Orange County Dog Bite Scarring Attorneys
Representation for Victims With Serious Scars
Dogs may be valued pets and companions, but there are times when an encounter with one can end in tragedy. Being attacked by a dog is a traumatic experience that can cause physical damage and emotional trauma, which a victim will carry with for the rest of his or her life.
Violent dog attacks often leave behind visible scars, which may never fully heal and require costly reconstructive surgery to fix. Bites to limbs are most common in dog attacks, however, there are times when a dog bites an individual’s face (children are especially vulnerable). This can lead to serious facial scarring and disfigurement that lasts for the rest of a victim’s life.
If you or a loved one has suffered scarring from a dog bite, take action to protect your rights. The legal team at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie is here to fight for you. Our OC dog bite lawyers will not only help you in your legal battle, but also refer you to top-notch surgeons and doctors to make sure you receive the treatment you need. Contact our office today at (949) 752-7474 to schedule a free consultation.
Scarring from Dog Bites
Following a violent attack, one of the most significant damages an individual must deal with is the potential scarring. While minor bite wounds may fade over time, more serious and damaging bites can result in lifelong scarring and disfigurement, which can affect the range of motion of limbs, and even cause permanent muscle and nerve damage.
Scars can be so severe that they require extensive surgery to treat. These operations can be expensive, and often require multiple follow-up visits and even more surgeries after the initial operation. However, even with corrective surgery, the scarring from dog bites is rarely removed altogether.
Children are particularly vulnerable to dog bites, with most child victims receiving wounds on the head and neck following an attack. Any dog bite victims, especially children, who have visible scars are susceptible to psychological damage, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Psychological damage can be hard to treat and have a lifelong impact on the victim.
Who Is Liable?
In California, liability for dog bites is addressed in Civil Code 3342, which states that the dog owner is liable for damages if:
- the damages were caused by a dog bite, and
- the person bitten was in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the dog owner’s property.
The code creates an exception for people who suffer bite injuries while a dog is carrying out police or military work. For California's dog bite statute to apply, the injury must be caused by a dog bite, and not by some other behavior on the part of a dog.
Legal Representation for Dog Bite Scarring Victims
Any attack can lead to expensive medical bills and grueling physical therapy. If you or a loved one has suffered scarring from a dog bite, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you can. A skilled lawyer can help you recover money to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional damage that so often comes as a result of a dog bite, especially if the victim was a child.
At Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie, we will fight to get you justice. Our legal team will work directly with you to build a strong case and get you the compensation you need to move on with your life. Call today at (949) 752-7474 and schedule a no-obligation consultation. Get our veteran legal team in your corner today!
Additional Information
- Civil Code 3342
- Facial Dog Bite Injuries in Children: Treatment and Outcome Assessment.
- Scars - MedlinePlus
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