Ventura Dog Bite Lawyer

If you’ve been bitten or attacked by someone else’s dog while you were out and about or even visiting the home of a friend or neighbor, you’re likely dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and a whirlpool of questions. Chief among these questions is probably whether the dog’s owner is liable to you for your injuries and how you can go about getting compensation, not just for your medical bills but also your pain and suffering, lost income if you had to miss work because of the injury, and the other ways the attack has disrupted your life. The fact is that a dog bite isn’t always just a simple injury; it can be a life-changing event. Zavala Law can answer your questions and guide you through a legal claim, while you focus on getting better and getting your life back in order. Call our experienced Ventura dog bite lawyer today.

Who Is Matt Zavala and Why Choose Zavala Law?

Matt Zavala is not your average personal injury attorney, neither in his range of experience nor his approach to dealing with clients. With over a decade of experience in insurance defense, Matt knows the tactics insurers use to deny or minimize your claim. Additionally, he has substantial trial and litigation experience, which means he’s not afraid to go to bat for you in court. Matt is also an experienced mediator on top of that. What does this mean for you? It means he can see the big picture, view all the angles, and craft the best strategy for success, with skills to win your case whether through a settlement or a courtroom verdict.

In addition to our commitment to results at Zavala Law, we understand that a personal connection matters just as much as winning your case. That’s why personal service, accessibility, and a positive client experience are our top priorities. We’re not just another Ventura personal injury law firm; we’re a firm that genuinely cares about you. If that sounds like the same BS you’ve read on other attorneys’ websites, give us a call. You’ll talk directly to Matt and see for yourself how approachable he is and how well you can relate to him. This is important not just to make sure your case is successful but also to see that your needs are met along the way.

Dog Bite Laws in Ventura County

The state of California operates under the “strict liability” rule for dog bites. This means that the dog owner is usually responsible for the harm inflicted on the victim, whether or not the dog has a history of aggression. It also doesn’t matter if the owner was violating Ventura County leash laws or not. Whether the owner was careful or negligent is irrelevant to whether the owner is legally responsible for the attack. A California dog owner is liable for the very first bite, and the California legislature has decided this is a fair way to allocate responsibility for the costs and “legal damages” a dog bite injury victim is made to suffer.

California’s strict liability law makes it easier to hold the dog owner liable, but winning a dog bite case is still not a walk in the park. For instance, if the attack happened on the owner’s property and they had a “beware of dog” sign posted, the victim might be considered to have been trespassing or to have “assumed the risk” of getting bitten, which could lessen or defeat the dog owner’s liability. The same thing could happen if the victim is thought to have provoked the attack, whether by teasing the dog or simply approaching too close or getting too near the dog’s face. Under California’s comparative negligence laws, a dog bite victim’s own negligence could reduce the amount of compensation they are entitled to recover from the dog owner, so you need a strong and knowledgeable dog bite lawyer on your side who knows how to counter such arguments from the insurance company defending the dog owner.

What if the dog owner was a neighbor or friend? They can and should still be held liable. That’s what insurance is for, and Zavala Law can help you negotiate a settlement or even file a “friendly lawsuit” if necessary. Matt is a skilled mediator and negotiator who can help you resolve your claim and get the compensation you need and deserve without hurting your friendship with the dog’s owner.

Contact Zavala Law After a Dog Bite Injury in Ventura County

Dog bite claims can be tricky, and insurance companies might make the process even more challenging by trying to avoid liability or minimize what they have to pay. That’s why you need a Ventura personal injury law firm that understands the ins and outs of dog bite cases. With Matt Zavala’s rich experience in insurance defense and litigation, along with our commitment to personal service and positive client experience, Zavala Law stands out as a law firm equipped to deal with your needs and any difficulties that might arise in navigating your claim.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Ventura County, don’t hesitate to get legal help. Call Zavala Law today at 805-429-4292 for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve.