Dogs are usually friendly animals who love to be petted by humans and play catch with their owners. However, not all dogs are the same. Being friendly with your dog or maybe your friends’ and neighbors’ is fine. But, you should always be much more careful when dealing with a strange dog, especially one meeting you for the first time.
When dogs think of you as a threat to them or their owner, they may attack you. And other times, some dogs are naturally aggressive. If you have been bit or attacked by a strange dog without invoking it in the first place, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a law firm and consult a Newport Beach personal injury lawyer today.
What economic damages can you get in a dog bite claim in California?
Economic damages can be measured and verified using a dollar value. They are designed to compensate for your out-of-pocket expenses. While each dog bite claim is different, here are some common economic damages awarded in a dog bite claim in California:
- Medical expenses: You get reimbursed for the medical expenses for treating your dog bite injuries, including hospitalization, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, physical therapy, etc.
- Lost wages: You may have to take some time off work to heal from your injuries. Some people suffer from psychological trauma, which also requires time off. Lost wages reimburse you for the time you are forced not to go to work. This also includes bonuses, vacation pay, commissions, sick pay, and other benefits.
- Lost earning capacity: Dog bite injuries can be serious and permanently impact your body. You may never be able to return to work again or be required to change jobs due to the changes in your ability to work. If you suffer from a loss of earning capacity, you deserve compensation for the lost future earnings.
What do you need to prove in a dog bite claim?
Injured victims can only claim damages in a dog bite attack if attacked publicly or lawfully on private property. This means that a courier delivery boy has a right to be at a private property to deliver packages, but a trespassing thief does not. Therefore, the thief won’t be reimbursed for their losses.
There are some cases where stipulations prevent one from filing a claim. For example, if law enforcement is investigating something or someone and their military dog bites the person being investigated, they won’t be able to file for damages unless they are proven innocent of the suspected or alleged crime.