I started this firm to help people. You’ve found us for a reason, we will help you. It seems dark right now, but I promise you there is light at the end of the tunnel. We're in this together.
John Michael Montevideo
Lead Trial Attorney
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Dog Bite Attorney
Many Oakland residents enjoy spending time with their cherished pets, but dog bite injuries can have serious repercussions for both the sufferer and the dog's owner. If an animal or pet attacked you and bit, clawed, or otherwise hurt you, please let us know. To guarantee that you obtain the compensation you are entitled to, our dog bite attorneys in El Cajon CA are here to help. We are aware of the devastating consequences that a dog bite injury can have on a person. Call us for a free consultation to talk with one of our lawyers.
Our El Cajon dog bite lawyer can help you with your injury claim
Our dog bite attorneys can efficiently defend you in court and assist in determining if the owner's negligence contributed to the harm the dog caused. Victims have a right to recompense for their medical expenses, lost income, and other potential damages, including those that can cause them pain, suffering, emotional distress, scars, and other issues.
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California Civil Code Section 3342
Only a few states, including California, have laws that hold dog owners legally responsible for their pet's assaults or bites on people who are legally on private land or public property. In circumstances of first-time bites and even when the owner is unaware of the dog's propensity for violence, strict responsibility implies that the owner is entirely liable for the conduct of their dog. California Civil Code 3342 asserts that the owner is responsible “regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or owner’s knowledge of such viciousness”.
What If Another Dog Attacks Me?
Although it's uncommon, if another dog owner's dog assaults yours, you may be able to sue them. The dog bite regulations in California, however, prohibit lawsuits. You must file a property damage claim as California views dogs as property and treats them as such. A dog owner may be able to seek the expense of treating their dog's wounds through a property damage claim. We can assist since our skilled California dog bite attorneys are aware of the difficulties in cases like these.
What To Do After a Dog Bite
These are the first three things you need to do immediately after a dog bite attack.
1
Get Medical Treatment Immediately
Your health is the most important thing. Be sure to get access to the best doctors and treatment right away.
Read more2
Collect all the necessary evidence
Immediately preserve the evidence you’ll need to prove what happened to you: contact info, photos, insurance information and reports.
Read more3
Do your homework on your legal rights. Call an attorney.
Call attorney John Montevideo. Discuss your case with him directly, not an intake person or paralegal.
Read moreView all topics & questions
Client Testimonials
"After just one phone call to Dog Bite Law Group and John completely took over. With his knowledge and experience, he was able to relieve a huge amount of stress from my husband and me. He got us a fantastic settlement. I have already recommended John Montevideo to several clients of mine and will continue to do so."
*Erin D.
"John kept us informed about every step of the process. He was readily available to answer any question, by phone call or text message or by email. John was prompt and professional. And in the end, he was able to get us a settlement that exceeded our expectations, faster than we thought possible. "
*Robert G.
"John Montevideo provided the fair and objective legal counsel I needed in order to settle a case that had dragged on for many years. Within weeks of first meeting with John, my case was settled successfully! John is one of the good guys, and I highly recommend his office should the need arise for a lawyer who is both ethical and results-driven."
*Burt C.
"John Michael helped me understand my legal situation better in 15 minutes than my 3 previous attorneys over the past year."
*Robert W.
"It was refreshing to meet with a lawyer who really listened to understand my case to determine what should be done to obtain a good result for me and my family. John was respectful and helpful and above all very professional. I highly recommend John Montevideo to anyone in need of the finest legal representation possible."
*Connor C.
Recent Case Results
$1.3 mil
Settlement*
Facial Scaring/ Psychological Damages
$1.2mil
Settlement*
Surgery
$11mil
Settlement*
Traumatic Brain Injury
$320K
Settlement*
Scaring and Fractures
$3.5mil
Settlement*
Traumatic Brain Injury
$301K
Settlement*
Annular Fissure/Fractures
Awards &
Memberships
Legal Questions About Dog Bite Injuries
Below are links to detailed information about legal questions following a dog bite attack.
- How and Why a Legal Claim Will Help
- Overview of California Dog Bite Law
- How Can I Get Compensated For a Dog Bite
- Recoverable Injuries and Damages
- Bodily Injury, Infection, Scaring and Emotional Injuries
- What To Do When Bitten By a Dog
- Responsible Parties Liable for Dog Bite Attacks
- Why Hire an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
- Children and Dog Bites
Dog Bite Law Group
Meet attorney
John Michael Montevideo
John Michael Montevideo works tirelessly to help people like you. His practice is dedicated to carefully reviewing his clients’ stories and seeking to bring fulfill the justices wronging them. He is the Senior Trial Attorney and Founder of the Dog Bite Law Group.
Taking Immediate Legal Action
When an individual has experienced a dog bite and as a result, suffered harm, John Michael's practice promptly and efficiently protects their rights.
Read moreWe Can Help Build Your Case If You Have Been Hurt
California's Legal Defenses To Lawsuits
In California, the most typical defense to a dog bite injury case is to argue that the victim's misconduct directly or indirectly contributed to the assault. A pet owner could attempt to show, for instance, that you were infringing on their property when the incident occurred or that you incited the dog to bite you.
Another argument is that the dog was actively engaged in police or military activity at the time of the incident. If the dog helped a government agency employee catch a criminal suspect, investigate a crime, carry out a warrant, or protect the employee, then this defense could be admissible.
It should be noted that the dog owner's claim that a "Beware of Dog" sign was posted is ineffective. In most strict liability dog bite states, a notice alerting visitors to a dangerous dog is insufficient to protect a pet owner from responsibility. According to California law, the owner will be responsible for an assault even with a sign and even if the pet owner wasn't negligent.
Before leaving the site of a dog bite, take care to collect the owner's name, address, and phone number. Call 911 to get the police and an ambulance to the site if you've been gravely hurt. Before going to the doctor, capture the owner and the dog on camera. To capture the precise location of the event, it's also a good idea to take pictures of street signs. To make it simpler for your attorney to access your medical records, keep any papers you receive from healthcare professionals.
Your lawyer will need to retain the services of experts who will help establish important facts vital to your case such as the severity of your injury, ownership of the dog, the identity of the dog, its link to your injury, negligence on the part of the owner and negligent entrustment to an unfit handler are something your lawyer will seek from other experts.
Contact our El Cajon Dog Bite Attorney
Leash laws and other dog bite prevention measures in Oakland are intended to reduce the likelihood of dog attacks on unprepared people. Please feel free to get in touch with our law offices if you have any more legal inquiries. Every consultation for a dog bite injury claim is free and fully private.
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