A dog bite can change your life in an instant. One moment, you're walking through the park, and the next, you're facing painful injuries, medical bills, emotional trauma, and uncertainty about what's next. Whether you were injured in the Gaslamp Quarter, taking a stroll in Balboa Park, or enjoying a quiet day in Mission Valley, dog bite incidents can leave a lasting impact.If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a dog bite, you deserve justice and compensation for your injuries. A trusted San Diego dog bite lawyer from Rawlins Law Accident & Injury Attorneys understands your challenges and will fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation to learn how we can help.
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Why Choose Us for Your San Diego Dog Bite Claim
Finding the right attorney after a dog bite is critical in moving forward. Here's why Rawlins Law Accident & Injury Attorneys should be your first call:
- We’re Known for Results: With a 90% settlement rate within a year, we know how to resolve cases quickly while maximizing your compensation.
- Female-Owned, Client-Focused: Ashley Rawlins, a.k.a. “Car Crash Ash,” leads our compassionate but aggressive team, offering the personal touch you deserve during this stressful time.
- We Handle Tough Cases: Even if other law firms have turned you down, don’t lose hope. We thrive on taking on challenging cases and delivering results.
- No Out-of-Pocket Costs: You only pay when we win your case. Our focus is on getting you the highest compensation without adding financial stress.
- We Come to You: After an accident, driving anywhere is the last thing you want to do. That’s why we’ll meet you wherever is most convenient for you.
At Rawlins Law, we combine legal experience, compassion, and tenacity to deliver the results you deserve. You're more than a case number to us. You're family.
Dog Bite Laws in San Diego, California
California takes dog bites seriously, and its laws reflect the importance of protecting victims’ rights. Under California's strict liability law, dog owners are held responsible for injuries caused by their pets, even if the dog has no history of aggression. Whether you were bitten by a dog at the beach, in a public park, or on private property where you were legally allowed to be, the owner may be liable for your injuries.
What does “strict liability” really mean? It means that even if the owner didn't know their dog was dangerous or tried to prevent the bite, they are still responsible for your injuries as long as these conditions are met:
- The bite happened in a public place, such as a sidewalk, or a private place where you had permission to be.
- There is evidence that the dog bite directly caused your injuries.
However, strict liability laws have their limits. For instance, if you provoked the dog, trespassed on private property, or ignored posted warnings, the dog's owner may argue that you share some responsibility for the incident.
This is where a skilled dog bite lawyer is invaluable. At Rawlins Law, we’ll help you understand how these laws apply to your unique case and build a strategy tailored to maximize your outcomes.
Do I Have a Dog Bite Case?
Not every bite or attack automatically results in compensation. To determine whether you have a case, it’s important to assess certain factors, including:
- Was the attack unprovoked? If the dog attacked without cause, such as while you were walking in La Jolla Cove or jogging through Old Town, the owner is likely responsible.
- Was negligence involved? If the owner failed to leash their dog, maintain control, or follow San Diego’s pet regulations, it strengthens your claim.
- Were you lawfully present? California laws only protect individuals who are in a public space or were lawfully on private property when the incident occurred.
- Were you injured? To pursue legal action, you’ll need to provide evidence of injuries, such as medical records, photographs, or witness statements.
Even if the dog didn’t bite you but caused harm in another way, such as knocking you down, you may still have a case. These claims involve different legal strategies, but our skilled lawyers can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve, whether it’s through strict liability or a negligence claim.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
No, you should never accept the first offer from the insurance company without speaking to a skilled attorney. Here’s why.
Dog bite injuries can lead to staggering medical expenses. Even what may seem like a minor injury can escalate into long-term complications, like infections or scarring that require extensive care. More severe bites can result in permanent disabilities, nerve damage, or disfigurement, leaving you facing years of emotional and financial strain. Insurance companies know this. They know that the cost of your recovery may go far beyond the initial bills. But instead of offering fair compensation, they’ll often pressure you to accept a lowball settlement right away.
Insurance companies deploy a range of tactics to protect their bottom line. They might rush to offer you a check before you fully understand the extent of your injuries, hoping to minimize what they pay out. They could twist your statements to deny liability or diminish the value of your case. Sometimes, they’ll act like they’re on your side, suggesting that accepting their offer is in your best interest. It’s not.
That’s why consulting a dog bite lawyer in San Diego, like us, first is crucial. We know their playbook. We’ll thoroughly evaluate your case, calculate the total costs of your injuries, including future medical treatment, pain and suffering, and lost wages, to fight for what you truly deserve. Before making any decision, reach out to our team. We’ll help you see the bigger picture and make sure you don’t leave money on the table.
Compensation Available to San Diego Dog Bite Victims
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, you may be entitled to significant compensation for the harm you’ve endured. Our lawyers fight to recover both economic and non-economic damages to help you move forward and rebuild after your accident.
