Costa Mesa Dog Bite Lawyer

In Costa Mesa, where outdoor activities and pet ownership are a part of everyday life, encounters with dogs are common as we enjoy parks, stroll through neighborhoods, and visit friends. However, with the frequent presence of dogs comes the risk of dog bites, which can lead to serious, life-altering injuries. This page outlines how the dog bite lawyers at Hicks Law Firm can assist if you or a family member is injured by a dog in California.

Dog Bite Law Firm Serving All Courts in Costa Mesa, CA

Aaron Hicks is an Costa Mesa dog bite attorney who knows how a dog attack can disrupt your life in unimaginable ways. You may face significant physical injuries, emotional trauma, mounting medical expenses, and time away from work. Aaron Hicks can be a key part of the support system that helps you regain control and move forward.

Aaron Hicks is the Founder, and primary dog bite attorney at Hicks Law Firm and serves all of Costa Mesa, California. Our main office is located at 765 The City Dr S. Suite 120 Orange, CA near the 22 & 5 interchange (open Google Maps). If you or a family member were seriously injured through the negligence or actions of another, contact Hicks Law Firm by calling (949) 541-9944 to schedule a risk-free, no obligation consultation.

Google Review:
“Hicks law firm represented me well in my case. Aaron is very respectful of my wishes and opinion at the same time offering his professional advice. He is very reliable, easy to get hold of, and kept me updated about my case. I would not hesitate to call on him in the future if needed. I do highly recommend him and so grateful for his work.”
– Carolyn C.

A Dog Attack Can be Sudden and Vicious

You were enjoying a peaceful day until time slowed down and an aggressive dog ran toward you and bit you. Now, you are startled, in pain, and possibly even disfigured. While we know that animals have a mind of their own, you can still seek justice in the situation and be made whole for your injuries and associated expenses.

If you’ve been bit by a dog in California, here are some quick facts you should know:

• California law applies “strict liability” on dog owners for dog bites.
• The dog owner did not need to know the dog was vicious. They are liable for the first bite.
• Recovering compensation in these cases typically requires filing a lawsuit against the dog owner.
• Our team of lawyers are skilled and experienced in dog bite cases and can help you file your claim and receive compensation as soon as possible.

When is a dog owner liable for its dog biting someone?

In California, a dog owner is strictly liable for its dog biting another person. There are other states where dog owners are only liable if the dog was known to be vicious; however, this is not the case in California. California dog owners are liable to a victim for their injuries if the dog bites an individual in public or on private property where the victim had a legal right to be.

This broad law therefore covers anyone besides trespassers on a property for injuries they sustain from a dog bite.

How is a “dog bite” defined under California law?

Under California law, a dog bite does not need to break the skin or cause bleeding in order for it to be considered a compensable bite or one that you can recover damages from the dog owner for.

The dog need only grab a person with its teeth to be considered a bite. Furthermore, the dog owner could be responsible for damage caused by their dog beyond the bite. For example, if a dog jumps on a person, bites them, and the person falls down and hits their head on concrete, the dog owner may be liable to the victim for their head injuries as well.

How much is a California dog bite claim worth?

The potential value of your personal injury claim from a dog bite depends on the extent of your injuries and damages caused by the dog attack. These damages may include:

• Medical bills
• Temporary or permanent disability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Rehabilitation
• Loss of wages/sick leave

When you work with a Costa Mesa dog bite attorneys at Hicks Law Firm, we will help you to gather all relevant information and evidence and provide you with an estimate of how much your claim is worth. Typically, the first step in these cases is to send a demand letter to the dog owner detailing these damages and demanding compensation before filing a formal lawsuit. However, the particular circumstances involved in your case might warrant a different approach.

Can a dog owner be criminally liable for a dog bite?

While most dog bite cases are civil and involve the victim either receiving compensation from a dog owner voluntarily or as a result of a court judgment, it is possible for a dog owner to face criminal liability for their pet’s attacks on others.

A dog owner may be found criminally liable if they knew their dog had a propensity to be vicious, they did nothing to control their dog, and their dog killed or injured someone.

Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in Costa Mesa

If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog bite in California, the dog’s owner is subject to strict liability for your injuries. Sometimes these situations can be difficult to navigate as it is common for the dog owner to be a neighbor of the victim.

However, it is not your responsibility to bear the pain and expense of being bitten by someone else’s dog. You are rightfully entitled to compensation for your injuries and related expenses.

Our team of lawyers at Hicks Law Firm have handled hundreds of personal injury cases including dog bites. When you choose to work with us, you will receive dedicated attention to your case and an advocate who is as motivated to collect as much compensation for your damages as you are. We are paid on a contingency fee basis, so you do not owe any legal fees unless we win your case. Call 949-541-9944 or fill out our online contact form so we may discuss your case.

Our Costa Mesa Office Location

Hicks Law Firm is conveniently located at 765 The City Dr S. Suite 120 Orange, CA near the 22 & 5 interchange (open Google Maps). We are near the 55 & 405 freeways and approximately a block away from the Lyon Air Museum just west of John Wayne Airport.