San Jose Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but the consequences can be catastrophic when one turns aggressive. Unfortunately, a single bite can leave you seriously injured.
You’ll also need to face financial burdens from the medical bills and other damages and be emotionally impacted by the aftermath. A study discovered that children who experience dog bites often struggle with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, fear of dogs, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors.
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we fight for you and your family. Our dog bite lawyers in San Jose, CA, hold negligent dog owners accountable and ensure you get the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
Why San Jose Trusts Us for Dog Bite Cases
- Your Story Matters – We listen, understand, and build a powerful case to fight for your rights.
- You Heal, We Handle the Rest – From gathering evidence to battling insurance companies, we do the heavy lifting.
- No Upfront Costs – You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Proven Results – Nearly 50 years of experience and $2 billion recovered for injury victims.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite?
You might think, “It’s just a bite; do I really need a lawyer?” However, severe dog attacks can leave you with lasting injuries, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Unfortunately, if you don’t work with a dog bite law firm, the other party’s insurance company will use this to their advantage by offering a lowball settlement or refusing liability to avoid paying.
You deserve more than just a quick settlement; you deserve justice. This is why it is crucial to hire a lawyer for dog bites who can protect your rights and ensure you get FAIR compensation.
Overall, a dog attack lawyer does the following when managing your case:
- Investigate Thoroughly – Medical records, witness statements, and security footage; your dog bite lawyer will gather it all to prove liability.
- Prove Negligence – California law is on your side. However, without legal representation, the insurance provider can quickly turn the story around and make you the liable party. Attorneys for dog bites ensure this doesn’t happen to you.
- Fight for Maximum Compensation – We demand compensation for your OVERALL losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Stand Up to Insurance Companies – They’ll try to minimize your claim, but your legal team won’t let them.
- Ready for Trial – If you lack evidence, insurance companies can point the blame on you and dismiss your case. Fortunately, legal experts can take them to court to protect your rights.
We know how traumatic and unfair a dog attack can be. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone. Call us today at 562-573-6307 for a free consultation.
Lawyers for Dog Bites Near Me
Larry H. Parker – San Jose, CA Office
Address: 2880 Zanker Rd Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95134, United States
Get your Free Consultation Today: +14088989510
What to Do After a Dog Bite in San Jose
Step 1: Get to Safety. To prevent further harm, put distance between yourself and the dog. If possible, move behind a barrier or to a safe place.
Step 2: Clean the Wound Immediately. To reduce the risk of infection, wash the bite thoroughly with soap and warm water. If the wound is bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
Step 3: Seek Medical Help. Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, or even rabies. A doctor can properly clean the wound, prescribe antibiotics, and determine if further treatment is needed.
Step 4: Report the Attack. Notify San Jose Animal Control or local authorities. Reporting ensures the dog’s vaccination status is checked and helps prevent future attacks.
Step 5: Gather Evidence. Collect the dog owner’s contact details, and take photos of your injuries and the attack location. You may also get witness statements from anyone who saw the incident.
Step 6: Contact a San Jose Dog Bite Lawyer. A skilled attorney can help prove liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma shouldn’t be your burden alone.
Can I File a Dog Bite Claim in San Jose?
Yes. California follows strict liability laws under California Civil Code 3342, meaning dog owners are responsible if their dog bites someone, regardless of prior behavior.
To file a claim, you must prove:
- The individual owned the dog.
- That dog attacked you.
- The dog’s owner failed to prevent the attack.
- The bite caused injuries and financial losses.
In some cases, landlords or property managers could also be held responsible if they knew about a dangerous dog and failed to act.
Figuring out who’s responsible for a dog bite can be stressful, especially when you’re focused on healing. That’s why our San Jose dog bite attorneys are here to take the burden off your shoulders. With the experience and dedication to uncover the truth, hold the right parties accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve, we’ll be by your side every step.
Essential Evidence for a Strong Dog Bite Case
Strong evidence is key to holding the right party accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you need:
- Medical Records – Doctor’s reports, hospital bills, and photos of your injuries.
- Photos and Videos – Your wounds, the attack scene, and the dog (if safe).
- Witness Statements – Contact info and testimonies from anyone who saw the attack.
- Dog and Owner Information – Owner’s details, past complaints, and vaccination records.
- Police or Animal Control Reports – Official documentation of the incident.
- Financial Impact – Documents showing the lost wages, medical bills, and property damage.
- Expert Testimony – Medical and animal behavior experts to strengthen your case.
The proper evidence can mean the difference between a weak claim and a winning case. A skilled dog bite lawyer will help gather and present it so you can focus on healing while they fight for your justice.
What Compensation Can I Get from a Dog Bite?
