Dog Bite Risk on the Rise in California
The dog bite risk has gone up in California as more people are deciding to purchase or adopt this type of new addition to their family. Statistics on pet ownership show that more than 65 percent of all Americans own a pet, and many of them are dogs. Although most dogs, whether big or small, are lovable, great companions and valued members of the family, dog bites and injuries are a continuing problem as millions of dog bites occur each year. Learning how to lower your dog bite risk can help avoid this potential danger. If you are injured by a dog, an experienced dog bite lawyer may help you obtain financial compensation to pay for your medical bills, lost time at work and the psychological damage caused by the attack.
Reasons for Dog Bites
Not all dog bites are caused by aggression. Some occur if a dog is feeling playful, nervous or afraid or is being territorial. Knowing what the signs are, when a dog might attempt to bite you can help avoid injuries. The ASPCA offers a list of signs to watch for in order to reduce dog bite risk such as the following:
- The dog’s tail or body is being held stiffly.
- The dog has its teeth bared or is growling or snarling.
- The tail is curled under the body, which can indicate fear.
- The dog is maintaining eye contact and staring at you.
- The animal is crouched down or is backing away.
- The muzzle is wrinkled and lips curled back but in a threatening manner.
- The hair along the dog’s spine, shoulder or neck is raised.
- The ears are held forward or laid back instead of being held naturally.
How a Seasoned Dog Bite Lawyer Helps
An injury lawyer experienced in handling dog bite cases can review all the evidence, including witness accounts, and conduct their own investigation to prove fault. In this way, the owner of the dog may be held responsible for your personal injury damages, including medical bills, lost time at work and other expenses caused by the attack.
What Are the Dog Bite Laws in California?
California has strict liability laws that make an owner responsible if their dog bites someone and causes an injury. Under California Civil Code 3342, an individual who is in a private place lawfully or in public and is bitten by a dog has the right to claim financial compensation. However, there are instances in which a claim for damages would be disallowed. These instances include:
- The individual is trespassing on the property
- The dog was provoked into biting
- An injury was a known dog bite risk factor in the individual’s job
- The dog was being handled by police or military during working hours
Lincoln CA Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Lincoln CA dog bite lawyer. If you have been bitten by a dog and suffered injuries, you may be entitled to fair compensation. This can pay your medical bills, for the time you lost from work and other costs. If you are interested in free and friendly advice, you can contact me at (916) 921-6400 or through the toll-free number at (800) 404-5400. You will also find an online contact page on my website, AutoAccident.com, that is fast and convenient.
For 37 years, I’ve worked to uphold the rights of those who have been injured to obtain fair compensation in all kinds of motor vehicle accidents, wrongful deaths, and traumas such as brain injuries.
The National Association of Distinguished Counsel is an organization devoted to the promotion of high legal standards, and I was invited to join this group, which represents fewer than one percent of the lawyers in the country. In addition, I belong to Million Dollar Advocates, which is composed of the top one percent of lawyers around the country who have obtained more than one million dollars for a client.
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