Sacramento Dog Attack Risk
The risk of a Sacramento dog attack is a continuing problem with hundreds of individuals bitten each year. According to an analysis, there were 2,800 reports of dog bites between May 2012 and May 2017. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that around 4.5 million canine bites happen every year nationwide. Even dog bites that are not serious can result in infections that can be difficult to treat. Knowing what your rights are is important to place a claim for injuries following a Sacramento dog attack that results in injuries or the death of your loved one. Following are some of the most common questions asked of a personal injury lawyer.
What Is California Law on Dog Bites?
Under California Civil Code 3342, a dog’s owner is financially responsible for physical injuries in a Sacramento dog attack, whether they occur in a public or private location. If the location where the incident occurred is on private property, the injured person must either have been invited or there on the premises lawfully. This includes postmen, salesmen, and others. The law does not apply to those who are trespassing or are committing a crime, and these persons are not able to claim damages from a Sacramento dog attack.
Is There a Statute of Limitations to File?
An individual who suffers a dog bite injury has up to two years to file a claim from the date of the incident. If the claim is made against a government entity, the timeline to file is much shorter. However, contacting an experienced dog bite lawyer right away is a good idea. This gives the lawyer the ability to investigate the injury, explore any prior complaints and build a strong case for financial compensation.
What If the Dog Had Never Bitten Anyone Before?
Some states have a one bite law. This means that the owner had knowledge the dog could bite and that it had happened in the past. However, California is a strict liability state. This means that it is irrelevant whether the owner knew that the dog had bitten anyone in the past or should have known.
What If Someone Provoked the Dog?
Those who experience a Sacramento dog attack might not be eligible to place a damage claim if they tried to harm the dog or provoked it. Because California is a comparative fault state, this could reduce the damages. Exceptions are made for small children since they are too young to understand.
What If I Was Bitten by a Police Dog?
Police and military dogs are the exception to the law in a Sacramento dog attack. If a police or military dog bites someone while in the performance of their duties, there is no liability, and a claim cannot be placed for financial compensation.
In this video, Sacramento dog bite lawyer Ed Smith explains what you need to do if you are bitten:
Related Articles by Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer Ed Smith:
Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento dog bite lawyer. A Sacramento dog attack can cause serious injuries, infections from the bite, and in a worst case scenario, they can result in the death of a loved one. If you were injured by a dog or lost a loved one, consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer can be a positive move. For my free and friendly advice, you can reach me at (916) 921-6400 or through my toll-free number at (800) 404-5400 from elsewhere in Northern California. At my website AutoAccident.com, you may prefer to use the online form to reach me.
I have been in practice as a personal injury lawyer since 1982, protecting the rights of Sacramento residents and Northern Californians to just compensation that includes traumatic brain injuries, all kinds of traffic accidents and wrongful deaths.
The National Association of Distinguished Counsel was established to recognize lawyers who promote legal excellence in the profession. I’m a proud California member of this association. In addition, I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates, a group of trial lawyers who have won more than one million dollars for a client.
You can learn more about my law practice by visiting the following links:
Photo Attribution: https://youtu.be/muVsP6wQNW0; https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-dalmatians-pet-dog-breed-1020790/
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