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Decades Of Experience Delivering Justice For Hardworking Families

Dedicated Service From A Seasoned San Diego Dog Bite Attorney

A dog bite is a sudden, traumatic event that can leave you or your child with serious physical and emotional scars. In California, the legal framework for a dog bite is clear: the owner is held strictly liable for the injuries their dog causes.

I am Brian Burchett, a personal injury attorney with over three decades of experience advocating for the injured. When you work with me, your case will not be passed down to someone else. It will have my personal attention from start to finish. As your dog bite lawyer, I will apply my years of courtroom and negotiation experience to secure what you or your child needs for recovery.

California Holds Dog Owners Strictly Liable For Bites

California Civil Code § 3342 places the responsibility for a dog bite directly on the owner. As long as you were in a public place or lawfully on private property when the bite occurred, the owner is liable for your injuries. Unlike the “one-bite rule” that exists in states such as Texas and Virginia, California holds a dog owner accountable for the harm their dog causes, even if it has never bitten anyone before.

Moreover, under this “strict liability” standard, you do not have to prove the owner’s negligence. The owner is liable based on the fact that their dog bit another person, regardless of whether they acted irresponsibly or knew beforehand that the dog was dangerous.

Take note that dog bite liability is not absolute in all cases. An owner may argue that you were trespassing or that you provoked the dog. These are also common defenses insurance companies use to challenge claims. An experienced dog bite attorney can counter these arguments and help you protect your rights.

Pursuing Full Compensation For Your Dog Bite Injury

The initial puncture wound is often just the beginning. A dog bite injury can lead to serious complications. This can include severe infections such as cellulitis or rabies, nerve damage or permanent scarring and disfigurement. As a dog bite victim, you may have the right to recover damages for the harm you or your child suffered.

I will help you fight for a dog bite compensation that accounts for all your damages and long-term needs, including:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma and distress
  • Costs for scar revision or plastic surgery

An animal attack is terrifying for anyone, but it can be especially damaging for young kids. A minor (child) dog bite victim often suffers deep emotional trauma that can lead to a lasting fear of animals, as well as other psychological challenges. As a dog bite attorney, I approach these cases with particular care, working to secure the resources your child needs for a full recovery.

What To Do After A Dog Bite Injury

The actions you take immediately after a dog bite are the foundation of a strong personal injury claim. To protect your health and your rights, you should:

  • See a doctor for your wound, no matter how minor it seems. This creates an official medical record of your injury.
  • File a report with the San Diego County Department of Animal Services. An official animal control report provides crucial documentation of the incident.
  • If possible, get the contact information for the dog’s owner and any witnesses. Safely take photos of your injuries and the location where the attack occurred.
  • Avoid giving any recorded statements to the owner’s homeowner’s insurance company before you have consulted with an attorney. They may use these against you to minimize or deny your claim.

As your dog bite attorney, I will personally manage all communications, investigate the attack, collect evidence and calculate the true case value of your claim. In California, the dog bite statute of limitations gives you only two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. It is crucial to act quickly to ensure your rights are protected.

Get 30 Years Of Experience On Your Side: Call The Burchett Law Firm, PC, Today

The dog owner’s insurance company has a team of adjusters and lawyers working to protect its bottom line. You deserve a seasoned advocate in your corner who knows how to stand up against them to fight for a fair settlement. Call my office at 619-450-2436 today for a free initial consultation. You can also send me your questions and concerns through my website.