Riverside Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs are loving companions. However, they can turn aggressive, especially if they lack training or are raised in a hostile environment. Unfortunately, when a dog attacks, you might face painful injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical bills.
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that over 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. In such an incident, victims often wonder, Who will help me through this?
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we know that a dog attack is a personal and traumatic event. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Riverside, you don’t have to face this battle alone. Our Riverside dog bite lawyers are here to hold negligent dog owners accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Riverside Dog Bite Victims Trust Us to Fight for Them
- Your Story Deserves to Be Fought For: Every dog bite case is unique, just like every victim’s experience. We take the time to listen, investigate, and build a personalized legal strategy to ensure your voice is heard and justice is served.
- We Handle the Legal Fight so that You Can Focus on Healing: We handle every legal hurdle, from gathering medical records and witness statements to negotiating with insurance companies. Your recovery is your priority, so let us handle everything else.
- No Win, No Fee: Worried about legal costs? Don’t be. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we secure a settlement for you.
- Accessible Legal Help: Whether you’re in Riverside, Los Angeles, or anywhere else in California, we offer in-person and virtual consultations to make it easy to get the legal support you need.
- Proven REAL Results: For nearly 50 years, we’ve recovered over $2 billion for injury victims. But to us, it’s not just about numbers. It’s about helping real people rebuild their lives.
When to Get a Lawyer for a Dog Bite
While some cases may seem minor, many dog attacks have long-term consequences that victims don’t anticipate. So, how do you know when you need a lawyer for a dog attack?
Did You Suffer Injuries?
Even if the bite seemed small at first, dog attacks can lead to infections, nerve damage, and lasting scars. You might immediately overlook the full extent of your injuries, but insurance companies will use any delay against you. A skilled dog attack lawyer ensures every injury is documented correctly so you don’t get stuck paying for medical treatments out of pocket.
Is the Dog’s Owner Denying Responsibility?
If the dog’s owner refuses to accept blame or tries to argue that you provoked the attack, it can feel like an insult on top of your injuries. Without strong evidence, they might twist the story to avoid liability. Attorneys for dog bites will gather witness statements, medical reports, and expert opinions to prove what really happened and hold the owner accountable.
Are You Running Out of Time to File a Claim?
California law gives dog bite victims two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting too long can put your case at risk. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and insurance companies love to use delays against you. A legal team will ensure all deadlines are met so you don’t lose your right to compensation.
Is the Insurance Company Lowballing You?
Insurance companies don’t work for you; they work to save money. They might downplay your injuries, delay your claim, or pressure you into a lowball settlement. Without a lawyer fighting for you, you could end up with far less than you deserve. A dog bite accident lawyer will push back against these tactics, calculating your medical costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering to demand full compensation.
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we take the burden off your shoulders, handling everything from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. Contact us today at 866-537-2488 for a free consultation, and let’s start fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me
Larry H. Parker –Riverside CA Office
Address: 3550 Vine St Ste 120, Riverside, CA 92507, United States
Get your Free Consultation Today: +19513374407
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Riverside, CA
- Get to Safety: Move away from the dog and ensure you’re in a secure location.
- Clean the Wound: Wash the bite with soap and water to reduce infection risk.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even minor bites can lead to serious infections or complications.
- Report the Attack: Contact Riverside County Animal Services or local authorities to document the incident.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the scene; collect witness contact information.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters: They may try to downplay your injuries—let your lawyer handle all communications.
- Call a Dog Bite Attorney in Riverside: A minor dog bite can lead to further complications. Working with a dog bite lawyer who can assess the situation and build your case while you recover is best.
Injuries You May Get from a Dog Attack
A dog attack can leave lasting scars, physically and emotionally. Some injuries heal with time, but others can change your life forever.
- Deep Wounds and Dangerous Infections: Dog bites often cause puncture wounds that seem small but can damage muscles, nerves, and tendons beneath the skin. These wounds are also breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to serious infections like cellulitis, sepsis, tetanus, and even rabies if untreated.
- Nerve Damage and Loss of Function: Some bites are so deep they cause permanent nerve damage, leading to numbness, loss of mobility, or chronic pain. Imagine struggling to grip a cup, write, or even walk—all from a single attack.
- Broken Bones and Facial Trauma: Dogs have powerful jaws that can fracture bones, especially in the hands, arms, or legs. Attacks to the face can lead to disfiguring scars, vision loss, and reconstructive surgeries, leaving victims with lifelong emotional and physical trauma.
