Dog Bites in California

Talk to an Experienced California Dog Bite Attorney

At The Law Office of Madison L. Burga, we understand how devastating a dog bite can be on you and your family. Our goal is to provide a personalized approach to your dog bite case to achieve the best outcome for your situation. 

When you choose The Law Office of Madison L. Burga, we take immediate action to investigate every aspect of your case. This includes tracking down the dog owner and any bite reports made by animal control. 

California law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, but proving negligence or liability can still be challenging in some situations. The Law Office of Madison L. Burga can help gather evidence, handle insurance claims, and advocate on behalf of you, the victim, easing the emotional and financial burden of recovery. 

Critical Steps Following a Dog Bite

After a dog bite, it’s essential to protect your rights. Here are some recommended steps that you can take today: 

      • Get to Safety:
        Move away from the dog and get to safety so you are not further bitten. 
      • Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
        Seek medical attention immediately. Dog bites can cause infection antibiotics or even tetanus shots may be necessary. Make sure you tell your medical provider that you were bit by a dog.
      • Gather Information:
        Identify the dog’s details and the dog’s owner. Try to locate any witnesses to the dog bite. Take pictures of your injuries.
      • Report the Dog Bite:
        Contact Animal Control and report the bite. Animal control needs bite information to check the dog’s vaccinations. Consider making a police report as well. 
      • Limit Communication with Insurers:
        Avoid discussing your claim with the insurance company. Contact Madison Burga or another lawyer before answering questions.  The insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or even put you at fault. 
      • Contact Madison Burga:
        Retaining an attorney right away can make a significant difference. We handle communication with insurance companies and ensure all evidence is preserved.

Determining Liability in a Dog Bite Case

There are many different types of dog bite cases, which can include: 

  • Strict Liability:
    California follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning the dog owner is automatically liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any dangerous tendencies. There are exceptions to this rule. 
  • Negligence:
    Negligence might apply even if the dog bite does not meet the strict criteria for strict liability. For example, if an owner allows their dog to roam free in an area where it is likely to bite someone, they could be found negligent. Consult with an attorney to talk about the specific details of your case.
  • Vicarious Liability:
    In some cases, liability can extend beyond the dog’s owner. For example: If a tenant is responsible for a dog (such as a dog in a rental property) and the dog bites someone, the landlord might be held vicariously liable for the injury if they knew about the dog’s dangerous behavior or if the landlord failed to take action to prevent harm.
Why Madison Burga?

At The Law Office of Madison L. Burga, we know that after an accident, people have urgent concerns about medical bills, lost wages, damaged cars, and compensation for pain and suffering. We use our extensive experience to help guide our clients through this difficult time to help them secure the best achievable outcome for their case. 

What We Offer:

  • Free Consultations
  • Contingency-Based Representation
  • Experienced Representation
  • Personalized Legal Help

Contact Madison Burga for a Free Consultation

Madison Burga is dedicated to securing compensation for victims of auto accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your options and begin your journey to recovery.

Free, Confidential Consultations
After an injury, concerns about medical expenses, lost income, and fair compensation can be overwhelming.At The Law Office of Madison Burga, we’re here to provide answers, guidance, and immediate action to help you secure the compensation you deserve.Our initial consultations are free and we operate on a contingency fee basis.This means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf, so you can focus on recovery without upfront costs.
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