Animal attacks can be devastating. Not only can they cause physical injuries, but they can also lead to emotional trauma and financial burdens.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an animal attack, it’s important to know that you are not alone and to realize you have legal rights. A skilled Carlsbad personal injury attorney who specializes in animal attack claims can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve. Seeking legal guidance early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
At Miller & Steele Law Firm, our team is dedicated to helping injury victims throughout Carlsbad and the surrounding communities. Call (760) 439-2210 today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Carlsbad personal injury lawyer and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Miller & Steele Law Firm After a Dog Bite in Carlsbad, CA?
After a serious dog bite or animal attack, choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Miller & Steele, we have helped more than 3,000 clients recover over $300 million in verdicts and settlements. Our team is committed to providing personalized representation and attentive service throughout every stage of the legal process.
Reach out to someone who understands your circumstances and will fight for justice. You need someone with the compassion, skill, and experience necessary to secure the compensation you need and deserve, so you can focus on healing.
Meet The Attorneys Behind Miller & Steele Law Firm
Founding Attorney
David R. Miller
Founding attorney David R. Miller has represented injured Californians since 1978. Over the course of his career, he has helped clients recover compensation in a wide range of personal injury cases and is known for his commitment to protecting the rights of accident victims.
Known for his dedication to protecting the rights of accident victims and providing personalized representation to clients throughout Carlsbad, North County San Diego, and Southern California. His decades of experience handling personal injury matters help clients navigate complex legal claims with confidence.
Partner
Robert M. Steele
Partner Robert M. Steele is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully represented clients in a wide range of personal injury and premises liability matters. He is committed to helping injured individuals hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation they deserve.
Known for his thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy, Mr. Steele works closely with clients throughout every stage of the legal process. His experience litigating complex injury claims has helped numerous victims obtain favorable settlements and verdicts.
Partner
Zachary D. Miller
Zachary D. Miller is a partner and trial attorney at Miller & Steele Law Firm, where he focuses exclusively on personal injury litigation. A lifelong North County San Diego advocate, Zach is dedicated to helping injured individuals and families pursue justice after serious accidents and acts of negligence.
He has been recognized for obtaining Top 50 Jury Verdicts for Automobile Injury Cases and Top 100 Jury Verdicts for Personal Injury Cases in California. His practice includes car accidents, premises liability claims, dog bite and animal attack cases, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death matters.
We Know The Law Surrounding Dog Bites in California
A dog bite can be a painful and terrifying experience. Many animal attacks cause serious injuries, including permanent disabilities, nerve damage, infections, scarring or disfigurement, and/or long-term or lifelong psychological injury. Tragically, these injuries, and even the risk of death, are magnified when a child is the victim.
Just as dog bites can lead to severe and life-altering injuries, a trusted Carlsbad wrongful death attorney from our firm can navigate the legal system and help you during this difficult time.
California law states that an owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place. At Miller & Steele, we will pursue action against the owner of a dangerous animal and fight for justice and the righteous compensation for the losses of the victims.
Why Do I Need a Dog Bite Lawyer?
If you were injured by a dog, you may be suffering serious injuries. An experienced personal injury lawyer can serve as your legal advocate, allowing you the space and time to heal. Some of the ways a dog bite lawyer can help you include:
- Explaining your legal rights and options so you can make informed decisions about your case
- Ensuring that you receive proper medical treatment
- Investigating issues regarding liability and reviewing all applicable insurance policies
- Gathering evidence to establish liability and your injuries
- Handling communication on your behalf with insurance companies and other parties
- Negotiating for maximum compensation
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary
Our law firm offers a free, no-obligation case review, so you can learn more about how we can help when you call us today.
Injured in a Dog Bite Incident? We're Here to Help.
Speak with a knowledgeable Carlsbad dog bite lawyer today and learn how Miller & Steele can help you pursue maximum compensation.
How Dog Bite Claims Work in California
California follows something called a “strict liability” rule for dog bite claims.
California Civil Code section 3342 establishes this rule. The law states that “the owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
This is different from a so-called “one bite” rule that applies in some jurisdictions. The one-bite rule allows dog owners to be held accountable only if the dog has been aggressive in the past. In California, you get broader protection against a bite incident and can almost always hold the dog’s owner accountable for the damage the animal causes you to endure.
You will still need to prove the elements of your claim, though, including that you were lawfully on public property. And you must demonstrate the extent of your damages. You also have a limited time to act, as California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 requires you to bring a personal injury claim within two years of the time of the incident. A Carlsbad dog bite lawyer at Miller & Steele Law Firm will help you gather evidence and take action before the time runs out.
What Kind Of Damages Can I Seek After An Animal Attack In Carlsbad?
Injuries from animal attacks can be severe and sometimes permanent, so victims may be able to recover compensatory damages for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the animal’s owner acted with gross negligence or acted with intent to harm.
California doesn’t impose a cap on damages except for malpractice claims, so you should be able to be “made whole” for your losses. Our Carlsbad personal injury attorneys can help you understand what compensation may be available to you based on the extent of the damage the animal caused.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?
Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of an animal attack may be able to help protect you from suffering more serious injuries and protect your legal rights when you make a dog bite claim. Here are the steps to follow if you or a loved one is injured in a dog bite incident:
1. Seek Medical Attention
If you are seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Follow the dispatcher’s advice about stopping bleeding. Go to the nearest emergency room if necessary. If you did not immediately seek medical treatment, monitor for signs of injury or infection and seek attention immediately if you notice any. Keep all of your medical records and bills for your claim.
2. Report the Incident
Report the incident to the authorities. This could include calling the police or animal control. Having an official investigate the incident may help with your personal injury claim. You may also learn of similar instances involving the aggressive dog.
3. Ask for Information
Ask the dog owner for their name, contact information, vet records, their dog’s vaccination status, and insurance information.
4. Gather Evidence
Take photos of your injuries, the conditions around the dog bite, and your injuries. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
5. Contact a Lawyer
You should not have to face this ordeal alone. An experienced dog bite lawyer can assist you with the next steps, guiding you through the legal process and demanding the financial compensation you deserve. Call us today for your free case review.
When Should I Call An Attorney After a Carlsbad Animal Attack?
The first thing you should do is seek medical attention for any injuries you have sustained. The attack should also be reported to the Humane Society and/or the Department of Animal Services. Once you have received treatment, you should contact a seasoned animal attack attorney to discuss your case and find out what legal options may be available.
Get Help from a Carlsbad Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a dog bite incident, let Miller & Steele handle your dog bite claim today. Our legal team can investigate your situation, advise you of your legal rights, and seek full and fair compensation on your behalf. Call us or contact us at (760) 439-2210 to learn more about how we can help. We are here to help you during this difficult time.