El Cajon Dog Bite Lawyer

Having a dog as a pet is a wonderful and rewarding experience that requires a tremendous amount of responsibility as well. 

It is up to the dog owner to ensure their pet is taken care of, leashed when on a walk, secured from the public, and kept safely within the boundaries of their home. When a dog is off-leash on a walk or is allowed to wander, it can become scared and aggressive, creating a chaotic situation that can and often does result in a dog bite or attack, with a random person, other animal or child.

Dog bites can range in severity and lead to severe physical and emotional trauma, especially in children. These injuries often result in disfigurement, anxiety, depression, humiliation, and harms.

The dog owner is always ultimately responsible. Unique to these cases, the victim need not prove negligence. The fact that the bite or attack occurred is usually sufficient to prove the case. Of course, if the victim provoked the attack or acted carelessly that factor will be taken into consideration as well. 

While certain breeds get the most attention (whether deserved or not), practically any dog breed can be dangerous in certain situations. It is not a defense for the dog owner to say their dog has “never” acted aggressively before, or that it is not a dangerous/aggressive breed. Even a small dog can cause damage. We love dogs, but we must recognize that they are animals.   

At Jassim Law, we recognize the complexities surrounding these incidents and the importance of skilled legal representation. Our experienced El Cajon dog bite lawyers specialize in navigating the nuances of dog bite cases in El Cajon, providing comprehensive and compassionate support to victims.

Recovering Damages After Your Dog Bite Accident

Recovering damages after a dog bite injury involves understanding your legal rights and the types of compensation available. The compensation for dog bite injuries varies depending on the severity of the attack and the location of the injury. This includes both economic and non-economic damages. 

This will typically involve the awarding of compensation for past, present, and future medical expenses, surgery, pain and suffering, disfigurement, humiliation, anxiety, mental distress, therapy, etc. and lost wages due to missed work. Specific recoverable damages are case specific, but can also include physical therapy and rehabilitation costs, prescription medication bills, and compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, physical impairment, and mental suffering.

In cases where the accident is said to have occurred due to deliberate negligence or a wanton disregard for your safety, our team can help pursue punitive damages. These are not calculated based on your specific losses but instead as a punitive measure against the at-fault party for their gross negligence. 

How Can a Lawyer Help? 

Attempting to navigate the aftermath of your personal injury claim without the professional guidance of an attorney will ostensibly end up in a low settlement offer due to shifted blame or even a dismissed case. When you partner with Jassim Law, you are allowing yourself the opportunity to focus on the recovery period while we get to work on the following pivotal aspects of your case:

Establishing Fault

In California, the dog’s owner is typically held liable for damages suffered by a person bitten by their dog, whether in a public place or lawfully on private property. As stated in California Civil Code Section 3342, this liability extends beyond just bites to any damage caused by the owner’s negligence. In some cases, other parties, like dog walkers or daycare workers, may also be responsible if their negligence contributed to the incident. Dog bite accidents involving children can be tricky when determining an at-fault party, as children are subject to a different set of rules. These cases can often be legally complex and require the dedicated assistance of a qualified El Cajon dog bite lawyer. 

To demonstrate negligence and establish fault, your El Cajon dog bite attorney will collect information to be used as evidence. This can include medical records, photographs and videos of the incident, animal control reports, and financial records. California currently adheres to a comparative negligence law, meaning you can still recover damages even if you are found to be partially liable for the accident. For more information on your specific percentage of fault or how this could affect your compensation, our team is more than happy to help. 

Filing Your Claim

The team at Jassim Law is equipped to file your personal injury claim within California’s two-year statute of limitations. This includes the handling of the rest of the claims process as well, where we will do everything from maintaining your scheduling and leading the negotiation period with the insurance company. With a deep understanding of how impactful a worthy settlement offer can be, we are prepared to fight to protect your future and your rights. If an adequate agreement cannot be reached, we can take your case to court. 

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Dedicated El Cajon Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Nobody deserves to pay the physical or emotional price of another person’s negligence. At Jassim Law, we specialize in navigating the complexities of dog bite cases, providing expert guidance and support to ensure justice for our clients. Our lead El Cajon dog bite lawyer, Pajman Jassim, recognized by outlets such as Super Lawyers and San Diego Metro Magazine, is dedicated to advocating for victims of dog bites and enhancing community safety standards.

Recognizing the unique challenges dog bite victims face, Attorney Jassim and our team are committed to delivering compassionate, effective legal representation. We aim to not only address your immediate legal needs but also assist in the broader quest for safer neighborhoods. To discuss your case in a free consultation and explore how Attorney Jassim can champion your cause, reach out to us at (858) 524-6140 or fill out our contact form.