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Dog Bite & Animal Bite Lawyers - FAQ
Q: If my neighbor's dog bit me on my property, do I have a legal claim?
A: It depends on the circumstances. You will need to determine, for example, whether your state imposes "strict liability" on dog owners. If so, you may only need to prove that the dog injured you. If your state does not have a strict liability law, you may need to show that your neighbor knew or should have know of the dog's vicious propensities before it attacked you. Contact Choulos Choulos and Wyle today to determine if you have a case.
Q: If someone else's animal kills my pet, do I have a legal claim?
A: If your pet is injured or killed by another animal, you may be entitled to receive "compensatory" damages. The amount may include the purchase price of a similar pet, registration of a purebred animal, licensing, shots, and training costs. Additionally, if you spent additional money on your pet -- other than for normal veterinary bills -- you should be compensated for such sums. In some cases, you may be able to receive compensation for mental anguish, loss of the companionship of the pet, and even punitive damages. Because the laws differ in each state, contact Choulos Choulos and Wyle today for further information.
Q: Do I have a claim if I went to a house to perform work, and was bitten by the property-owner's dog?
A: In most cases, if you are asked into a house (or onto property) to perform work for someone, the person who owns the property has a legal responsibility to take reasonable efforts to protect you from injury. Thus, if the person has a pet, the person might be responsible for keeping the pet away from you, or at least warning you of the presence of the animal. Note that you may also have a workers' compensation claim against your employer. Because every case is unique, however, you should contact our firm today for further clarification.
Q: A police dog bit me. Do I have a claim?
A: It depends on the circumstances. Police cannot use unreasonable force when making an arrest or performing any other duty. The improper use of a police dog can constitute unreasonable force. If this was the case in your situation, which is something you should have us help you determine, the police may be required to compensate you for your injuries.
Q: My city has a "leash law." If a dog owner violates this law, is she liable for injuries caused by his dog?
A: Generally, yes. If an owner violates a leash law, and her dog attacks someone, many courts will hold that this fact alone is enough to conclude the owner was negligent, and that the injured person is entitled to compensation from the dog owner. Contact Choulos Choulos and Wyle today to determine if you have a case.
Q: Can a person be imprisoned for keeping a vicious animal?
A: Yes, there have been numerous instances where people have been criminally convicted for knowingly owning dangerous animals. In some instances, owners have been found guilty of murder when an animal's attack killed another person. Sentences have ranged from severe fines to significant jail time.
Q: If someone else's animal kills my pet, do I have a legal claim?
A: If your pet is injured or killed by another animal, you may be entitled to receive "compensatory" damages. The amount may include the purchase price of a similar pet, registration of a purebred animal, licensing, shots, and training costs. Additionally, if you spent additional money on your pet -- other than for normal veterinary bills -- you should be compensated for such sums. In some cases, you may be able to receive compensation for mental anguish, loss of the companionship of the pet, and even punitive damages. Because the laws differ in each state, contact Choulos Choulos and Wyle today for further information.
If you have questions regarding a possible claim, or would like to speak with an attorney regarding your rights, please fill out our "Dog Bites" form below.
Once you submit your information below, your free consultation form will be sent to a sponsored California lawyer handling your field of law, for evaluation. That lawyer will review your form in accordance with the site terms and conditions.
There is no cost or obligation for this service. This form will be sent to:
Attorney Attorney Claude Wyle, Esq.
Choulos, Choulos, & Wyle
425 California Street
Suite 1800
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-474-7800
Injured Person Information:
Accident / Injury Information:
Case Description*
Please explain exactly what happened, trying to state
as thoroughly as possible who you believe was responsible
and why you believe that person was negligent:
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Please explain the full extent of the victims injuries:
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Comments / Additional Information
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understanding the facts of your case?
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