Dog Bite Claims in CA
California is a strict liability state. This means that California law allows victims of dog bites or attacks to recover damages from the dog’s owner for any injuries caused by the dog. This is the case even if the dog has never shown aggressive tendencies prior to the attack. In some states, a dog owner is liable only if the dog has been bitten before. However, that is not the case in California.
There are two other requirements for a dog bite claim in California.
First, the victim must have been on public property or lawfully invited onto private property. This requirement prevents a trespasser from recovering against a dog owner.
Second, the victim must not have provoked the dog into attacking him or her. The dog owner is not liable if the victim was harassing the dog when the attack occurred. Additionally, a dog defending its owner or another person is a valid defense of a dog bite claim.
Finally, a dog bite claim must be filed within two years of when the dog bite occurred. This is called the statute of limitations. The two-year limit applies even if you do not know the identity of the dog owner. The sooner you contact Silva Injury Law, the sooner we can get to work on your case and get you the damages you deserve.
Our experienced legal team also handles other types of personal injury cases, including:
- Car Accident
- Slip and Fall
- Sexual Assault
- Truck Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Wrongful Death
- Pedestrian Accident
- Drunk Driving Accident
- Distracted Driving Accident
- Bicycle Accident
- Nursing Home Abuse
If you have suffered a dog bite injury, contact our Turlock dog bite injury attorneys today.
What To Do After A Dog Bite
The moments after being attacked by a dog are the most important. It is usually an unexpected occurrence that catches everyone off guard. Nonetheless, some important pieces of evidence will be available only during these fleeting moments.
Identify the Owner
First, you must identify the dog and its owner. This can be a simple task for a dog with a collar, but in some cases, it can be difficult.
Get Medical Help and Document Your Injuries
Next, seek medical attention. Dog bites, no matter the size, can be critical if left untreated. Depending on the severity of the bite, you may have to rush to the emergency room immediately. Minor bites can be washed with soap and water to remove any harmful bacteria. Take photographs of the injuries caused by the dog as soon as possible following the attack to document the wounds.
Report the Accident
After treating the dog bite, it is time to report the attack. Report the dog bite to your local health department, animal control, and police department.
The health department will determine if you need additional treatment for your injuries from the dog attack. Under California law, animals who have bitten someone must be quarantined. The police department will complete a report and retrieve information from the dog’s owner.
Types Of California Dog Bite Injuries
The injuries from a dog attack can be quite serious, requiring a significant amount of treatment and rehabilitation. In many cases, people will incur thousands of dollars in medical bills and be off of work, unable to earn a living.
In many dog bite cases, people suffer from the following injuries:
- Puncture wounds;
- Cuts;
- Abrasions;
- Slashing of the skin;
- Scarring;
- Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons;
- Disfigurement;
- Infections; and
- Rabies.
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