The California statute of limitations for dog bites is generally two years. This means you may have a maximum of two years from the date a dog bites you to request compensation from the pet’s owner. Beyond this window, you may be responsible for the costs of treating your dog bite injuries and other losses.
Meet with a San Diego dog bite lawyer if you are debating whether to take legal action against a pet owner after their animal attacks you. Your attorney can explain your legal options. If warranted, they can submit your compensation request in alignment with California’s statute of limitations.
Exceptions to the Two-Year California Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites
If a dog bites your child, the statute of limitations for filing a claim may begin when they turn 18. At this point, the two-year statute of limitations applies.
In a situation where a dog bite causes an individual to become mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be paused temporarily. The pause will remain in effect until the dog bite victim regains their mental capacity.
Consult with a dog bite attorney when in doubt about the deadline to sue someone, and if either of these exceptions applies to your case. Your lawyer can request compensation for you through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
California Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Insurance Claim
You may have two years from the date of a dog attack to ask for money from the liable pet owner. Connect with a dog bite injury lawyer after an animal attack. Your attorney calculates your losses and submits your claim promptly.
In most instances, home insurance will cover dog bites. A pet owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy may allow you to receive compensation due to a dog attack. Your lawyer can negotiate with a pet owner’s insurance company on your behalf. They can help you get money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Just because you submit an insurance claim does not guarantee you will be compensated. Your attorney will handle your settlement negotiations. If an insurance company offers a settlement, your attorney notifies you, and you can review the proposal with them. Your lawyer may encourage you to proceed with a lawsuit if they do not receive a fair offer.
California Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Lawsuit
The two-year statute of limitations applies to dog bite lawsuits. If you file a lawsuit, you have an opportunity to receive money for quantifiable and subjective losses associated with your dog attack. Alternatively, if you do not submit a lawsuit in alignment with California law, you take responsibility for your dog bite injury losses.
Your dog bite injury attorney files your lawsuit and looks for ways to help you achieve your desired case results. They want to prove that a pet owner acted negligently and that your dog bite injuries could have been avoided if they had practiced a reasonable level of care.
Ask for Legal Help with a California Dog Bite Injury Case
A dog bite injury lawyer offers legal guidance and support to those injured in pet attacks and their families. Talk with an attorney as you decide what to do after a dog attacks you. From here, your lawyer can describe how you may be able to get compensation from a liable pet owner.