Dog bites are more than just painful injuries; they can lead to infection, permanent scarring, and lasting trauma. In Petaluma, the law protects victims, and Flahavan Law Offices is here to help you navigate the process of seeking compensation. Whether you need help with medical bills, lost income, or emotional recovery, our skilled dog bite lawyers will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable.
A dog bite can happen in a split second, but the injuries and trauma can last a lifetime. Whether you were bitten while walking through your neighborhood, visiting a friend, or in a public park, you have legal rights. At Flahavan Law Offices, we represent dog bite victims in Petaluma and throughout Sonoma County, helping them recover compensation for their injuries, medical care, and emotional suffering.
If you or your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog, don’t wait; call us today for a free consultation.
California Law Protects Dog Bite Victims
In California, dog owners are held strictly liable for any dog bites that occur, even if the dog has never exhibited signs of aggression before. This means you do not have to prove the owner was negligent, just that the bite occurred and that you were legally in the place where it happened. Whether the attack happened in someone’s home, on the sidewalk, or at a park, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries can be severe and sometimes permanent, especially when the victim is a child. Common injuries include:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Infections and diseases (e.g., rabies, MRSA)
- Nerve damage
- Torn muscles or tendons
- Facial injuries or disfigurement
- Scarring
- Emotional trauma, PTSD, or fear of animals
- Wrongful death in severe attacks
At Flahavan Law Offices, we work with medical experts, plastic surgeons, and trauma counselors to assess both the physical and psychological damage caused by the attack.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In most cases, the dog’s owner is legally responsible for your injuries. However, others may also be liable depending on the situation:
- Landlords who allow dangerous dogs on the property
- Property owners who fail to maintain secure fencing
- Pet sitters or dog walkers who fail to control the animal
- Businesses or organizations hosting pet-friendly events without proper safety measures
We will investigate the incident thoroughly to identify all potential sources of compensation.
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What Can You Recover?
If a dog bite in Petaluma has injured you, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, infection treatment)
- Future treatment (reconstructive surgery, therapy)
- Lost income or wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the victim is a child, we take special care to pursue long-term care and psychological support to aid in their recovery.
Why Flahavan Law Offices Is the Right Choice for Petaluma Dog Bite Victims
At Flahavan Law Offices, we bring over ten years of experience fighting for victims of severe injuries in California, including dog bite victims. We provide compassionate, client-focused representation, treating you like family, not a case number. You won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Our thorough understanding of Petaluma’s local laws, courts, and community enables us to develop a winning strategy tailored to your specific situation. We know how frightening and disruptive dog bite injuries can be, and we’re here to guide you through every step with empathy and fierce advocacy.