If a dog attacks you or your child due to the owner’s negligence or wrongful actions, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)
- Medical bills – ER visits, surgery, medications.
- Lost wages – Time off work due to recovery.
- Property damage – Clothing, glasses, or personal items destroyed in the attack.
- Future lost income – If injuries impact your ability to work.
- Wrongful death expenses – Burial and funeral costs.
Non-Economic Damages (Emotional or Psychological Trauma)
- Pain and suffering – Ongoing discomfort from the attack.
- Emotional distress – PTSD, anxiety, fear of dogs.
- Disfigurement & scarring – Permanent marks or disability.
- Loss of companionship – In cases of wrongful death.
While medical bills are easy to calculate, pain and emotional suffering require a skilled lawyer for dog bites who can fight for the full value of your case. Without them, you will only receive a settlement for your current medical bills, not your OVERALL losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Dog Bite?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation.
This is why hiring a dog attack lawyer who can assess your situation, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance provider efficiently without wasting time or resources is essential.
Who’s Responsible If a Stray Dog Attacks Me in San Jose?
Did you know that stray animals account for 15.55% of bite accidents? California’s strict liability law holds dog owners responsible for bites, but things get more complicated when a stray is involved.
That doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Depending on the situation, other parties could be held accountable, including:
- Kern County Animal Control or Local Authorities – If officials knew about a dangerous stray but failed to act, they may be liable. But you only have six months to file a claim against a government agency.
- Property Owners or Landlords – If you were bitten on private property, such as an apartment complex or shopping center, the owner might be responsible if the dog attack occurs repeatedly and they ignore the stray dog problem.
- Animal Shelters, Rescue Groups, or a Former Owner – If the dog recently escaped from a shelter, rescue, or previous owner, they could still be responsible.
Every case is different. If a stray dog attacked you, talk to a dog bite lawyer in San Jose to explore your options and hold the appropriate liable party accountable.
What If the Owner Says that I Provocked the Dog?
If you provoked the dog and caused the bite, you may not be entitled to compensation because your actions caused the incident.
However, you may still be eligible for a settlement if you are partially responsible. California follows comparative negligence, meaning your payout is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re found 20% responsible, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
Let Our San Jose Dog Bite Attorneys Fight for You
A dog bite is more than just an injury; it’s a traumatic experience that can upend your life. Our injury lawyers in San Jose, CA, are here to help you recover from this.
- We handle everything – From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies.
- No upfront costs, no risk – You don’t pay unless we win.
- Decades of experience – Over $2 billion recovered for 100,000+ clients since 1974.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in San Jose, don’t wait. Call us at 562-573-6307 for a free consultation. Let’s fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Protect Your Legal Interests if You Are Bitten by an Emotional Support Dog
- How to Handle a Dog Bite Injury When the Dog’s Owner is a Close Friend
- California Personal Injury Settlements: Taxable or Not?
- 6 Things To Consider When Calculating Personal Injury Settlements
Directory
LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOPS
- SM Auto Repair & Smog– 463 Blossom Hill Rd Ste E, San Jose, CA 95123
- Caliber Collision – 1802 Angela St, San Jose, CA 95125
- Akins Auto Repair – 351 Keyes St, San Jose, CA 95112
- Reliable Auto Repair – 463 Blossom Hill Rd #G4, San Jose, CA 95123
- L&T Auto Repair – 701 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
HOSPITALS
- Santa Clara Valley Medical Center – 751 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
- Regional Medical Center of San Jose – 225 N Jackson Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
- Good Samaritan Hospital – 2425 Samaritan Dr, San Jose, CA 95124
- O’Connor Hospital – 2105 Forest Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
- Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center – 250 Hospital Pkwy, San Jose, CA 95119
RECOVERY CENTERS FOR TRAUMA AND REHABILITATION
- San Jose Behavioral Health – 455 Silicon Valley Blvd, San Jose, CA 95138
- Momentum for Mental Health – 185 Martinvale Ln, San Jose, CA 95119
- Santa Clara County Department of Alcohol & Drug Services – 2101 Alexian Dr # 110, San Jose, CA 95116
- El Camino Hospital – Behavioral Health Services – 2660 Grant Rd, Mountain View, CA 94040
- Horizon Services Inc – Horizon South – 650 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
COURTHOUSES
- Superior Court of Santa Clara County- 191 N First St, San Jose, CA 95113
- Hall Of Justice – 190-200 W Hedding St, San Jose, CA 95110
- Old County Courthouse- 61 N First St, San Jose, CA 95113
- Santa Clara County Courthouse- 1095 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95050
- Sixth District Court of Appeal – 333 W Santa Clara St #1060, San Jose, CA 95113