Community Volunteer Receives Compensation After Dog Bite Attack

Dog Bite Lawyer at Dunnion Law Replaces Hopelessness with Justice

What started as a normal night at work bartending, ended in a nightmare for Diana Fink. A dog, brought to the bar by a convicted felon, viciously attacked her. The dog was trained to strike on command. Diana was left with devastating injuries and completely unaware she had legal options.

Diana, a client of Dunnion Law suffered not only physical injuries but emotional and mental trauma that left her with life-altering wounds.

Her personal injury case was brought to the attention of Dunnion Law from another dog bite victim who was bitten by the same dog a week before Diana’s attack.

“I almost lost hope [because] no one else was willing to hear me out,” said Diana as she shared her story about how Dunnion Law shined a beam of light on a dark situation. She was uncertain her case was strong enough to file against the dog owner. When she contacted Dunnion Law, they walked her through the legal process every step of the way, helping her understand her legal options, and ultimately filing a lawsuit against the dog owner. Dunnion Law answered all the questions she had about her case and fought on her behalf while she sought treatment for her injuries.

 

Details Surrounding Diana’s Dog Bite 

The night of the attack, the dog’s owner had a dispute with another customer at the bar and as the argument continued, the owner decided to retrieve his dog and release it on that particular customer. Instead, the dog viciously attacked Diana, an innocent bystander.

The Contra Costa District Attorney brought felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and battery against the defendant, who had a previous felony conviction for rolling back odometers on vehicles at his car dealership. Since Diana was not the intended victim, the resulting conviction was for brandishing a weapon (the dog), and for battery, adding two more felonies to the defendant’s record. The defendant’s criminal history would later make Diana’s case stronger because the attack was representative of his pattern of past behavior.

Fear Vanquished Once Dunnion Law Took Her Case

Diana, afraid and hopeless about what her future would bring, searched frantically for someone to give her answers about her dog bite injuries until finally, her worry became hope.

When Dunnion Law began representing Diana, she had already completed her medical treatment through her workers’ compensation insurance. However, it quickly became clear that Diana continued to be in great pain and needed more treatment on the forearm that had been mauled by the dog.

Due to Dunnion Law’s experience handling dog bite cases, they were able to give Diana recommendations to seek additional treatments, including surgery with a plastic surgeon, and an orthopedist.

With threat of punitive damages, exposure of the defendant’s assets, and the testimony of the defendant’s wife, who agreed the dog was vicious and trained to attack, Dunnion Law was able to get a $1,000,000 settlement for Diana. The defendant’s wife, who was the other victim bitten by the same dog the week before Diana, also received a $1,000,000 settlement in a separate case, also handled by Dunnion Law.

Long-Term Effects

The two dog bite cases against the dog owner helped prove the dog’s vicious tendencies. The dog, having attacked both women on the right forearm using the same bite force, was authorized to be put down.

Although Diana was sent for medical treatment for the physical wounds, emotionally she was left with much deeper scars that will never fully heal. Diana was sent for a mental evaluation where she was diagnosed with severe and ongoing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety for which she needed future psychiatric treatment.

After the attack, Diana suffered from chronic arm pain and constant fear of any dogs she saw on the street. When asked about her scars, Diana suffered dread and embarrassment.

Diana hopes that her dog bite case will help others realize they have legal options to get the help they need.

 

Injuries Instilled Motivation to Help Others

Diana’s life-changing injuries created a new desire to help those who are in need. Because Dunnion Law showed her compassion while she was desperate for help, this tragic experience has created a deeper passion in Diana to continue giving back to, and serving her community.

Since volunteering at her school at a young age, Diana has a long history of community service. She immensely enjoys helping people in her city by volunteering at veterans’ organizations and donating to charities that help veterans and the homeless.

Her experience with Dunnion Law has helped her through a challenging time. She in return plans to continue serving her community relentlessly.

Not only does Diana have a generous heart for helping the community, she has plans for her family as well. She looks forward to sharing her settlement with her family and using it to fund a trip to Thailand with her mother who has not returned to her home country in a long time. The trip will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Diana.

Has A Dog Bite Shattered Your Life? Contact Dunnion Law Today For A Free Consultation

Diana discussed how Dunnion Law was “there from day one.” They were always available when she had a question, they were aggressive with the insurance company, and they helped ensure her medical bills were paid in full. They even sent her flowers on her birthday.

Dunnion Law understands how stressful, overwhelming, and frightening it can be after experiencing a dog attack, and they want to help you through the legal process as they did Diana Fink.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.

If you’re uncertain if your case is worth pursuing, contact our team of trusted and knowledgeable dog bite lawyers at Dunnion Law.

Call us today at (831) 373- 8035 or fill out our free case evaluation form.

This testimonial does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Every case is unique, and it’s important to speak with one of our attorneys who can evaluate what legal options you may have.