Riverside Police Dog Bite Lawyer
Riverside Police Dog Bite Attorney
Police dogs are trained to subdue suspects, assist in high-risk operations, and detect drugs or explosives. However, when K-9s are used improperly, innocent people can suffer. If you’re a victim of a police dog bite in Riverside, a Riverside police dog bite lawyer from Greg Peacock Law can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Makes Police Dog Bite Cases Different?
Dog bite cases are complex on their own, but K-9 unit cases can be particularly difficult to navigate. Police dog attacks generally involve violations of your constitutional rights. You may come against police denying liability, biased incident reports, or threats of retaliation. In addition, law enforcement has qualified immunity, which makes these cases harder.
From 2010 to 2020, there were 150 reports of K-9 dog bite incidents. Men are generally the most targeted victims. There have been three reported deaths due to police dog bites.
The team at Greg Peacock Law holds a thorough understanding of civil rights and personal injury law as it pertains to law enforcement cases. We fight to dismantle barriers that stand against you and the compensation you deserve, and build a compelling case to help you succeed.
Common Situations for Police Dog Bites
Police dogs are highly trained for a variety of situations. However, this can lead to unintended or excessive force injuries. Some of the most common scenarios involving K-9 attacks include:
- Bystanders mistakenly attacked during an arrest or pursuit
- Unleashing a K-9 on a non-violent suspect who has already been subdued
- Children or vulnerable individuals attacked without warning
- Excessive force during a protest or demonstration
- Allowing a K-9 to continue attacking after the individual has surrendered
These situations require immediate legal action. Greg Peacock Law can investigate whether your civil rights were violated and if the force used was justifiable.
Your Rights in a Police Dog Attack
The Constitution protects individuals from excessive use of force by law enforcement, which includes attacks from K-9 units. Victims of police dog bites may be entitled to file a claim for compensation. This federal civil rights claim keeps government officials accountable for any unlawful conduct.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Police Dog Bite?
Police dog bite cases may involve multiple parties who bear legal responsibility. This could fall on:
- The individual officer. If the handler failed to control the dog, gave an improper command, or used the dog in a situation that didn’t justify such force, they may be held personally liable for the incident.
- The law enforcement agency. Under certain conditions, the agency may be liable for poor training, allowing unconstitutional policies to continue, or hiring unqualified officers to work with the K-9.
- Third parties. In rare cases, third-party contractors, such as private K-9 trainers, may be involved and liable for improper training or equipment failure.
The team at Greg Peacock Law can help you determine the potential source of liability and pursue justice for your injuries in Riverside.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Victims of police dog bites may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. This can include:
- Medical bills and any necessary ongoing treatment
- Lost wages for current and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological harm
- Disfigurement or loss of limb
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases of egregious misconduct.
Every case is unique. Greg Peacock Law fights to evaluate every aspect of your case and the extent of your injuries. We build a case that fully reflects the severity of the situation and what you need to recover.
Tips for Handling a Police Dog Bite
If you’ve been attacked or bitten by a police dog, there are steps you can take to protect your right to compensation. First, seek immediate medical attention to treat any injuries and get a medical report for documentation. Take photos of the injuries and the scene.
If anyone saw the incident, obtain witness statements and contact information. You can also request a police report to help identify the officer and dog involved.
FAQs About Riverside, CA Police Dog Bite Laws
What Is the Average Settlement for a Police Dog Bite in California?
The average settlement for a dog bite in California varies by the severity of the injury, emotional trauma, and other liability factors. Settlements should include compensation for lost wages and medical bills. You may also be able to claim compensation for pain and suffering. Dog bites that result from excessive force for the situation can result in a higher settlement amount.
Can You File a Claim for a Police Dog Bite in California?
You can file a claim for a police dog bite in California under the state’s liability codes. This legal process can be particularly complex, however, and requires the help of an experienced Riverside police dog bite lawyer to help you navigate proceedings. Your case has a greater chance of success if the attack was unjustified or excessive, or if you suspect the dog was not properly trained.
What Proof Do You Need for a Police Dog Bite?
The proof you need for a police dog bite includes the police report, statements from any witnesses of the attack, and photographs of the injury and scene. You’ll also need to provide medical reports for any care you receive. These can all show proof of your injuries, the circumstances of the dog attack, and where negligence took place.
Is It Worth It to File a Claim for a Dog Bite?
It can be worth filing a claim for a dog bite if the injury requires medical attention and has a lasting physical or emotional impact. You can recover compensation for lost wages, medical bills, therapy, and pain and suffering. A legal consultation with a skilled dog bite lawyer can help you better understand what compensation you’re entitled to and how to successfully pursue a claim.
Contact a Riverside Police Dog Bite Lawyer
Suffering from a police dog bite can cause pain, trauma, and mounting medical bills. The Riverside police dog bite lawyers of Greg Peacock Law can fight to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation, and let us begin holding law enforcement accountable for excessive or unlawful actions.
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