Your Legal Right after a Dog Bite Injury
Table of Contents
- The Reality of Dog Bite Injuries
- Who Is Responsible? Understanding Dog Bite Laws in California
- What Could Make a Dog Bite? Common Triggers to Watch Out For
- 5 Essential Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
- How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
- Conclusion
The Reality of Dog Bite Injuries
Millions of people became victims to
dog bite injuries every year, with varying severity of injuries from just minor puncture wounds to serious nerve damage, permanent disfigurement, or even death. These injuries may not just lead to serious medical issues, but also emotional distress, long-term trauma, and significant financial burden. A dog bite can affect the lives of victims far beyond just the initial injury, strongly changing their daily lives. Recognizing these consequences and educating people on how to safely interact with dogs, can minimize dog bite injuries.
Who Is Responsible? Understanding Dog Bite Law in California
In California, dog bites incidents are ruled by the Strict Liability Law, meaning that dog owners are automatically responsible for any injuries caused by their dog even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
However, exceptions apply if the person injured was trespassing, provoking the dog, or involved in illegal activity.
Leash Laws require that the dogs be on a leash in public areas where other people or animals might be present. Failing to follow these leash laws could make the owner responsible for any harm caused if the dog behaves aggressively.
What Could Make a Dog Bite? Common Triggers to Watch Out For
Many factors can lead to dog bites, often having to do with the environment or instincts. Here are some frequent causes:
- Protection: Dogs have natural instincts to protect their family, territory, or their puppies.
- Fear: Biting can happen if dogs feel threatened or scared by strangers or other animals.
- Playfulness: Dogs can bite while playing if not properly trained. Playful mouthing can increase if not managed in time.
- Pray Drive: Some dogs might instinctively bite in response to quick movement around them, like a running child, or cyclist.
- Resource Guarding: Dogs might bite to protect their food, toys, or even their favorite spot .
- Stress: Biting may also be caused by loud noises, crowded places, petting by unfamiliar people can lead to biting to escape the situation.
- Lack of Socialization: Dogs that haven’t properly trained and socialized my bite because they don’t know how to properly interact with other people or animals.
- Pain:
Dogs that are sick or in pain might bite as a reflex of being touch, in order to prevent further discomfort.
5 Essential Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Acting quickly after a dog bite is vital to your health, preventing further injuries and protecting your legal rights.
1. Identify the dog and its owner
It's crucial to identify the dog and its owner first before leaving the scene of the accident. Identify the dog and its owner, obtain the owner’s contact info and ask for proof of vaccination.
2. Seek medical attention immediately
Even minor bites can cause infections or exposure to rabies. A proper evaluation by the doctor can ensure the right treatment and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Beyond physical injuries, emotional and psychological trauma can also come into play and affect daily life, leading to a need for therapy.
3. Report the incident to the authorities
Alert the animal control to create an official record of the attack and initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Animal control may take action to assess the dog’s behavior and ensure public safety.
4. Collect the evidence
Photographs of the scene, injuries, medical records and witnesses can be vital for your case.
5. Consult and attorney
It’s important for victims to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Many attorneys, like
DB Hills Law, offer FREE Consultation to evaluate your case, and help you understand your legal options, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. DB Hill Law can assist by collecting the evidence, handling communication with insurance and fighting for compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
While you focus on healing, a personal injury attorney specialized in dog bite cases will handle the communications with the dog owner's and insurance company, ensuring that you don’t settle for less than you deserve. If the insurance company is being difficult or refusing to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can take the next step by pursuing a lawsuit against the dog owner.
An experienced personal injury attorney can:
- Gather strong evidence to support your case.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies or the dog owner on your behalf.
- Represent you in court to fight for maximum compensation.
Conclusion
Dog bite injuries may have lifelong consequences, affecting your ability to work or enjoy life. That’s why having an experienced attorney by your side is so crucial.
At
DB Hill Law, we will ensure you are treated with compassion and understanding while providing you with the support you need. Our experienced dog bites settlement
team is dedicated to helping victims seek justice and fair compensation for their injuries. We will hold responsible parties accountable so you can focus on recovering and rebuilding your life. Let the right attorney guide you through this challenge.
https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/civil-code/civ-sect-3342-5/
Dog Bite Settlements | D.B. Hill Law
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