Our attorneys exclusively represent injury victims.
For years we have fought on behalf of clients who were hurt in accidents due to the negligence of another party.
Dog bites are incredibly frequent occurrences.
Even our most beloved pets may lash out in situations where they feel threatened or when they are protecting their young. In fact, a recent incident was reported in Riverside involving a pit bull that had just given birth inside an RV and resulted in four dog bite victims, one of them the dog owner.
Dog bite incidents can be terrifying and often lead to lasting mental trauma and anguish in addition to physical injuries. This is especially true in cases involving infants and minors.
5-Step Quick List When Bitten by a Dog
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If bitten by a dog, promptly visit a local healthcare provider, to treat your injuries and prevent infection. Ensure all treatments are well-documented for your records.
- Report the Incident: Contact animal services or the local police department to file a report on the dog bite. Obtaining a copy of this report is crucial for your legal case.
- Document Everything: Take photographs of your injuries, the location of the incident, and the dog involved if possible. Keep detailed records of your medical visits, expenses, and any interactions with witnesses or the dog owner.
- Avoid Direct Communication with the Dog Owner’s Insurance: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim. Let your attorney handle all communications to protect your interests.
- Consult a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer: Contact an experienced local lawyer who specializes in dog bite cases to explore your legal options and initiate the compensation process.
5 Key Takeaways on Dog Bite Cases
- Dog owners are strictly liable for dog bites. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, California dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dog regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s knowledge of its tendencies.
- Engaging an experienced attorney enhances your chances of receiving fair compensation. Legal representation will help you navigate the complex legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights.
- Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation. From medical expenses to lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs, an attorney can help you pursue all possible damages.
- In California, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is essential to act within this period to preserve your legal rights.
- A successful dog bite claim requires substantial evidence. That includes gathering medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony. An attorney can assist you in collecting these documents and presenting this evidence effectively.
Why Hire a Riverside Dog Bite Attorney?
If you’ve been injured following a dog bite incident, you may be wondering what your next steps are. Dog bite cases can be complex; often, it is best to work with an experienced and knowledgeable dog bite attorney right from the beginning.
There is much more that goes into dog bite claims beyond negotiating a settlement with the dog’s owner or their homeowner’s insurance carrier. Some of the things that need to be done as soon as possible after a dog bite include:
- Seek medical attention (Call 911 or go directly to the emergency room)
- Take photographs of the injuries
- Contact witnesses and obtain statements
- Report the attack to animal control services
- Investigate the dog’s owner
- Contact insurance companies and establish claims
Having a skilled and knowledgeable Riverside dog bite lawyer on your side will ensure that your claim is handled properly from the outset.
MKP Law Group, LLP’s experienced dog bite attorneys understand how traumatic a dog bite injury can be, and want you to know that you are not alone. Our team also uses skilled investigators to determine the dog’s owner, the dog’s history, and the facts of the attack. We will deal with the insurance company claims and obtain your medical records and bills so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Do I Need a Riverside Dog Bite Lawyer to File a Lawsuit?
The good news is that the majority of dog bites are not fatal. While Riverside dog attacks tend to happen frequently when friends and family members enter the animal’s space, many attacks are so minor that they do not typically call for medical attention. The dog’s teeth may not entirely puncture the skin or do so only slightly.
However, you may benefit from consulting with a Riverside dog bite attorney if:
- The attack was serious. For example, you might not just have puncture wounds, but also have lacerations and open wounds. If the dog is bigger, it may cause organ damage, bone fractures, and even nerve damage.
- An infection causes a build-up of scar tissue, which might lead to permanent disfigurement.
- Extreme cases when the injury can be so severe that you lose the full use of a hand or arm.
As you might imagine, the increasing seriousness of the potential injuries leads to the need for extensive medical care. You may undergo surgery to repair torn muscles. After you heal, you might require plastic surgery to repair areas with extreme scarring.
A Riverside dog bite lawyer can file a lawsuit that helps you get fair reimbursement for the financial losses you suffer. Working with a lawyer can ensure that proper steps are taken in order to prove your case. Lawyers often collect surveillance footage that a neighbor’s camera might have recorded. Since motion-activated cameras are now very popular in the area, there is a chance that the attack was caught on video. Lastly, because of Riverside’s rules about vicious dogs, it is critical to also research the animal’s history and see if the owner has added liability for negligence.
Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts
Settlement amounts for dog bite cases can vary widely. Factors like injury severity, medical expenses, and pain and suffering, make each case unique and will determine how much a Los Angeles dog bite injury victim may receive as compenation.
| Location/Measure | Settlement Amount |
| United States | $58,545 |
| California | $68,125 |
| Average range | $10,000 – $100,000 |
| Median range | $75,000 – $80,000 |
Working with a local dog bite attorney ensures you’re equipped to navigate the complexities of your claim, maximizing your settlement by countering low-ball offers and advocating for the compensation you deserve.
Stats on Dog Bites in the United States, California, and Riverside County
Riverside County dog bite stats:
- 837 dogs were confiscated in 2023 across Riverside County. Rcdas.corg.
- The most fatalities of any county in the nation. Riverside County leads the nation in fatal dog attacks, with 10 fatalities from 2007 to 2023 —double the number in the entire state of Alabama despite having half the population. Animals24-7.org.
Despite our love for dogs, the number of attacks by these beloved animals continues to increase both in Riverside County, California, and nationwide.
- 4.7 million dog bite incidents were reported in the United States in 1994. Cdc.gov.
- 885,000 dog bite victims annually need medical attention for related injuries. PubMed.
- 70% increase in California dog bite injuries from 2005 to 2022, 125 visits per 100,000 residents. Data.chhs.ca.gov.
- California was the top state for dog-related injury claims in 2017. The insurance company paid out $18.7 million for 468 dog-related injury claims for incidents that occurred in California. Overall, including all dog-related injury claims across the country, State Farm paid a total of $132 million for the 3,600 cases. Statefarm.com.
- 66% of reported canine deaths were from pit bulls (311 of 471). Pit bulls and rottweilers together account for 76% of the total recorded deaths reported. DogsBite.org.
We’ve rounded up all the most important data in our Important Dog Bite Statistics & Bites by Breed for 2024 page.
Inside Tips on Local Riverside Entities to Consult After a Dog Bite
- Local Medical Facilities:
- Animal Control Services:
- Riverside County Animal Services is a critical resource for reporting dog bites and obtaining incident reports.
- Local Legal Resources:
- Consulting with local bar associations like the Riverside County Bar Association can help you find specialized legal assistance.
- Community Resources:
- Leverage community support groups or local forums to share your experience and gather additional advice.
At MKP Law, we serve dog bite victims across Riverside County, including cities such as Riverside, Temecula, Murrieta, Jurupa Valley, Corona, Moreno Valley, Menifee, Indio, Perris, and Eastvale.
Whether in a busy area like Riverside or a quieter community like Hemet, our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process after a dog bite incident. We understand the unique local laws and can assist you in securing compensation for your injuries while you focus on your recovery.
FAQs
I’ve been attacked by a dog. What should I do?
The immediate priority is your safety and well-being. This is not the time to wrap your arm in a shirt and walk home.
Here are some steps to follow:
- Call an ambulance to take you to the hospital. In the meantime, try to stop the bleeding as well as you can. At the hospital, the attending doctor will evaluate your injury and document it. This documentation will be crucial should you file a dog bite injury case and need to show evidence of the injury.
- While at the hospital, ask the staff to take pictures of the injuries. If you are able, you can do so yourself with a phone.
- Make sure to report the incident to Animal Services and file a police report as well. You may ask a friend to stop by the place where the attack happened and take some pictures. This can help your attorney build a case and spot any situations that may have led to the incident (such as a damaged fence allowing a dog to escape.)
- Talk to an attorney to better understand whether you have a case.
Throughout the process, keep track of your expenses. Similarly, determine how your recovery is going. Are you able to return to work? Can you still do the job that you have? The sorts of effects can determine the value of your case should you have one.
Before you give a statement to the insurance company or sign any paperwork, feel free to call us at MKP Law Group, LLP (323-524-9619) to discuss your legal options. We are experienced in getting dog bite victims the full compensation they deserve, and not only for their physical injuries but their psychological and emotional trauma as well.
Immediately after the attack, our dog bite attorneys know how to make the process as easy as possible for you. Our team also works with a network of medical providers, both doctors, and mental health professionals, that can start treating your injuries immediately after an attack.
