be unsure where to turn or how to begin the claims process after being bitten by a dog in Salinas, CA. Between medical treatment and the emotional toll of the incident, handling a legal claim alone can quickly feel impossible to deal with. A skilled Salinas personal injury attorney can guide you through every step and make sure your rights are protected.
Your attorney can help by:
- Investigating the attack to determine liability and whether local leash laws or prior complaints apply
- Gathering the evidence necessary to establish your claim
- Documenting your injuries and financial losses to support your damages claim
- Negotiating with the insurance company to prevent lowball settlement offers
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if the insurer refuses to settle fairly
Beyond the legal details, an attorney provides something just as important: peace of mind. You can focus on your health while your lawyer handles the legal side of things on your behalf.
Who’s Liable for My Salinas Dog Bite Case?
In most dog bite claims, the dog’s owner is primarily responsible. However, other parties may share liability depending on the circumstances. For example, if a property owner knew a dangerous dog was on their premises and failed to take precautions, they may also be held accountable.
Other potentially liable parties might include:
- Landlords who allowed a dangerous animal on their property
- Dog walkers or pet sitters who failed to control the animal
- Business owners who permitted pets on their premises without proper safeguards
Our dog attack attorneys will carefully investigate the situation to identify everyone who may be legally responsible. Holding multiple parties liable can increase the likelihood of full compensation in many cases, such as if the dog owner lacks sufficient insurance coverage.
Contact Our Salinas Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were bitten or attacked by a dog in Salinas, CA, you may be entitled to compensation for all of your injuries and losses. Mercado Kramer, LLP, is here to help, with 18 years of combined experience and countless cases successfully handled for our clients throughout our legal careers.
Call our Salinas dog bite lawyers today to schedule your free consultation. We’re ready to stand up for your rights and help you get justice after a serious dog bite injury.
