Riverside Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
Dog bites can be traumatic experiences, often leading to serious physical and emotional injuries, both of which can scar a person for life. Ochoa & Calderón is an established Riverside personal injury law firm helping injury victims throughout Southern California who have been hurt in a dog bite or animal attack through no fault of their own. If you or a loved one has suffered such an injury, call Ochoa & Calderón for a free consultation with one of our skilled and compassionate Riverside personal injury lawyers.
California Dog Bite Statute: What You Need to Know
In California, the dog bite statute (California Civil Code Section 3342) plays a pivotal role in these cases. This law states that a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone in a public place or while the victim is lawfully in a private place, including the dog bite victim’s property. This strict liability law means that a California dog bite victim does not necessarily need to prove negligence on the part of the dog owner to recover compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Common Injuries and Complications from Dog Bites
Dog bites can lead to various injuries, ranging from minor wounds to severe trauma and even death. Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Infections
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma, including fear and anxiety
Complications can also arise, such as nerve damage, muscle injury, and the risk of rabies or other diseases. The severity of these injuries often necessitates immediate medical attention as well as ongoing care, which can lead to significant medical expenses.
Seeking Compensation: How Ochoa & Calderón Can Help
Victims of dog bites in Riverside have the right to seek compensation from the animal’s owner for their injuries. This compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Other related costs
Ochoa & Calderón assists clients in navigating these claims, ensuring that they receive the full compensation they deserve. Our firm’s expertise in personal injury law in Riverside is instrumental in dealing with insurance companies and navigating the legal system.
The Role of Negligence and Provocation
While California’s dog bite statute reflects the legal principle of strict liability, issues of negligence and provocation can still play a role. For instance, if a victim provokes the dog, the owner may have a defense against liability. Whether the owner was negligent or not is irrelevant to holding them liable, but the victim’s own negligence, such as ignoring a “Beware of dog” sign, could reduce the amount they can recover or otherwise hurt their case. Understanding these nuances is crucial, and Ochoa & Calderón can help clarify these aspects and answer any questions you may have about your claim.
Why Choose Ochoa & Calderón for Your Dog Bite Case?
Ochoa & Calderón stands out in Riverside for our dedicated approach to personal injury cases, including dog bites. We offer in-depth knowledge of California’s dog bite laws, personalized legal strategies tailored to each case, compassionate representation focused on the client’s well-being, and a respectable record of successfully navigating complex dog bite cases and other personal injury matters in Southern California.
Dog bites are not only physically painful but can also leave lasting emotional scars. For victims in Riverside, California, seeking legal assistance is a crucial step toward healing and recovery. Ochoa & Calderón offers the expertise and support needed to navigate these challenging cases, ensuring that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Contact Ochoa & Calderón for Help After a Dog Bite in Riverside or Southern California
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite in Riverside, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ochoa & Calderón for a comprehensive evaluation of your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can assist you in this difficult time. Call 951-901-4444 in Riverside or 844-401-0750 toll-free throughout Southern California.
