Keep these triggers in mind anytime you’re around a dog you are unfamiliar with.
Approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur in the US each year with over 800,000 of those cases resulting in medical care, according to the CDC. It’s not just pit bulls—Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Huskies are commonly associated with dog bites, as well. More so, any type of dog can bite and cause significant damage—your award is related to the injury, and not the type of dog involved in the attack.
In the case of a dog bite, California holds dog owners strictly liable, regardless of the size, breed, or demeanor of the dog. The owner is responsible for all damages resulting from the dog bite, even if the dog hasn’t bitten anyone before. If the injury is not a bite, but results from the dog’s behavior, a recovery may be available under California’s negligence laws.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a dog attack? Our experienced dog bite lawyers are available to help you recover compensation for your injury.
A victim need only show that the defendant owns the dog, that the bite took place while in a public place or while lawfully in a private place, and that the victim suffered damages as a result of the bite. Damages may include current and future medical expenses, loss of wages, pain & suffering, emotional distress, among others. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately to ensure you don’t miss the statute of limitations, or the date by which legal action must be taken to protect your rights.
And don’t forget- if the dog owner’s insurance company reaches out to you, do not give a statement and don’t sign anything – simply refer the representative to your attorney. An experienced premises liability lawyer can help you get the compensation you need.
According to a study from the Center For Disease Control (CDC)1, approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, and 800,000 of those bites result in medical care. The U.S. population is approximately 325.7 million people as of 2017. That means a dog bites 1 out of every 69 people.
Although dogs can be beneficial to the health and well being of their owners, people should be aware that dogs of any age, including puppies, can sometimes carry harmful germs that can make people sick. Not every dog is healthy and current on their vaccinations, so if you are bitten by a dog, you should seek treatment immediately. According to the CDC, by providing your dog with routine veterinary care and following the Healthy People tips, you are less likely to get sick from touching or interacting with a dog.
“(a) The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner.”
