San Diego Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bites can result in serious injuries, emotional trauma, and significant medical expenses. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it’s essential to have experienced legal representation to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. At The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker, we are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate, and effective legal representation for dog bite victims.

Based in San Diego and serving clients throughout California, our firm is committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable and securing the best possible outcome for your case. Trust Jared J. Drucker to advocate for your rights and help you navigate the legal process with clear, responsive communication every step of the way. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Turn to Jared J. Drucker for Legal Guidance in Your Dog Bite Claim

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you need a dedicated and experienced San Diego injury lawyer to assist you. At The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker, we provide personalized, compassionate, and effective legal representation to get you the compensation you deserve. Here’s why you should turn to Jared J. Drucker for your dog bite claim:

  • Proven Results: Jared J. Drucker has extensive experience handling dog bite cases and a deep understanding of the laws governing these incidents.  In a notable dog bite case, Jared represented a young child who was severely bitten by a neighbor’s dog. Through diligent investigation and aggressive negotiation, Jared secured a substantial settlement of $200,000.00 to assist in covering the child’s medical expenses and long-term care needs.
  • Personalized Attention: As a smaller practice, we ensure that every client receives the focused, individualized attention they deserve. Jared personally handles each case, prioritizing your needs and concerns.
  • Clear Communication: Jared believes in maintaining open and transparent communication with clients. Our legal team will keep you informed about every aspect of your case, providing clear advice and addressing any questions or concerns promptly.
  • Aggressive Advocacy: Jared is committed to fighting tirelessly on your behalf. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, he advocates aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Why Legal Representation is Essential in Dog Bite Claims

Facing the aftermath of a dog bite incident can be complex and overwhelming. Here are some reasons why the legal assistance of Jared J. Drucker is essential to handling your case:

  • Understanding of Complex Laws: Dog bite laws vary by state and locality. Jared J. Drucker understands the specific statutes and case law that apply to your situation.
  • Accurate Damage Assessment: Our team will accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs. This ensures you seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
  • Gathering and Preserving Evidence: We will conduct a thorough investigation to gather essential evidence, such as medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and animal control reports. This meticulous approach helps build a strong case.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Jared J. Drucker will negotiate effectively with insurers, advocating for a fair settlement that reflects the true value of your claim. Establishing liability in a dog bite case can be challenging. Our team is skilled in gathering the necessary evidence so that Jared J. Drucker can present your case in a compelling way if it proceeds to trial.
  • Reducing Stress and Uncertainty: Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite is stressful. Let us handle all legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on recovery while knowing your case is in capable hands.

Strict Liability in California Dog Bite Claims

California is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. California Civil Code §3342 provides:

“The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner.”

What this means is that a dog bite owner is legally responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the circumstances (such as whether the owner acted negligently or whether the dog had a history of aggressive behavior). California’s system favors the victim in comparison to laws from other states. The owner’s liability is not contingent upon the dog having previously exhibited vicious behavior or the owner’s knowledge of such behavior.

Potential Defenses to California Dog Bite Claims

While California’s strict liability law under California Civil Code §3342 makes it easier for victims to hold dog owners liable for bites, there are several potential defenses that the defense might use to challenge these claims:

  • Provocation: If the dog bite victim provoked the dog, the owner might not be held liable. Provocation can include teasing, hitting, or otherwise aggravating the dog. The owner must prove that the victim’s actions directly led to the dog’s aggressive response.
  • Trespassing: If the victim was trespassing on the property when the bite occurred, the owner might not be liable. The victim must have been unlawfully on the property without the owner’s permission. Lawful presence includes being on the property for business purposes, delivery, or as a guest.
  • Assumption of Risk: If the victim willingly took the risk of being bitten, the owner might argue that the victim assumed the risk of injury. This could apply if the victim was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies and chose to interact with it anyway.
  • Comparative Negligence: If the victim’s own negligence contributed to the incident, the compensation may be reduced according to their share of fault. The owner must prove that the victim’s actions, such as ignoring warnings or entering a restricted area, contributed to the bite.
  • Police and Military Dogs: Police and military dogs are exempt from strict liability if the bite occurs while the dog is performing its duties. The owner must demonstrate that the dog was acting within the scope of its official duties at the time of the bite.
  • Self-Defense: The dog owner might claim that the dog acted in defense of the owner or property. The owner must show that the dog was protecting them from a real or perceived threat posed by the victim.

Contact Jared J. Drucker for Your Dog Bite Claim Today

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, you deserve legal representation to navigate your case and secure the compensation you need. At The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker, we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate, and effective legal support. With extensive experience in handling dog bite cases, Jared J. Drucker will make sure that your case is managed with the utmost care.

He offers focused, individualized attention and conducts thorough investigations to build a strong case on your behalf. Our team will maintain clear and transparent communication, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Turn to The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker for dedicated and effective legal representation. Contact us today for your free consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.