A police encounter in San José turned violent when a K-9 officer bit a man in the throat, leading to serious injuries—and a $1.6 million settlement from the city.
The case has reignited public attention around the use of police dogs and what happens when force crosses a line. For victims, it’s not just about justice, it’s about surviving the long legal process while trying to recover physically and emotionally.
This article breaks down what happened, what it means for future dog bite lawsuits, and how victims can protect their rights and access financial support during legal battles.
K-9 Dog Bite in San José Sparks Major Lawsuit
In the reported incident, San José police deployed a K-9 unit during a tense arrest. The dog, trained for law enforcement, attacked a man who was already on the ground, biting him directly in the throat.
The man suffered extensive injuries that required emergency medical care and led to long-term health complications.
The victim filed a civil rights injury lawsuit against the San José Police Department, claiming excessive force and failure to follow proper protocol.
According to court documents, the man did not pose a threat at the time of the attack, making the use of the K-9 both unnecessary and dangerous.
San José Police Settlement: $1.6 Million Payout
After months of legal back-and-forth, San José agreed to a $1.6 million police settlement. The payout aims to cover the victim’s medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.
While this may seem like a victory, the journey to this settlement involved legal hurdles, investigation delays, and significant financial pressure on the injured party.
This case highlights how personal injury lawsuits—especially against law enforcement—require persistence, evidence, and strong legal support.
Understanding Liability in Police Dog Bite Cases
Police dogs are considered extensions of their handlers. When a K-9 injures someone, the department can be held accountable under certain conditions. This is especially true if:
- The suspect was not resisting or fleeing
- The dog was released without warning
- There was no immediate threat to officers or public safety
In such cases, victims may file a police dog attack lawsuit for K-9 bite injury compensation. These cases typically fall under civil rights injury claims or excessive force lawsuits.
What Victims Can Claim in a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Injury claims from dog attacks can include:
- Emergency medical costs
- Ongoing therapy or rehabilitation
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
- Loss of income or employment
- Pain and suffering damages
Even when the defendant is a government agency, victims have a right to pursue financial recovery. However, they must follow strict deadlines and procedures unique to civil claims against public officials.
Legal Challenges in Suing the Police
Police misconduct injury settlements are complex. Officers are often protected by qualified immunity, which can shield them from lawsuits unless clear evidence of wrongdoing exists.
That’s why documentation is important:
- Medical records
- Eyewitness statements
- Surveillance or bodycam footage
- Expert testimony
Without strong proof, injury lawsuits can be dismissed, even when serious harm occurred. Having an experienced attorney is key in building a valid legal claim.
Legal Funding Can Help While You Wait
Filing a dog bite lawsuit against a police department is not just emotionally draining—it’s financially stressful. Victims may be out of work, unable to afford medical care, and waiting months or years for a settlement.
That’s where lawsuit funding for dog bite lawsuits becomes essential. Legal funding provides a non-recourse cash advance to help cover everyday expenses while your case is pending. If you don’t win your case, you don’t repay the advance.
This kind of support can make a difference when deciding whether to settle early for less or fight for the compensation you deserve.
What to Do If You’re a Victim of a Dog Bite
If you or someone you know was injured by a dog in an excessive force situation, here’s what you should do:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Document all injuries thoroughly.
- File an official complaint. Report the incident to internal affairs or the appropriate agency.
- Contact a civil rights attorney. They can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
- Gather evidence. Photos, videos, and eyewitness accounts can strengthen your claim.
- Explore legal funding. It can help you manage finances while your case is being resolved.
What You Should Know
The $1.6 million San José police settlement is a reminder that accountability is possible—even when law enforcement is involved. But achieving justice in a dog bite lawsuit settlement is never easy.
Victims must navigate a complicated legal system, provide clear evidence, and endure financial hardship along the way.
If you’re facing a similar situation, don’t go through it alone. With the right legal team and support from Fund Capital America, you can focus on healing while pursuing a fair outcome.
Learn more about legal funding options for dog bite injury claims and take the first step toward securing justice.
Who is Fund Capital America?
Since 2006, Fund Capital America (FCA) has been a trusted leader in pre-settlement funding, providing cash advance loans to plaintiffs in personal injury and accident cases. Over the years, FCA has proudly served thousands of law firms and tens of thousands of clients, helping them navigate the financial challenges of litigation. While our core service is pre-settlement funding, we also offer a comprehensive range of services to support law firms and their clients from the beginning of the case to the final settlement check distribution.
Fund Capital America’s Services
In addition to pre-settlement funding, FCA provides a broad array of services designed to alleviate the financial and administrative burdens on injury victims, law firms, and medical professionals. Our services include:
- Pre Settlement Funding
- Policy Limits
- Doctor & Medical Facility Directory
- Doctor & Medical Facility Scheduling
- Language Services
- Investigation Services
- Medical Legal Finance
- Surgery Funding
- Medical Lien Funding
- Law Firm Funding & Law Firm Banking Services
- Law Firm Line of Credit
- Medical Receivables Financing
- Law Firm Services
Get the Legal Funding Support You Need in Just 5 Minutes!
Here’s how it works:
Fill out our application form: It takes just 5 minutes to provide the necessary details about your case.
Get prequalified: Our team will review your application and get back to you swiftly, often within hours.
Need assistance? Call us at the number provided for immediate support from our knowledgeable staff.
Don’t let financial stress prevent you from focusing on your recovery. Apply now to secure your lawsuit cash advance!
