Best Dog Bite Attorneys in Santa Ana

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Santa Ana, California?

  (714) 245-8049 is the non-emergency dispatch line in Santa Ana.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Santa Ana, California?

  The Records Division is reached at (714) 245-8600. The police headquarters is at 60 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

• In Santa Ana, may a trespasser on private property who is bitten by a chihuahua file a dog bite claim against the animal's owner?

  No, a dog bite victim who is bitten by a chihuahua in Santa Ana may not seek damages against the animal's owner if the claimant is a trespasser. For liability to attach to the defendant, the person who was bitten has to be legally on the premises when the attack happened or in a public space. There is no duty of care against persons who have no right to be where they are.

• May a dog owner in Santa Ana posit the defense that an animal has no prior record of violence when accused of an attack?

  No, a dog owner in Santa Ana may not posit the defense that an animal has never had a history of violence. The state law applied in the metro applies strict liability principles. An animal owner has to keep the public safe from canine misconduct of any kind, and there is a liability for every infraction except when trespassers are involved.

• What injuries are commonly associated with dog bites in Santa Ana?

  Dog bites in Santa Ana commonly result in broken bones when the bite force of the animal is strong. Blood poisoning is possible from specimens with poor oral hygiene, and in severe cases, rabies is spread to the victim. After recovery, permanent scarring results because of puncture wounds and deep cuts that leave tissue damage.

• What damages may a dog bite plaintiff recover in Santa Ana?

  A dog bite victim in Santa Ana may claim economic damages for the tangible losses sustained in an animal attack. This includes medical expenses for the disinfection and stitching of lacerations. Lost income is recoverable, as is property damage. Non-economic damages are compensable for intangible things like emotional suffering and lasting pain.

• May a person in Santa Ana who was bitten by a dog in a public space file for a personal injury suit three years after the fact?

  No, a person in Santa Ana who was bitten by a dog in a public space three years after the fact may no longer file a personal injury suit. The statute of limitations applied in the state gives plaintiffs two years from the date of an animal attack to sue. Because three years have passed since the incident, the claim is overdue by a year.