Santa Ana Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog bites can turn a normal day in Santa Ana into something scary and painful. If a dog in Santa Ana bit you or a loved one, you might feel lost and confused about what to do next. You have medical bills, maybe you can’t work, and the whole situation feels unfair.
At Hicks Law Firm, our Santa Ana dog bite lawyers want you to know that you don’t have to deal with this alone. Our team understands what you’re going through, and we are here to help you get the support you need. We’ve been helping injured Santa Ana accident victims get the compensation they need to get through the worst times in their lives. Learn more about our law firm.
Our main office is located at 765 The City Dr S. Suite 120, Orange, CA, which is near the 22 & 5 freeway interchange. If you are coming from Santa Ana, we are not far at all and easy to get to. If you want to learn more about how we can help you, give us a call at 949-541-9944 or reach out to us online to get your free consultation.
Recent Review
“Aaron was truly a shining beacon of hope in such a tumultuous time in my life. I had the absolute honor of working with him and I am so grateful for his knowledge, attentive care, professional manner, quick response, and the ultimate support when I needed it most. I highly recommend Aaron to anyone! I truly can’t thank him enough and am forever grateful for his support and guidance. Thank you Aaron!”
When a Dog Bites in Santa Ana: What the Law Says
California has a specific rule for dog bites, and it’s called “strict liability.” This means that generally, a dog owner is responsible for the harm their dog causes if it bites someone, even if the dog has never acted aggressively before or the owner didn’t know the dog might bite. This rule is laid out in California Civil Code Section 3342.
What does “strict liability” mean for you? It means you typically don’t have to prove the dog owner was careless or negligent to hold them responsible for your injuries. If a dog bit you while you were in a public place, like a park, or legally on private property, like a friend’s house or a store, the owner is usually on the hook for the damages you suffer.
There are a few situations where this strict liability rule might not apply. For example, if you were trespassing on private property without permission, or if the dog was a police or military dog working at the time of the bite, the rules can change. However, for most everyday dog bite situations in Santa Ana, the owner holds the responsibility.
Serious Dog Bite Injuries
A dog bite is often more than just a scratch. However, many victims and their families are surprised at how severe the long-term effects and consequences can be. Physical injuries can lead to:
- Deep cuts and tears: These often need stitches and can leave lasting scars.
- Infections: Dog mouths carry a lot of bacteria, and even a small bite can lead to serious infections like cellulitis or even rabies if the dog isn’t vaccinated.
- Broken bones: Especially for children or older adults, a dog attack can cause fractures from falls or direct force.
- Nerve damage: Bites, particularly on hands or arms, can damage nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or even loss of function.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Many dog bites, especially on the face or visible areas, result in permanent scarring that can require costly cosmetic surgeries.
Beyond the physical wounds, dog bites can leave deep emotional scars. People who have been bitten often experience:
- Fear of dogs: This can be a new fear that impacts daily life, making it hard to go to parks or visit friends with pets.
- Anxiety and stress: The trauma of the attack can lead to ongoing anxiety, trouble sleeping, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Embarrassment or self-consciousness: Especially with visible scars, people may feel uncomfortable in social situations.
These physical and emotional tolls mean real costs, including medical bills, therapy, lost time from work, and pain and suffering.
What Happens After a Dog Bite?
Once you are home and safe after the immediate aftermath of the bite, which includes getting medical help and reporting the incident to Orange County Animal Care Services, you will likely have many questions. You might wonder how to pay for medical care, how to handle missed work, or what your legal rights are.
Many dog bite claims are handled through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. These policies often cover liability for dog bites up to a certain amount. It’s also possible that the dog owner has pet insurance that includes liability coverage. Your own health insurance will likely cover your initial medical costs, but you can seek to recover your deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses through a dog bite claim.
Dealing with insurance companies can be a headache, especially when you’re healing. They might try to offer you a quick, low settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses. That’s where having someone on your side who knows the rules can make a big difference.
Will I Have To Sue The Dog Owner, Especially If I Know Them?
This is a big worry for many people, especially if the dog belongs to a friend, family member, or neighbor. They might not want to cause trouble or ruin a relationship. We get that.
The truth is, in most dog bite cases in California, the claim is made against the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy, or sometimes a renter’s insurance policy. This means you typically aren’t directly suing your friend or neighbor out of their own pocket. The insurance company is usually the one paying for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Their insurance is there for these kinds of accidents. Our goal is to work with the insurance company to get you the compensation you need without putting undue strain on personal relationships.
We Can Help You Seek Justice in Santa Ana
When a dog bite changes your life, you need someone who listens and understands. We know the laws here in Santa Ana and throughout California that protect people who have been bitten by dogs. We will work to make sure your voice is heard and that the person responsible is held accountable.
We can help you by:
- Gathering evidence: This includes medical records, photos of your injuries, and any reports from animal control or law enforcement.
- Figuring out who is responsible: We make sure to identify the dog owner and any insurance policies that apply.
- Dealing with insurance companies: We handle all communications and negotiations to push for a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other damages.
- Taking your case to court, if needed: If the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount, we are ready to fight for you in a Santa Ana courtroom.
You focus on healing and getting back on your feet. We will take care of the legal heavy lifting, making the process as smooth as possible during a tough time.
Contact Our Santa Ana Dog Bite Lawyers
Let us stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve. Don’t wait. Call us today for a free and private case review or fill out our contact form. We’re here to listen to your experience and discuss what comes next. Together, we can fight for the best outcome for you. Call Hicks Law Firm today at 949-541-9944.
