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Roseville Dog Bite Lawyer

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Jeff Sevey

Dog attacks can leave victims with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and huge medical bills. If you have been injured by a dog bite in Roseville, you need an experienced attorney who understands California's strict liability laws and will fight for the compensation you deserve.

We understand that dog bite injuries often involve more than just physical wounds—they can cause lasting psychological trauma, especially in children. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping victims handle the complex legal process while they focus on healing and recovery. Contact The Sevey Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Recoverable Damages in Dog Bite Claims

When dog owners are negligent with a dangerous dog, whether on public or private property, terrible accidents can happen. Dog bite victims may be entitled to damages for their injuries and losses. Our experienced dog attack attorneys help victims secure compensation for their injuries:

Medical Treatment Costs

California law allows dog bite victims to be compensated for medical expenses related to their dog bite injury, including:

  • Emergency room visits and immediate medical treatment
  • Hospital stays and surgical procedures
  • Prescription medications and medical supplies
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
  • Psychological counseling for emotional distress
  • Future medical care and treatment needs

Lost Wages and Income Recovery

Severe injuries from a dog bite attack can stop victims from returning to work, resulting in a significant financial toll. You may be entitled to recover compensation for:

  • Lost wages during recovery periods
  • Reduced earning capacity due to permanent injuries
  • Lost income from missed work opportunities
  • Benefits and bonuses you would have earned

Pain and Suffering Damages

Non-economic damages can include:

  • Physical pain and discomfort from puncture wounds and scarring
  • Emotional trauma and anxiety following the animal attack
  • Loss of enjoyment of life activities
  • Mental anguish and psychological impact
  • Permanent disfigurement or disability

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Puncture Wounds and Lacerations

The most common injuries in dog bite cases involve puncture wounds. Some injuries may require only basic medical care, while others may need surgical intervention. Deep puncture wounds can damage muscles, tendons, and nerves, potentially leading to long-term complications that require ongoing medical treatment.

Infections and Complications

Dog bites have a high risk of infection. Common infections include cellulitis, sepsis, and in rare cases, rabies exposure. These medical complications can increase medical bills and recovery time.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Many dog bite victims suffer scarring, particularly when facial injuries occur. Children are especially vulnerable to facial injuries. Scarring and disfigurement can cause emotional distress and may require plastic surgery or other cosmetic procedures.

Bone Fractures

Large dogs can sometimes fracture bones, particularly in the hands, arms, or legs. Fractures from dog attacks may require surgical repair and extensive rehabilitation, leading to medical expenses and lost income during recovery.

Psychological Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, dog bite victims often experience emotional distress following an attack. This psychological trauma can manifest as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly in children. Mental health treatment is recoverable damage in dog bite cases and should be included in any personal injury lawsuit.

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers

Proving liability in a dog bite case might seem simple, but trying to do so on your own can be a complex endeavor. Once a pet owner's insurance company gets involved, they will do everything possible to discredit your claim, often saying that the victim somehow “provoked” the attack.

Contact an experienced dog injury law firm to protect your rights and build a strong case for your defense. California also puts a clock on these cases.  Reaching out well before the deadline gives your attorney time to gather evidence while it is still available and keeps your options open. Contact us for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover expenses for injuries caused by someone else's dog?

Yes, victims of a dog bite attack may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Whether the attack happened on public or private property, California law generally holds dog owners accountable for injuries caused by their pets. Keep in mind that proving liability may still involve collecting evidence, medical records, witness statements, and information about the dog's history.

Does it matter where the dog attack happened?

Under California's dog bite laws, liability often applies whether the bite occurred on private property or in a public space, assuming the victim was not trespassing. So, whether the dog attack happened in a park or at a friend's home, dog bite victims may still have a valid claim under strict liability rules.

Are dog owners always liable under California law?

In most cases, yes. California follows a strict liability approach to dog bite liability, meaning dog owners are responsible even if they had no prior warning that the dog might bite. However, there are exceptions, such as if the person bitten was provoking the dog or was unlawfully on the property at the time of the attack.

Do dog bite lawyers in Roseville offer free consultations?

Our personal injury attorneys provide a free consultation to discuss your situation. This helps you to learn about your rights and potential next steps without upfront legal fees. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. If you're unsure whether you have a case, speaking with an experienced dog bite attorney can help clarify your options.

What if the dog was off the leash when it attacked?

California and many local ordinances include leash laws that require owners to keep their dogs under control in public. When a dog is off-leash and someone gets hurt, that can support a claim that the owner did not properly restrain the animal. A bite itself may already fall under strict liability, but a leash violation can add weight when the injury did not come from a bite.

Can I file a claim if the dog knocked me down instead of biting me?

Strict liability covers bites, but injuries from a dog “attack” usually fall under a negligence claim instead. These cases turn on whether the owner failed to control the animal in a reasonable way. Showing a dog owner's negligence may be the path to recovery when there is no bite.

Can I recover more if the dog had bitten someone before?

When an owner knew their dog was dangerous and acted with reckless disregard for others, a court may allow punitive damages on top of the usual recovery. Pursuing the maximum compensation available often depends on evidence of prior incidents or other warning signs the owner ignored, which can strengthen your ability to recover money beyond basic costs. These claims can be harder to prove, so documentation of the dog's history matters.

Can a family member file a claim after a fatal dog attack?

If a child or dependent family member is bitten, a parent or guardian can usually pursue a claim on their behalf. When a dog attack is fatal, close relatives may be able to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim for their own losses. 

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