Encountering a dangerous or aggressive dog in San Jose could lead to severe injuries that you will carry with you for the rest of your life, either physically or emotionally. At Jacoby & Meyers, we provide compassionate legal advocacy to dog attack victims and their families in San Jose and throughout California. Contact us today for a free case consultation, where you can discuss your situation and find out how we can help you rebuild and recover.
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers?
- Our dog bite attorneys in San Jose have been representing clients since 1972. We have the knowledge, experience and resources you need for a strong claim to financial compensation.
- Our San Jose personal injury lawyers have secured over $2,000,000,000 in financial recoveries for clients, including $3.25 million for a wrongful death premises liability claim.
- You won’t be charged a dime in attorney’s fees unless your dog bite lawyer wins your case. At Jacoby & Meyers, if there’s no win, there’s no fee – guaranteed.
Our Law Office in San Jose
We represent clients across the State of California from 14 conveniently located law offices. Our San Jose office is located at:
Plaza West, 3031 Tisch Way #110,
San Jose, CA 95128
You can arrange a free case evaluation at this location by contacting our 24/7 hotline: (408) 341-6883.
How Can an Attorney Help With This Case?
California’s dog bite laws can be complex and difficult to navigate for an injured victim. The pet owner will most likely deny fault or liability for your injuries, and their insurance company may also try to avoid paying you fair compensation. You may need to hire an attorney to represent you during settlement negotiations or a personal injury claim in San Jose.
An attorney with experience handling dog bite cases can investigate the incident and gather evidence against the pet owner to support your claim. Your lawyer will know how to secure fair and full compensation for your losses through aggressive negotiation strategies in and out of the courtroom.
Your lawyer can also ensure that you receive the medical care you need by connecting you to top doctors in San Jose. This can be critical if a dog inflicts severe injuries, such as deep puncture wounds. Your attorney will be fully committed to your physical, emotional and financial health during this difficult time.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
When a dog attacks, the outcome can be devastating. Every year, hundreds of people are sent to emergency rooms with serious and life-threatening injuries from dog attacks. Common types include:
- Skin and soft-tissue injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Severe lacerations
- Muscle, tendon and ligament damage
- Nerve damage
- Face and eye injuries
- Bone fractures
- Crush injuries
- Internal injuries
- Avulsion (the removal of skin)
- Losses of fingers
- Scars or disfigurement
- Ear and hearing damage
- Infections
- Diseases, such as rabies or tetanus
- Psychological injuries
Statistics show that from 2005 to 2019, dogs killed 521 people in the U.S. If you suffered any type of injury that required medical care or forced you to take time off of work, you may be entitled to financial compensation for these losses from the pet owner under California law.
Who Pays for a Dog Bite Injury in San Jose?
Every state has different dog bite injury laws. California Civil Code § 3342 imposes a strict liability law on pet owners. This law states that the owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by a victim who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the home of the dog owner.
Under this rule, a pet owner can be made to pay for a dog bite injury regardless of whether or not the dog had displayed vicious propensities in the past. You can file a claim against a pet owner for a dog attack even if this was the very first time the dog had behaved aggressively, regardless of whether the pet owner was negligent (careless).
How to Prove a Dog Bite Injury Claim in California
Although California is a strict liability dog bite state, these claims can still be difficult to win. Several defenses may be available to the owner of the pet. For example, the owner may allege that you were trespassing on private property at the time of the attack or that you provoked the dog in some manner.
The pet owner’s property insurance company may require proof or evidence before accepting your claim. An attorney from Jacoby & Meyers can help you build your case by collecting evidence for you, such as medical documents, expert testimony, witness statements, photographs or videos of the dog, testimonies from people familiar with the dog, and any records of previous bites.
Compensation Available for a Dog Bite Injury in San Jose
In California, a successful dog bite injury claim could lead to financial compensation that reimburses you for several economic and noneconomic losses. You may be eligible for the following types of financial damages:
- Past and future medical treatments
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Surgeries and medications
- Special care and follow-up visits
- Medical devices or prosthetics
- Losses of income
- Disability accommodations
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological damage
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
If a dog attack in San Jose was fatal, your family could be eligible for wrongful death damages. This can include funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and inheritance, loss of companionship and care, and your grief and mental anguish.
What to Do After Being Bitten by a Dog in San Jose
If you get bitten or attacked by a dog in San Jose, your first priority should be your safety. Get to a safe place and seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Before you leave the scene, gather information about the dog and owner, including whether the dog is up to date on its vaccinations.
Report the incident to the City of San Jose Animal Care & Services Division. Obtain copies of your health care records and all the information you have about the dog and its owner. Bring your documents to an attorney at Jacoby & Meyers for a free consultation about your legal options.
Contact Us for a Free Dog Bite Case Evaluation in San Jose
It’s important to take legal action as soon as possible after being bitten by a dog in San Jose. The clock is ticking on your right to pursue financial compensation. Prompt action will give you the strongest possible claim against a pet owner.
Discuss your dog bite injury case with an attorney in San Jose today by contacting Jacoby & Meyers at (408) 341-6883 to arrange a free consultation. You can also describe your case to us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form