Our select network of experts and medical providers often works on a no-out-of-pocket lien basis, so bills and medical expenses do not pile up and overwhelm you as you or a loved one recover.
If a dog bite injury has occurred, don’t hesitate to call the team at MKP Law Group, LLP for your 100% free consultation. We will connect you with the care you need and deserve and actively start working towards recovering your losses.
How much does a dog bite lawyer cost?
Quick answer: The cost will be a percentage of your final settlement or trial verdicts, but you and your family members do not spend any up-front money when working with our team.
If you are hesitating to hire an attorney because you worry about costs, don’t. Legal representation is your right. We realize that you are dealing with the aftermath of a scary situation. There are lacerations to heal, fears of disfigurement, and the angst and anguish that go with being the victim of an animal attack.
Our dog bite attorneys want to help you and will work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we will not ask you for money up-front. And, if we fail to get you money to help make up for your losses, we will not even charge you after a verdict.
Of course, we intend to win and will work hard to pursue your claim. With this disclaimer in mind, we will agree to base our fees as a percentage of your settlement or trial verdicts. You and your family members do not spend any up-front money when working with our team.
It is difficult to estimate how much money you could walk away with. Fair compensation depends on documented losses and projected expenses you might incur in the future. Examples include the need for reconstructive surgery, treatment for emotional distress, lasting nerve damage, or lacerations requiring several treatments. Moreover, claims for disfigurement are treated differently when the dog attack victim is a minor. The goal of financial compensation is to help you pay for current and future medical bills. Besides that, there are punitive damages that may be more severe when the animal attack that occurred could have been prevented.
What kind of dog bites can earn compensation?
Dog bites can lead to lasting physical and psychological damage for victims of attacks and dog bites. Imagine going about your business, riding your bike, or walking down the street when a dog comes up and attacks you completely by surprise. It can be very traumatic.
MKP Law Group, LLP’s attorneys understand that surviving dog bites and recovering from dog bite attacks are very different things. Many victims of dog bites sustain the following injuries which can result in a pile-up of medical bills and numerous doctor visits:
- Scarring
- Bone Fractures
- Infections
- Puncture Wounds
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Rabies
- Psychological Trauma (PTSD)
- Death
The experienced dog bite attorneys at MKP Law Group, LLP can determine whether you have a legal claim and the amount of damages that you may be entitled to recover. While these damages vary based on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the team at MKP Law Group, LLP will work tirelessly to obtain maximum compensation for you or a loved one.
How do I know if I am eligible for compensation?
Victims of dog bites are entitled to recover damages for both their monetary and non-monetary losses after suffering a dog bite. The experienced dog bite attorneys at MKP Law Group, LLP will fight to get your full compensation for your losses including:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Earnings or Diminished Earning Capacity
- Pain & Suffering
- Scar Revision Treatment
- Mental Trauma (PTSD)
Each dog bite case is different due to several factors including the severity of the attack and the number of medical bills incurred as a result of the attack. The attorneys at MKP Law Group, LLP will build the best case possible to make sure you or a loved one gets the compensation they deserve.
The same goes for a family member who suffered the wrongful death of a loved one because a dog owner failed to protect the public from a dangerous dog, and the owners property caused injuries leading to death. The California Civil Code provides for such a loss. Therefore, our Southern California team can assist you with this type of claim.
How much money can you get for a dog bite?
It is difficult to estimate how much money you could walk away with. Fair compensation depends on documented losses and projected expenses you might incur in the future. Examples include the need for reconstructive surgery, treatment for emotional distress, lasting nerve damage, or lacerations requiring several treatments.
Moreover, claims for disfigurement are treated differently when the dog attack victim is a minor. The goal of financial compensation is to help you pay for current and future medical bills. Besides that, there are punitive damages that may be more severe when the animal attack that occurred could have been prevented.
Because there are so many considerations that go into the verdicts and discussions on dog bites, working with a legal representative makes the most sense.
The actual compensatory dollar amount depends on tangible documents such as medical bills and missed wages—also, factor in property damage that needs to be repaired. However, verdicts also consider the types of damages you cannot necessarily put a finger on. Examples here include suffering, pain, psychological anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Most importantly, punitive damages are likely, particularly in a situation where a third party knew, or should have known, that they have a dangerous dog.
