Dog Bite Lawyer Santa Monica, CA

Your Trusted Santa Monica Attorneys for Dog Bite Cases

Most dogs go their entire lives without showing aggression or biting someone. But not all dogs do; when a dog attack happens, the victim is often seriously injured and traumatized. In California, dog owners are responsible for controlling their animals and making sure that it does not harm another person or another pet. When a dog does get out of control and attacks, the owner is liable for the harm it causes. If a dog bites you, you have more rights than you know, including the right to demand compensation for all your medical needs and other losses. You may have a much easier time getting the money you deserve with the help of our Santa Monica, CA dog bite lawyer.

Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm is a team of personal injury lawyers who advocate for people injured due to another party’s negligence. We pursue legal action against negligent dog owners who permit their pets to attack others and hold them accountable for the harm they cause. Do you want to learn more? Call our firm, and we will give you a free consultation about your legal options.

Our Dog Bite Lawyer Can Assist You in Many Ways

Dog mauling and bite injuries are often harder to treat than other types of penetrative and muscle injuries. First, the edges are jagged, and the damage is unevenly deep, which makes suturing difficult. You may lose sensation, have nerve damage, or have compromised muscle use or difficulty with movement. Many people are in chronic pain afterward. There is a high risk of infection, plus the chance of rabies. The cost of treating your physical injuries can be enormous.

That’s to say nothing of the psychological care you need afterwards. Many victims suffer anxiety, phobias, PTSD, and depression after being attacked by a dog. Your settlement can cover all necessary therapy and counseling to ease your mental trauma. Our attorneys use vocational and economic experts to value your claim, including estimating your loss of earning potential, if you are too injured to continue with your current job, future medical needs, and your pain and suffering.

Legal Considerations In Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite cases fall under the umbrella of personal injury, civil matters that permit people who suffered harm because of another’s negligence to seek compensation. There are complications unique to dog bite cases that you won’t see in other types of personal injury claims, and it’s important to work with an attorney who understands these and has the resources and knowledge to address them.

You may suffer victim-blaming, especially from the dog’s owner. This is common in dog bite cases and especially common in cases where the county animal control department quarantines the animal or puts it down. Our lawyers act as the primary point of contact in dog bite claims, giving you a layer of protection and distance.

You also must prove that the owner knew, or reasonably should have known, that the dog would bite. Perhaps the dog showed signs of aggression, or it may have bitten someone before or mauled another pet. Our legal team investigates the incident and gathers the appropriate evidence to prove your claim.

If you have been bitten by a dog, a Santa Monica dog bite lawyer can help you get justice and the compensation you deserve. Call Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Legal Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience that leaves you with physical injuries, emotional distress, and often significant medical bills. If you’ve been attacked by a dog and are considering pursuing legal action contact Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm now. Our Santa Monica, CA dog bite lawyer will help you understand the steps involved in filing a successful claim While dog bite cases can vary depending on the circumstances, there are several critical legal steps that can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Jumpstart your claim by scheduling a free 30-minute consultation with our firm today.

Seek Medical Attention and Document Your Injuries

The first priority after any dog bite attack is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if the injury appears minor, it’s essential to get checked by a healthcare professional. Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, or other complications that may not be immediately visible. A doctor’s evaluation and treatment are vital not only for your health but also for documenting the extent of your injuries.

Once you receive medical care, it’s crucial to keep thorough records of your injuries. These records will serve as evidence if you decide to file a lawsuit. Be sure to keep copies of medical bills, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and any follow-up treatments you may require. If possible, take photographs of the wound or injury as it heals. This documentation will be critical in proving the severity of your injuries and the costs you have incurred as a result of the attack.

Report the Incident and Gather Evidence

After receiving medical treatment, the next step is to report the dog bite incident to local authorities, especially if the dog’s owner is unknown or if there are concerns about the dog’s rabies vaccination status. Reporting the attack ensures there is an official record of the incident and helps to identify whether the dog has a history of aggression or if other victims have been harmed by the same animal.

In addition to reporting the attack, you should begin gathering evidence. Start by collecting the contact information of the dog’s owner, if known. This may involve speaking to any witnesses who saw the attack and can confirm the trauma you endured. Document the location where the bite occurred and take photos of the scene, particularly if there are any hazards or factors that contributed to the attack, such as an unsecured gate or a lack of warning signs.