- Amputation and Permanent Disability: In the most severe cases, bites can destroy so much tissue that amputation becomes necessary. Losing a hand, a finger, or even a limb due to an attack is devastating, affecting everything from work to daily life.
We know a dog bite is never “just a bite.” It’s a traumatic event that can change your future in an instant. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately and work with legal experts who can manage your case while you heal.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in California?
California follows a strict liability law for dog bites under California Civil Code 3342. This means a dog owner is automatically responsible if their dog bites someone, regardless of the animal’s history or prior aggression.
However, liability can sometimes extend beyond the owner. In certain situations, landlords, property owners, or caretakers who knew about the dog’s dangerous behavior and failed to take action may also be held accountable.
- Invitees: If you’re on someone’s property for business, the owner must keep the area safe. If their dog bites you, they’re liable.
- Licensees: Friends and family visiting a home must be warned about dangerous dogs. If the owner stays silent and their dog attacks, they can be held responsible.
- Trespassers: Liability is trickier if you trespass on private property without permission. However, if the trespasser is a child or the owner knows people frequently cross their property, they may still be responsible.
Figuring out who’s responsible after a dog bite can feel overwhelming. Should you hold the owner accountable? The property owner? Someone else? The legal process can be confusing, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Our Riverside dog bite attorneys will investigate your case, identify the liable party, and fight to protect your rights.
What Compensation Can I Receive After a Dog Bite?
Beyond physical injuries, a dog attack can leave lasting financial and emotional burdens. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: ER visits, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost Wages: Time missed from work due to recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional trauma, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from the attack.
- Scarring & Disfigurement: Permanent injuries that affect self-esteem and quality of life.
- Wrongful Death: Funeral costs and loss of companionship if a loved one is fatally attacked.
While you can claim compensation for several damages, it can be challenging to quantify and calculate non-economic losses, such as PTSD or anxiety. Our experienced attorneys ensure your settlement fully reflects the impact of your injuries.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Dog Attack?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can jeopardize your case, making it harder to collect evidence and secure compensation.
Don’t let time run out on your right to justice. Contact our Riverside dog bite lawyers today to start your claim before it’s too late.
Let Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Riverside Handle Your Case
A dog bite isn’t just a legal issue but a deeply personal experience that can affect your life in countless ways. Our Riverside dog bite attorneys are here to lighten your burden, guide you through the process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Straightforward Guidance – We break down the legal process in plain terms, keeping you informed every step of the way.
- Aggressive Negotiation – We won’t let insurance companies lowball your claim. We fight for full compensation for your injuries, medical care, and emotional suffering.
- Medical Support Coordination – Your health comes first. We help connect you with the care you need for immediate and long-term recovery.
- Full Legal Support – From gathering evidence to proving liability, we handle everything so you can focus on moving forward.
Call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker now for a free consultation at 866-537-2488, or fill out our contact form. Let’s get you the justice you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- A California Dog Owner is Responsible if Their Dog Bites Someone – Except in These Specific Situations
- Can I Switch California Personal Injury Lawyers?
- How to Handle a Dog Bite Injury When the Dog’s Owner is a Close Friend
- This is What You Should Do After Being a Victim to a Dog Bite Attack in California
Directory
Here are essential personal injury resources in Riverside, CA, that can help you in case of accident emergencies:
Emergency Rooms
- Riverside Community Hospital Emergency Room – 4445 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
- Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center Emergency Room – 3865 Jackson St, Riverside, CA 92503
- Riverside University Health System Medical Center Emergency Room – 26520 Cactus Ave, Moreno Valley, CA 92555
- Emergency Room | Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center – 10800 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92505
Urgent Care Centers
- Apple Urgent Care – 9889 Magnolia Ave Suite A, Riverside, CA 92503
- Raincross Urgent Care – 4646 Brockton Ave Ste 101, Riverside, CA 92506
- AFC Urgent Care Riverside – 191 Alessandro Blvd #9a, Riverside, CA 92508
- Riverside Medical Clinic’s Urgent Care – 7117 Brockton Ave, Riverside, CA 92506
- Riverside Urgent Care – 18876 Van Buren Boulevard, Suite 101, Riverside, CA 92508
Local Courthouses
- Superior Court of California, County of Riverside – Riverside Historic Courthouse – 4050 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501
- Superior Court of California, County of Riverside – Moreno Valley Courthouse – 13800 Heacock St #D201, Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Disclaimer – We do not endorse these companies or profit from listing them on our website.