San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, the San Francisco dog bite lawyers at the Cartwright Law Firm can provide informed advice on your options and seek maximum compensation. Our experienced dog bite attorneys have successfully helped dog bite victims obtain compensatory damages for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more.

Dog Bite Basics 

According to the Center for Disease Control, one in five victims of dog bites will need medical attention. Dog bites and attacks, sometimes fatal, are a problem in California, with the Golden State ranking second in the nation for dog bite deaths. 

Puncture wounds to the skin or ripping of the skin is a common injury we see in dog bite cases. With a canine’s mouth full of bacteria, any bite that breaks the skin will introduce bacteria below the skin surface and carry the risk of infection. The San Francisco dog bite lawyers at Cartwright Law Firm have successfully litigated cases involving all manner dog bite injuries, including:

1. Contusions
2. Fractures
3. Facial scarring
4. Nerve damage
5. Loss of the use of a limb
6. Permanent disfigurement
7. More

Aside from physical injuries caused by dog bites, the emotional trauma can go deeper than open wounds, especially for children. Children who have been attacked by dogs often start having nightmares and develop a fear of dogs or even just leaving the house. There is a special place in our hearts for these innocent victims, and we will fight strenuously to obtain the compensation they deserve. 

What Does the Law Say About Dog Bites? 

California law holds dog owners strictly liable for dog bites. This means the dog owner is responsible for the victim’s injuries, even if the animal did not have a propensity to be dangerous and has never bitten anyone before. This is different than other states that have “one-bite” rules that essentially give dog owners one free pass. 

California’s civil dog bite statute can be found in California Civil Code Section 3342 and provides a low bar of proof for dog bite victims to recover damages as a result of their injuries. The law makes dog owners liable for injuries caused by their pets so long as the victim did not provoke the dog, and the person was bitten in public or while lawfully being on private property. Generally speaking, trespassers cannot recover damages. 

Possible Punitive Damages

In the most egregious cases, our San Francisco dog bite lawyers seek punitive damages that are meant to punish a defendant for their conduct and deter others from engaging in similar conduct. If the conduct of the dog owner was especially shocking, our dog bite attorneys may attempt to prove that the defendant’s actions rose to the level where punitive damages may be justified.

Call us Today to Speak with a San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but it is important to realize that first and foremost, they are animals that can lash out when they feel frightened, startled, ill, or are protective of something they value like food or a toy. No matter how playful a pooch is, a dog’s behavior can be unpredictable. 

If you or your loved one has been attacked or bitten by a dog, call us today at 415-433-0444 to speak with one of San Francisco dog bite attorneys. You can also send us an email through our online contact form.