If the dog’s owner has a history of previous bites or aggressive behavior, this can be important evidence in your case. Additionally, any records or reports related to the dog, including previous complaints, veterinary records, or animal control reports, will be valuable to establish the owner’s negligence or failure to control the dog.

Consult with an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney

After ensuring that you have received medical attention and gathered evidence, it is essential to consult with our experienced dog bite lawyer. Dog bite laws in California and many other states hold dog owners legally responsible for their pets’ actions, but the specifics can vary depending on the circumstances. Our Santa Monica dog bite lawyer specializes in personal injury and dog bite cases and will guide you through every step of the legal process, assess the strength of your case, and determine the potential compensation you may be entitled to.

Our attorney will also assist in identifying the responsible parties, whether it’s the dog’s owner, a property owner, or another entity, and will help you understand the full scope of damages you may be entitled to, including medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress. We handle negotiations with insurance companies and, if necessary, represent you in court to ensure that your rights are protected.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to take immediate and thoughtful steps to protect your health and your legal rights. Consult our skilled Santa Monica dog bite lawyer at Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm to ensure you get the best outcome in your claim. Call now to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss how our firm can help you. We believe in holding others accountable for their actions and obtaining justice and fair compensation for our clients.

Types Of Evidence To Collect After A Dog Bite

Gathering evidence after a dog bite is key to building a strong legal claim. Each piece of evidence plays a role in proving the severity of your injuries, the negligence of the dog’s owner, and the impact the event has had on your life. At Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, our Santa Monica, CA dog bite lawyer will guide you through what kind of documents and images you should collect as well as which types we’ll gather as your legal representation. The following is an overview of the types of evidence that are beneficial to collect after a dog bite incident.

Photographs And Videos Of Your Injuries

Visual evidence is one of the most compelling ways to demonstrate the severity of your injuries. Take clear photographs of your wounds immediately after the incident and during the healing process. If possible, capture videos that show any difficulty you’re experiencing with mobility or daily activities due to your injuries. These visuals can help paint a full picture and provide a timeline of your pain and suffering for insurance adjusters, attorneys, and jurors.

Medical Records And Bills

Your medical records help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the associated costs. These records should include:

• Emergency room or urgent care visit summaries.
• Doctor’s notes detailing your diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Prescriptions for medications, such as antibiotics or painkillers.
• Receipts for medical supplies like bandages or braces.
• Documentation of follow-up appointments, physical therapy, or specialist visits.

Your Personal Account

Write down your own detailed account of the incident as soon as possible. Include the date, time, and location, as well as a description of the events leading up to the attack. Note how the dog behaved, the owner’s actions (or lack thereof), and your immediate response. Our Santa Monica dog bite lawyer has found that a thorough and timely account can strengthen your credibility and serve as a reference if your memory fades over time.

Incident Report

An official report lends credibility to your case and may include information you didn’t gather yourself. If you reported the dog bite to local authorities like animal control or the police, we’ll be able to obtain a copy of the incident report. This document often includes key details, such as the dog’s owner, the location of the attack, and any witness statements.

Expert Testimony

Our Santa Monica dog bite lawyer may consult medical professionals, animal behaviorists, or vocational experts to provide opinions about the severity of your injuries, the dog’s aggressive tendencies, or the long-term impact on your ability to work.

Witness Statements

Collect the names and contact information of anyone who saw the incident. Ask them to provide a written or recorded statement detailing what they observed, including:

• How the dog was behaving before the attack.
• Whether the owner was present and attempting to control the dog.
• Any prior signs of aggression from the dog.

Witness accounts can corroborate your version of events and counter any claims from the dog’s owner that you provoked the animal.

Photographs Of The Scene

If you’re able to, you should document the location where the attack occurred. Take photographs that capture the environment, including shots of:

• Broken fences or unsecured gates.
• Warning signs (or lack thereof) about the presence of a dog.
• The condition of the area, such as whether it was a public space or private property.

These images can help establish negligence on the part of the dog’s owner, especially if they failed to adequately secure their pet.

Proof Of Lost Wages And Other Economic Damages

If your injuries caused you to miss work or incur other financial losses, gather documentation to prove these damages. This might include:

• Pay stubs or employment records showing lost income.
• Receipts for transportation costs to medical appointments.
• Documentation of canceled trips or activities due to your injuries.

Economic damages are a significant component of your claim, and detailed evidence will help you receive fair compensation.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, consult with our experienced California personal injury attorneys to make sure you collect the right evidence and take the appropriate legal steps. Contact us today for a free consultation.