Piering Law Firm
Practice Areas and Legal Definitions

Dog/Animal Bites

Pet owners are legally responsible for the behavior of their dogs. In most dog-bite cases, the dog's owner will be required to pay for the scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, and all medical bills and lost wages associated with a dog attack. In certain instances, the person or business taking care of a dog, often called the boarder, keeper or harborer, may also responsible.

Unfortunately, a large number of dog bites cause serious injury to small children. Scars can be a serious, life-long result of a dog bite. Children are particularly susceptible to bites around the head and face and often suffer disfiguring scarring. Scars are more than physical injuries, also causing emotional injuries and fear. Scars may require plastic surgery which often must wait until the scar matures, usually about a year. In the case of a child, plastic surgery may need to wait until the child is finished growing after puberty. Scarring has a very real impact on self image and can have significant psychological impact.

If you have been bitten or injured by a dog in California you may be entitled to compensation. The only instances where a dog owner would not be liable is if you are somewhere you may not legally be (trespassing) or if you provoked the dog. Absent those narrow circumstances, the owner of the dog would be liable to you for the injuries you have suffered. This also extends to being entitled to compensation even without actually being bitten. If you are knocked over or fall as a result of the actions of a dog you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact the Piering Law Firm to schedule your free and confidential initial consultation. We are available to speak with you 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, with home and weekend appointments when necessary. All cases are handled on a contingent fee basis, meaning there is no legal fee charged until we recover for you.