Canines may be man's best friend, but the sheer love dog owners have for their furry children does nothing to stop the 4.5 million injuries that dog bites cause every year in America. If a dog's owner doesn't properly train or socialize their pet, the risk of that animal biting someone increases dramatically.
Unfortunately, California ranks at the top of the list for dog bite injuries. In fact, in six out of the last 12 years, California has been the state with the most bite-related fatalities.
To make matters worse, the pandemic has harmed life for all Americans, including seeing steadily rising numbers of dog attacks that officials attribute to decreased dog supervision and increased pandemic-related stress.
Children are at the highest risk of becoming dog bite victims, often suffering catastrophic injuries like severe head trauma and puncture wounds.
With over 18 years of experience in personal injury law,
I have the skills and knowledge to handle your dog bite injury case, no matter how simple or complex the circumstances.
I highly recommend Ms. Thomasson to everyone I know. She has represented me, family members and a number of clients and friends. Everyone I have referred has been very pleased with her and the outcome. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable and accessible. If I ever had questions, she would answer right away. It didn't matter if it was the weekend, a holiday or late at night. She fights hard for you and gets things done. She absolutely goes the extra mile to get you the maximum settlement possible. A+++ and 5 stars or more from me!
— Mark Johnson
If you are looking for a Personal Injury Attorney then Christy Tomasson is your Gal. She did a fantastic job for me when I was rear-ended from a car traveling approx 100 miles an hour. Christy fought for me and was great at negotiating with everyone to make sure i received the compensation I deserve. The insurance company Waited till the 11th hour before we go to trial to meet our Goals. Thank you Christy for such a Fantastic Job!!!
— Joseph Salazar
I am a family law attorney and was looking for a professional, experienced personal injury attorney after my daughter and I were injured in a car accident. I couldn't have been more impressed with how Ms. Thomasson handled my case. She was very responsive, attentive and was always looking out for my and my daughter's best interest. I couldn't be happier with how everything turned-out. Definitely exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend her to anyone, including my own clients.
— Amy von Esch
What Is California Law Regarding Dog Bites?
California is a "strict liability" state, meaning a dog owner is legally responsible if their pet bites someone. However, the strict liability statute has some limits. A dog owner is only strictly liable if the injured party:
- Was in a public place or lawfully on private property when the bite occurred, which includes the owner's property
- Received an actual bite from the animal
Also, California law makes it so that a dog owner can't claim they didn't know about the dog's viciousness or propensity for violence to avoid liability. It's an important legal distinction that favors the victims, not the dog owner.
Call now for your free, confidential consultation.
(714) 924-3292
Why Should You Hire An Orange County Dog Bite Attorney
If you've been bitten by a dog, your injury will have several long-lasting repercussions. You'll have medical bills and the pain from your physical injury, not to mention lost wages and the emotional trauma the dog attack caused.
As an experienced Orange County dog bite law firm, I work with individuals and families who have suffered from animal attacks and dog bites.
If you've experienced serious or minor injuries resulting from an accident where a dog bit you, you should immediately contact me after seeking medical attention. You only have a certain amount of time to file your case before time runs out.
Finally, personal injury cases from dog bites are complex. Without help from an experienced lawyer, you may have trouble proving your case or getting fair compensation from the other party's insurance company.
What To Expect
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Free Case Evaluation
Our engagement will start with a 100% free case evaluation that may include the review of your evidence, evaluation of your injury or loss, a discussion about any fees, and an explanation of your rights.
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Communication
Once you retain me as your attorney, I will stay in constant communication with you and make certain that you are always kept in the loop with your case. You will have direct contact with me.
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Results
Every case is unique and so are your desired goals. I will work to resolve your case and seeks the results that are most important to you.
ABOUT ME
I have litigated countless civil cases from inception through trial and the appeal process. With over 18 years of experience in personal injury, employment law and business litigation matters, I opened legal practice in September, 2014 to help serve those who have been victims of negligent acts.
Preventing Dog Bites: Tips and Advice
As dog bite lawyers in Orange County, CA, we've seen far too many families and individuals suffer immensely from the physical and emotional aftermath of a dog attack. Here are tips and advice from the American Veterinary Medical Association on how to prevent dogs from biting:
- Educate your family on the right way to approach a dog
- Socialize and train your dog properly
- Treat your dog with love and kindness
- Avoid making contact with unfamiliar dogs
- Be a responsible pet owner
- Avoid risky situations
- Never leave your dog unattended
What Should You Do If a Dog Bites You?
As Orange County dog bite lawyers with years of experience, we want our clients to be well-informed regarding their rights after a dog bites you or your family member. Here are the steps you should take:
- Identify the dog and its owner or call animal control if the dog is loose
- Seek professional medical attention
- File an official police report
- Gather evidence
- Take pictures of your injuries
- Call me for a free consultation to learn your rights under the law
- Start a journal detailing how the injury impacts your daily life
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Orange County, don't wait until it's too late to file your case. Instead, call a lawyer with the skills, knowledge, and expertise to guide you through the process, provide the support you need, and help you recover compensation.
What Type of Cases Are Eligible for Dog Bite Compensation?
Not every dog bite case is eligible for a personal injury lawsuit. A dog bite claim must have a personal injury or property damage resulting from an actual bite. For example, if you crash your bike and break your arm because a dog is chasing you, your claim would be for negligence, not a dog bite injury.
However, if you're legally in a private place or on public property and you suffer from a dog bite injury, you could have a claim. Give me a call for more information regarding the strict liability law and its repercussions for dog owners and dog bite victims. I'll happily discuss the issues with you further.
Does California Have a One-Bite Rule?
Some states have a one-bite rule, which affects how much responsibility a dog owner has for their pet and its behavior. Under this rule, a dog owner is liable if they knew their pet was potentially dangerous and might act in a harmful manner.
However, California doesn't recognize the one-bite statute and instead follows the strict liability rule. California courts also place harsher judgments on people with dogs who have previously attacked someone.