Filing a California Personal Injury Claim after You Have Been Bitten by a Dog in Orange County

Unprovoked dog attacks are responsible for many serious injuries in Orange County every year. Unfortunately, dog bite victims often have trouble recovering compensation for the expenses related to the bite. If you have been bitten by a dog in Orange County, there are some things you should know before you file an insurance claim.

You Need to Identify the Dog and the Owner

After you have been bitten, it is crucial that you are able to identify the animal that bit you and can locate its owner to exchange contact information. If you cannot identify the animal or an owner for the animal, or if too much time passes, you may not be able to pursue a claim for your dog bite injuries.

Did You Sustain an Injury Because the Dog Bit You?

You must have been injured in order to pursue a dog bite claim in Orange County, but that does not necessarily mean that the bite had to break the skin. For example, if a dog bit your clothing or purse and caused you to fall, you still may be able to pursue compensation for the injuries the bite caused. If you’re unsure about the circumstances in your case, we invite you to reach out to our experienced Orange County dog bite lawyers.

Be Cautious When Speaking with the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company

If possible, you may not want to speak with the dog owner’s insurance company until you’ve spoken with an experienced California dog bite injury attorney about what happened. If you must speak with the owner’s insurance company before you consult with an attorney, be careful not to downplay the extent of your injuries or talk about who was at fault. Even seemingly innocent statements you make over the phone to the insurance agent could have an effect on the success of your case. To be safe, it is worth meeting with an attorney to ask questions and learn about your rights—and the best part is that the initial consultation is generally free!

If you have been bitten by a dog in Orange County, please reach out to the experienced Orange County dog bite lawyers with Russell & Lazarus today. You can reach us at 1-(949) 851-0222 to schedule your free initial consultation, or you can simply complete the confidential contact form on this page to learn more.