Skilled Personal Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles
Dog bite lawsuits can be litigious, as there is often a lot of emotion involved. One way to ensure your case is free from complications is through evidence. It plays a crucial part in determining liability for your lawsuit. Before meeting with a dog attack lawyer in Los Angeles, we list important information that you should gather to get started.
Photographic Evidence
As they say, a picture is worth 1000 words. When victims suffer from lacerations, bruises, or any other type of injury, photographic evidence plays a considerable role in proving that a dog has attacked you. In court photographic evidence helps us convey your side of the story to the opposing counsel and jury. But it takes a skilled attorney to handle your case carefully for trial. Once you retain our legal services, a private investigator will look into the accident further based on the facts you've presented.
Breed Characteristics
California has strict dog breed restrictions. Depending on the county you live in, there is breed-specific legislation regarding:
- Pit Bulls
- American Pit Bull Terriers
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Dobermans
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
The natural-born characteristics of a particular breed alone are enough to demonstrate that the dog acted dangerously and the owner was aware of the potential risks. Though, there are times when the court has excluded specific evidence regarding the characteristics of a breed. With any dog bite case, our personal injury attorneys would use this information as supporting evidence to explain the nature of your injuries and what might have prompted the attack.
Viciousness Against Animals
Is the defendant's dog prone to attacking other domesticated and non-domesticated animals? If yes, we would gather evidence to prove that the dog is also vicious towards other people. One way for owners to limit the risk of liability is to use a leash in public. Dogs are likely to attack in unfamiliar settings and against strangers.
Admissibility of The Claim: "The Dog Bit Me"
In most dog attacks, the victim is typically the only one present to witness what occurred. The court is unlikely to believe cases where there is insufficient credible evidence to prove that the dog bit the victim. For example, if the victim were a child it would require a doctor to testify that they suffered severe puncture wounds. Defense attorneys often attack a minor's competence to testify.
Expert Testimony by Canine Experts
An attorney might call on an expert to provide scientific, technical, or other specialized opinions in a particular area. Expert witnesses can be anyone with advanced knowledge of a particular discipline. In court they are responsible for providing an unbiased and impartial view on the dog bite case. Alongside evidence, they can significantly support your lawsuit.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Los Angeles
Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite accident is never easy. Without legal help these cases can become highly complex.
That's why we're here to help you every step of the way. These cases require a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles who specializes in dog bite accidents and has a record of winning compensation for their clients.
The best time to schedule a consultation is after you've received medical treatment.
At Gutierrez Law our team knows exactly what it takes to prove the negligent party was responsible for their dog's attack. The sooner you contact a legal professional, the sooner they will be able to begin your compensation claim against a negligent dog owner.
Contact our office for a free consultation at 323-999-3500 or email us at contact@gutierrez.legal.