Here’s what that could include:
Economic damages
- Medical bills: Covers all past, present, and anticipated medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and therapy.
- Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover the income you’ve lost and any future earnings impacted by your inability to work.
- Rehabilitation: Whether physical therapy or other ongoing treatment is required, we’ll strive to include the cost in your claim.
- At-home care and domestic services: For serious injuries requiring long-term support.
Non-economic damages
- Pain and suffering: The trauma, both physical and emotional, from the attack.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Compensation for permanent changes to your appearance.
- Mental and emotional anguish: The psychological toll, such as anxiety or PTSD.
- Loss of quality of life: When injuries prevent you from doing the things you once loved.
Every dog bite case is different, and the compensation you’re entitled to will depend on the specifics of your situation. Our team will meticulously evaluate every aspect of your claim to secure the maximum amount you deserve.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Dog Bite Injury Claim in California?
Dog bite victims in California have a limited window of time to pursue a legal claim. According to California’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Missing this deadline can strip you of your right to seek justice and recover the compensation you need. There are exceptions in certain circumstances, such as cases involving minors, but these are limited and require immediate attention.
Although two years might feel like plenty of time, the reality is that evidence fades, witnesses become harder to locate, and memories of the event blur as time passes. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly. When you contact Rawlins Law Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ll handle the paperwork, preserve critical evidence, and make sure every filing deadline is met, giving your case the best chance for success.
How Our Attorneys Can Help with Your Dog Bite Case
Here’s how Ashley Rawlins and the legal team at Rawlins Law Accident & Injury Attorneys will support you every step of the way.
- Personalized case reviews
We’ll take the time to listen to your story and fully understand the extent of your injuries, the details of what happened, and how it’s impacting your life. - Comprehensive evidence investigation
Our team will gather the evidence needed to build a strong case, including medical records, witness statements, photographs, and expert opinions. - Handling negotiations
We’ll take on the insurance companies or at-fault parties, using our experience to push back against lowball offers and fight for maximum compensation. - Litigation if necessary
While we aim for fair settlements, we’re not afraid to take cases to trial and present compelling arguments in court if the other side doesn’t play fair. - Compassionate, client-first approach
From the moment you contact us, you’ll see just how much we care about getting you the justice you deserve. We’re here for you at every turn, making the process easier and ensuring you feel supported.
At Rawlins Law, we combine aggressive advocacy with ethical and empathetic representation. We don’t just take your case; we take your fight as personally as you do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases in San Diego
We understand that you may have many questions after a dog bite injury. To help, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions people ask when dealing with these difficult situations.
What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
After a dog bite, the most important step is to seek medical attention right away, even if the wound seems minor. Dog bites can lead to infections or other serious complications if left untreated. Once you’ve taken care of your health, try to gather information about the dog and its owner, take pictures of your injuries, and document the scene. Reaching out to an experienced lawyer soon after can ensure you protect your legal rights and begin building your case.
Can I still pursue compensation if the dog’s owner claims the bite was my fault?
Yes, you can still pursue compensation. California follows strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning the owner can be held responsible regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression. However, insurance companies or defendants may attempt to argue that you provoked the bite to avoid liability. This is why having a skilled attorney from Rawlins Law is vital.
How much compensation can I seek for a dog bite injury?
The compensation you may be entitled to will depend on factors like the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatments, lost income, and emotional trauma. While exact amounts vary case by case, our team is dedicated to securing the maximum recovery possible for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages. We’ll work diligently to assess your losses and ensure no dollar is left on the table.
What if the dog wasn’t up to date on its vaccinations?
If the dog that bit you wasn’t vaccinated, this increases the risk of serious health concerns like rabies. Medical professionals will need to take additional precautions, which can add to your medical expenses and emotional stress. Our attorneys can factor any heightened medical costs into your claim to ensure you’re fully compensated for the additional pain, risks, and expenses.
How much does it cost to hire Rawlins Law to handle my case?
The lawyers at Rawlins Law work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us a dime upfront or out of pocket. We only get paid attorney’s fees when we win your case. This arrangement ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to high-quality legal representation when they need it most. Your focus should be on healing while we handle the legal battle.
Contact Our San Diego Dog Bite Lawyers Today
No one deserves to suffer in silence after a traumatic dog bite. Whether the incident occurred in Hillcrest, quiet Mission Valley, or along the breathtaking La Jolla shoreline, the experienced lawyers at Rawlins Law Accident & Injury Attorneys can get you back on your feet.
Don’t wait to seek the help you need. The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be. Contact us today at (858) 529-5872 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 and will even meet you at your location if you’re unable to travel.
With Rawlins Law in your corner, you’re never alone. Reach out now and take the first step toward securing the compensation and justice you deserve.
