The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan answers legal questions for dog bite victims in San Francisco. It’s always an unfortunate situation, but California law is actually fairly clear when it comes to who is responsible for a dog bite. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in San Francisco, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Who’s Responsible for a Dog Bite in San Francisco Under California Law?
When a dog bites someone in San Francisco (or anywhere else in California), the law is clear: the owner of the dog is “strictly liable” for any damage. This means that when you get bitten by a dog, the dog’s owner is the one who has to cover your injuries and other damages.
But it also depends on the situation. If you were provoking the dog or trespassing on the owner’s property, strict liability won’t be as clear cut. Generally, though, no matter where the bite happens, the dog’s owner is the one that’s going to be responsible. So, while this clears up a big question about the claims process, it’s still up to you to prove your claim.
How Can You Prove a Dog Bite Claim?
Just because liability is clear in a dog bite situation in San Francisco doesn’t mean the claims process is straightforward. It’s still up to you to show what happened, the extent of your damages, and actually go forward with the claim itself. That process starts right after the bite happens, so here’s what you can do:
- Get medical care – Your health comes first, so call 911 or see a doctor right away to get medical care. Even small bites can get infected. Plus, your medical records will help prove your case.
- Report the bite – Call San Francisco Animal Control or the police so they can investigate and create an official report. This is important for your claim.
- Get information – Try to get the dog owner’s information and ask witnesses for their names and numbers–they can back up your story.
- Take pictures – Take pictures of your injuries, the area where it happened, and the dog (if you can). This will help show what happened.
- Follow treatment – Follow your doctor’s advice and keep all your treatment records. This shows how serious your injuries are.
- Watch what you say – Don’t say anything to the dog owner or their insurance company that might hurt your case. If you talk to them, just stick to the facts of what happened and don’t admit fault or be combative. Let us handle statements for you.
If it feels like too much to handle, we’re here to help. We’ll help gather the evidence and make sure your claim is as strong as possible.
What Can You Get in a Dog Bite Claim in San Francisco?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in San Francisco and want to file a claim, here’s what you need to know–the process is similar to other injury claims, but there are some key differences specific to dog bites.
California’s strict liability laws make it easier to hold the dog owner responsible. However, you’ll likely deal with their homeowners insurance to recover damages. You can start the process by either:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Once you decide which option you want to go with, you can potentially recover things like:
- Medical bills and future care needs, like physical therapy.
- Lost income from missed work. You might also get support for lost future earnings if you can’t work anymore because of your injuries.
- Expenses for any permanent injuries, disfigurement or scarring.
- Costs relating to your pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Support for any property damage from the incident, like your clothes, phone, or glasses.
In cases of intentional negligence by the dog owner, punitive damages may also be given. These are meant to penalize them and discourage future incidents. While rare, you may also have the opportunity to file a wrongful death claim if the bite incident ends up being fatal for a loved one.
Remember, in California, you have two years from the date of the bite to file your claim. Acting quickly and handling the situation carefully after the bite is critical to protecting your rights. That’s when you can lean on our team’s experience and guidance.
Experienced Legal Guidance After a San Francisco Dog Bite
A dog bite can be a tough and overwhelming experience. While California law makes it easy to figure out who’s responsible, minor injuries usually don’t require legal help. However, if your injuries are serious, having our San Francisco dog bite lawyers at MJQ Law on your side can make all the difference. Here’s how we can guide you:
- Figuring out what happened and guiding you on your next steps.
- Collecting the proof you need for full damages.
- Taking care of the claims process so you can focus on healing.
Our goal is to make this challenging time easier for you and your family. No one plans for a dog bite, but if it happens, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
