Riverside Dog Bite Attorney
Skilled Dog Bite Lawyers in Riverside, CA
When you are legally on a person’s property and suffer a dog bite, the property owner may owe you compensation for your injury. At Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, an experienced Riverside Dog Bite Attorney represents individuals who suffer dog bites and other injuries caused by animal attacks. We can help evaluate your case for free.
Why Choose Us
At Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, our team of Riverside personal injury attorneys is able to work with you to get the justice you deserve. We are hard-working; dedicated to providing personalized attention; and well-versed in California’s comprehensive dog bite laws.
Take action and call Aitken * Aitken * Cohn today, and discover how we can work for you.
How Our Riverside Dog Bite Lawyers Can Assist You
If you’ve suffered from a dog bite in Riverside, a skilled dog bite lawyer can support you in securing compensation for your injuries. Employing a seasoned injury lawyer brings a host of benefits, enabling you to:
- Assess and evaluate settlement proposals;
- Engage in negotiations with insurance companies while you focus on healing;
- Determine if the compensation offered is adequate; and
- Understand the pros and cons of settling versus proceeding to trial.
Each case is distinct, and based on the specifics of your situation, the best approach might tilt towards either settlement or litigation. At Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, we’re here to offer advice on your various legal routes. Get in touch with our dog bite attorneys in Riverside today to schedule a consultation.
Liability for Dog Bite Incidents in Riverside
Typically, if a dog bite occurs at someone’s residence, the homeowner’s insurance policy is expected to cover the claim. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that dog bite incidents constitute nearly a third of all homeowner insurance claims.
However, it’s important to note that certain dog breeds might be excluded from coverage under homeowner’s insurance policies. These breeds often include:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- Dobermans
- Chows
- Akitas
- Alaskan Malamutes
- German Shepherds
- Siberian Huskies
- Wolf Hybrids
- Mastiffs
Understanding these details can be crucial when navigating the aftermath of a dog bite, and a knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the process to ensure you’re fairly compensated.
Homeowner’s insurance policies may not cover dog bites that occur off the owner’s property. There are situations where umbrella or liability riders need purchasing to cover dog breeds and bites.
How Much is a Dog Bite Injury Worth?
Every dog bite injury is unique, therefore the damages recovered and additional compensation varies with each case. In 2014, the average homeowner paid $32,000 for a dog bite injury, which includes medical bills, hours missed at work, and compensation for emotional distress.
“This firm provided me with respect, consideration, and helped me through each step of the process. Chris Aitken was patient with me and always quick to respond. I appreciated his confidence which left me feeling secure.”
L.P. – Google Review
What Dog Bite Injuries are Common?
Dog bite victims may require emergency medical care or even plastic surgery. Dog attacks in Riverside can frighten a victim to the point that psychological counseling is necessary. Some of the injuries sustained in dog bite attacks are:
- Broken and crushed bones;
- Scarring and disfigurement;
- Lacerations;
- Ligament damage;
- Puncture wounds;
- Nerve damage;
- Psychological damage;
- Severed body parts; and
- Wrongful death.
What Damages are Able to be Recovered in a Riverside Dog Bite Lawsuit?
If you or a loved suffer a dog bite injury, you should receive adequate compensation for your injuries. Compensation in these cases may include:
- Past and future medical expenses;
- Past and future income loss;
- Permanent disfigurement;
- Permanent disability;
- Loss of earning capacity;
- Emotional trauma;
- Diminished quality of life;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Spousal claim for loss of consortium.
In California, courts may also award punitive damages. While compensatory damages are intended to restore the victim’s quality of life to the same as it was before the incident, punitive damages are meant to punish. Due to this, punitive damages are awarded in every case when the dog owner showed total disregard for the safety of others.
Contact a Riverside Dog Bite Lawyer Today
It is essential to contact experienced Riverside dog bite lawyers, like those at Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, as soon as possible. California requires victims of dog bites to file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the dog bite or attack. Contact the Riverside dog bite attorneys at Aitken * Aitken * Cohn to learn more about your rights as a dog bite victim.