Suffer Scars from a Dog Bite in San Diego? You Have Legal Options

Most dog bites happen in seconds, but their effects can last a lifetime. If you or a loved one suffered scarring from a dog attack in San Diego, you know the wounds go deeper than skin. Medical bills pile up, painful procedures loom ahead, and the emotional trauma lingers long after the encounter. 

At the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC, we understand the full scope of your suffering, and we're here to help you recover on every level. Our experienced dog bite lawyer will provide you with personal legal representation throughout your case and will fight hard for the compensation you need to heal.

What Are the Physical Costs of Dog Bite Scars?

The medical costs can quickly add up quickly if you or a family member suffers dog bite scars after being attacked by a dog. Unfortunately, you may need medical treatments throughout your life to treat your scars. Here are some medical treatments you may need.

Reconstructive Surgery and Skin Grafts

Dog bites can leave disfiguring scars that require multiple corrective surgeries to repair. Reconstructive procedures like skin grafts, tissue expansion, and scar revision can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is an overwhelming expense for most dog bite victims.

Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs for surgical care add up quickly, including:

• Specialist copays and deductibles

• Hospital and surgical center fees

• Prescription medications and wound care supplies

• Lost income during recovery periods

Ongoing Medical Treatment

Dog bite injuries often need long-term care and rehabilitation beyond initial repair. Scar tissue can restrict movement, impair function, and cause chronic pain, requiring ongoing treatment like:

• Physical therapy to restore mobility and strength

• Occupational therapy to regain daily living skills

• Repeated scar revision procedures as tissues heal and shift

• Pain management for nerve damage and post-surgical discomfort

Without legal action, you could be left paying these bills for years for an injury that wasn't your fault.

The Invisible Wounds: Psychological Scars of a Dog Attack

The psychological trauma of dog bite scars can be even more devastating than the physical injuries. Scarring from a dog attack is often very apparent because the wounds are on the victim’s face, hands, and arms. Scarring can be especially traumatic for children who will have to live with scars for most of their lives. 

Post-Traumatic Stress and Anxiety

A dog attack is a shocking, terrifying experience—one that can leave lasting psychological scars. Many dog bite victims, especially children, suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as:

• Vivid flashbacks and nightmares of the attack

• Severe anxiety around dogs or in attack-related situations

• Hypervigilance and easily startled reactions

• Avoidance of activities that trigger traumatic memories

Left untreated, PTSD can significantly disrupt a victim's work, relationships, and quality of life.

Counseling and Emotional Support

Overcoming the emotional effects of a scarring dog bite often requires professional help. Victims may need extensive counseling to process the trauma and adapt to life with disfiguring scars.

Therapy costs can skyrocket with:

• Cognitive processing techniques for PTSD

• Prolonged exposure therapy for dog phobias and avoidance

• Family or child counseling to support loved ones

• Psychotropic medications to ease severe anxiety and depression

You shouldn't have to confront this painful journey alone or pay the price for someone else's negligence.

How Can You Hold the Dog Owner Liable for Compensating You For Your Dog Bite Scars?

Fortunately, you may be able to hold the dog owner responsible for compensating you for your injuries. Here are two California laws that can help you obtain the justice and damages you deserve.

California's Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites

In California, dog owners are strictly liable for any bites their animals cause, regardless of the dog's history or the owner's knowledge of its propensity to bite. This means you don't have to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous to hold them accountable for your injuries, including scarring.

Under California Civil Code § 3342, you must prove the following:

• The person you are seeking compensation from must be the dog’s owner.

• You were bitten in a public place or while lawfully in a private place.

• You suffered injuries caused by the dog attack.

Dog Owner Negligence

Even if strict liability doesn't apply, you may still have a case if you can prove the owner's negligence led to your bite and scarring. You can also use negligence to hold a dog handler caring for someone’s dog accountable for your dog bite scars. Examples of owner and dog handler negligence include:

• Violating leash laws or allowing the dog to roam unleashed

• Failing to train or socialize the dog properly

• Ignoring known aggressive tendencies or prior bite incidents

• Inadequately securing the dog on their property

• Failing to warn others about a potentially dangerous dog

Our knowledgeable dog bite attorney can identify all avenues to hold the owner responsible and maximize your compensation for scarring damages.

Protecting Your Future: How a San Diego Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

The benefits of hiring our skilled dog bite lawyer at the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC, cannot be overstated. Mark is a Life Member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums and is committed to obtaining the compensation you deserve to move forward in your life. Here are some ways that he can assist you: 

Identifying Liable Parties

California holds dog owners strictly liable for bites, but other parties may share fault. Our skilled dog bite lawyer can identify all potential sources of recovery, such as:

• Negligent property owners who allowed the dog on their property 

• Landlords who failed to enforce animal restrictions on their property

• Businesses that didn't properly secure their facilities or allowed guests to bring dogs onto their property

• Dog handlers caring for someone’s dog

The more parties named, the greater your chances of receiving full compensation in your settlement.

Collecting Evidence to Prove Your Claim

Building a strong dog bite claim requires prompt action to gather crucial evidence to prove your case. Mark and his legal team can help you secure:

• Photographs of your injuries and the attack scene

• Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses

• Incident reports from law enforcement or animal control

• The dog's veterinary and behavioral history

• Your medical records and treatment plans

• Expert testimony on the extent and impact of your scarring

• Homeowner or renters’ insurance policies

The sooner you involve our lawyer, the better your chances of preserving vital proof to support your right to compensation.

Calculating Your Claim's Full Value

Mark has decades of experience fighting for the rights of dog bite victims in San Diego and knows how to calculate the value of your claim. He’ll fight for every dollar you deserve, accounting for:

• Past, present, and future medical expenses tied to the scarring

• Reconstructive procedures and scar revision surgeries

• Psychological counseling and emotional distress

• Permanent disfigurement and physical impairment

• Lost income and diminished earning capacity

• Pain, suffering, and lost enjoyment of life

You need an advocate who understands the full scope of your losses and will not let the insurance company or their defense attorney downplay your suffering.

Negotiating With the Insurance Company

Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner's homeowners insurance or renters' insurance. But insurers are notorious for undermining victims and denying valid claims. Our dog bite lawyer can:

• Handle all communication with the insurance adjuster

• Prepare a comprehensive demand letter detailing your damages

• Negotiate aggressively for a full and fair settlement

• Litigate your claim in court if the insurer refuses to make a reasonable offer

You need a legal ally who won't let the insurance company add insult to your injuries. Unlike other attorneys, Mark is a trial lawyer and will take your case to a jury trial if necessary to help you receive the damages you need to go forward in your life.