San Francisco Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

What happens when man’s best friend turns into man’s worst enemy? Serious injuries happen. And dog bite victims are left to deal with fallout that can last for years or even a lifetime. Meanwhile, the dog owner is left unscathed.

That’s not fair, and it’s why so many dog attack victims reach out to the San Francisco Dog Bite Injury Lawyer at Delfino Green & Green for help.

When you call our law firm, we are ready to spring into action to hold the dog owner, property owner, insurance company, and any other liable party accountable in your dog bite claim. Considering a dog bite attorney? Read on to see how our personal injury law firm can help.

You don’t just want a dog bite lawyer when you get bitten; you want the right lawyer. That’s because your choice of attorney makes a huge difference in the outcome of your case. And it’s why we work around the clock to be the law firm of choice for dog attack victims in the Bay Area. Here’s what we bring to the table for your dog bite injury claim:

Why Choose Our Dog Bite Injury and Animal Attack Injury Attorneys

All Bite, No Bark

Other law firms like to bark without the teeth to back it up, but when dogs bite our clients, we bite back. If the dog owner and all other liable parties won’t offer a reasonable settlement, we are not afraid to take the fight to the courtroom.

Real Experience, Deep Understanding

We are seasoned litigators with 30 years of hands-on experience and a long track record of success. Over our decades representing injury victims like you, we have learned how to act as both personal injury lawyer and stress-reducing guide to our clients. We bring real experience and a deep understanding of California dog bite laws to your case so you can relax.

Tireless Dedication

We don’t give up. Every case we take on is as personal to us as if it were for one of our own family members. That’s how it is supposed to be, and it’s exactly what you will get when you team up with Delfino Green & Green.

Dog Bite Laws & Liability in California

After a dog has bitten you, it can feel like good news is in short supply, but you may find some good news in California’s dog bite laws. That’s because these laws provide a pathway for people in your position to recover compensation for what they have been through. Here’s what you need to know.

Strict Liability for California Dog Owners

While some states have laws that prevent dog owners from being liable the first time their dog bites someone (often called a “one bite rule”), California is not one of those states. California is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites, meaning any dog owner can be liable for a bite regardless of any lack of knowledge of the dog’s aggression. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but they are limited. For example, those who are under suspicion of having committed a crime may be unable to sue if they are bitten by a police dog. And veterinarians and vet assistance are generally unable to sue for dog bites that occur in the course of their job duties. You also have to be in a public place or legally on private property at the time of the attack in order to sue.

‘Reasonable Steps’ for Dangerous Dogs

An additional California dog bite law broadens the scope of who can sue for a dog bite. This law focuses on dogs with a history of aggressive behavior by mandating that the owners of such dogs take “reasonable steps” to prevent the dog from hurting anyone. When dog owners fail to follow this rule, they open themselves to lawsuits that could end with a mandate to either keep the dog in a fully secure area or have the animal put down.

Dog Bite Statistics

The first thing you should know after you have suffered a dog bite is that you may be able to recover compensation. The second thing you should know is that you are not alone. In fact, you are far from alone. The numbers behind dog bites in the United States and California are nothing short of shocking. Here is just a sample of the dog bite statistics that drive countless injuries every year:

• Almost 20 percent of people who are bitten by a dog need medical care to treat it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, around 27,000 Americans had to have plastic surgery to correct injuries caused by dog bites in 2018.
• The average cost per insurance claim for dog bites in the United States was $49,025 in 2021, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).
• In 2021, victims made 17,989 dog bite insurance claims in the United States, according to the III.
• California saw more homeowner’s insurance claims for dog bites than any other state in 2021, with a total of 2,026, the III reported.

Parent or Caregiver of a Dog Bite Victim?

Here’s another consideration for you: Children are the most common victims of dog attacks, both fatal and nonfatal. That’s a fact that countless thousands of parents and caregivers are left to deal with in real life every single year. If you’re one of those parents or caregivers, you may be left feeling like you have nowhere to turn. You may feel that way, but it’s not the truth. You have a right — if not a responsibility — to advocate for justice for your child, and our law firm is here to help you with your dog bite lawsuit. Your child has legal rights, but it’s up to you to exercise them. We’re equipped to help with that. We understand that the emotional trauma and medical treatment involved when a child suffers a dog attack has a profound effect on the child’s life and well-being. And we want you to know you and your family have legal options. Reach out to our firm to discuss those options.

Steps to Take (and What Not to Do) After a Dog Bite in California

Victims of dog bites are often left in a whirlwind of pain and frustration. In all the confusion and suffering, it can be difficult to remain calm and make strategic choices. But what you do after a dog bite can have a real, measurable effect on the amount of compensation you receive.  That’s why you need to be careful. Here is your post-dog bite to-do list:

• Get the name, address, phone number and insurance policy information of the dog’s owner if at all possible.
• Get the contact information of anyone who saw the dog attack you.
• Take pictures or video of your injuries and the area in which the dog attack occurred, including the conditions of the owner’s property (if applicable).
• Seek medical attention to treat your injuries and create a medical record of what happened to you — even if you don’t think medical treatment is necessary.
• Contact the animal control agency for the city or county where the attack occurred and report the attack.
• Consider seeking legal advice or a free case review from an experienced dog bite lawyer like the team at Delfino Green & Green.

And here is what you should not do after a dog bite in California:

• Do not engage in any sort of discussion with the dog’s owner or insurance company about who might have been at fault for the attack.
• Do not allow the dog owner or insurance company to record you via video, audio, or photograph.
• Do not discuss money with the insurance company or dog owner until you have received a case evaluation from an experienced attorney or decided to represent yourself.
• Do not delay medical treatment unnecessarily.
• Do not discuss the severity of your injuries until you have been fully evaluated by a medical professional.
• Do not forget that the insurance company is not on your side, despite how friendly or agreeable they may seem at first.

Money a Dog Bite Victim Can Receive

Dog bite victims suffer a wide range of damages that can lead to countless thousands of dollars in economic damages, as well as untold non-economic costs. Fortunately, our state provides a pathway for you to recover full compensation for the harms a dog inflicts on you. Here are some of the damages for which dog bite victims may be able to receive compensation:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages during your recovery
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Post-traumatic stress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Wrongful death

This is only a sample of the damages you might list in a personal injury claim for a dog attack. A dog bite personal injury attorney from our firm can help you take a full accounting of every way in which this vicious animal has harmed you. Then, we can help you maximize the compensation you receive for each and every damage.

Injuries in Dog Attacks

At first glance, many people assume the only injury a dog can cause is a bite, but that is not quite right. In fact, aggressive dogs can cause a wide range of injuries, including the following:

• Puncture wounds. Dogs’ teeth can cause deep puncture wounds that lead to incredible pain and permanent scarring.
• Lacerations. During an attack, dogs can cause deep scratches and lacerations with both their teeth and claws.
• Back injuries. When dogs jump — either to attack or simply make contact with you — they can knock you backward, leading to injuries of your back, spine, or shoulders.
• Broken bones. In the course of a struggle with a dog, it’s not uncommon to suffer a broken or fractured bone.
• Infections. Dogs create puncture wounds that can lead to extremely dangerous secondary infections.

The dog bite attack you or a loved one suffered doesn’t have to define the rest of your life. Thanks to California law, you may have the option to seek compensation for your injuries and damages related to this vicious attack.  But remember — just because you have the option or legal right does not mean you will automatically recover fair compensation. In fact, many victims of dog attacks find that they are met with extreme pushback when they begin the process of pursuing compensation. Sadly, many of these victims fail to recover the compensation they are entitled to. The dog bite lawyers at Delfino Green & Green are here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injuries