What You Need to Know After a Dog Bite
A dog bite can lead to significant trauma and can expose the person to a bacterial infection such as tetanus. The bite may cause serious injury that limits the person’s ability to work and requires significant medical treatment. Many bites are from dogs owned by neighbors, family members, and other people in the community. There are immediate things that need to be done, such as seeing a medical professional. However, there are other tasks that the injured party must tend to since the injury has both financial and physical harm attached to it. It is essential to know what your legal options are in order to collect the compensation you need in this frightening time. With more than 800,000 people bitten each year in the United States, this type of injury is not unusual. The following are some of the most common questions that arise after someone is injured by a dog.
Can a Claim for Compensation Be Placed After a Dog Bite Injury?
California uses strict liability when it comes to dog bites. This means that it isn’t necessary that the animal bit someone before in order to place a claim. Under California Civil Code 3342, all dog owners are responsible for damages legally if the injury occurred in either a public or private location if the injured person was there legally.
Who Is Liable After a Dog Bite Injury?
While the owner of the dog is liable for a bite, it can get more complicated, depending on whether an injury occurred. In some situations, a caretaker, commercial property owner, landlord, and others may be held liable for injuries. An attorney experienced in handling dog bite claims can advise you in your particular situation. Although leash laws are not mandated by the state, it is an ordinance in Sacramento County that a dog has to be restrained and under control at all times.
What If the Dog Owner Wants to Ask About the Injuries?
While you should exchange contact information with the dog owner, never give them a written statement or sign anything. Information about your injuries and medical care should be handled by your attorney.
What If I Don’t Know Who the Owner of the Dog Is?
If you don’t know who the dog owner is, contact Animal Control right away. Give them the best description you can of the dog that attacked you, so they can locate the animal. An attorney can also use their own resources to find out who the owner of the dog is.
What If I Was Working at the Owner’s Home When the Attack Happened?
Home and business owners are responsible for keeping their hired help and visitors safe. This means that they should keep the dog under control, even if it has no history of aggression. If the visiting person is injured by the dog, they may be able to place a claim to pay for their expenses associated with the bite.
Is There Liability for a Dog Bite in All Situations?
In most instances, the owner of the dog is financially liable for the cost of injuries to another person. However, there are instances where there is no liability, which includes:
- The person who was bitten was trespassing.
- The individual who was bitten was committing a felony.
- The bitten individual had provoked the dog.
- A veterinarian was bitten while giving treatment to the dog.
- The bite occurred while a dog was being used by military personnel or law enforcement.
Seeking Legal Help Following a Dog Bite
A lawyer with experience in handling dog bites can help you get compensation to pay your lost wages, medical bills, and for your pain and suffering. Our investigators will search for previous complaints about the dog, including talking to neighbors and mail and utility persons for the area. This is important in case the dog owner tries to contest the dog bite injury. When the evidence is compiled, it is given to our lawyers, who will prepare a strong case for compensation either from the insurance company or to take to court.
South Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a South Sacramento dog bite lawyer. If you were injured by a dog, an experienced lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. You can call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. I can also be reached by sending me an online message.
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I’ve successfully defended my clients’ rights to compensation for their injuries for dog bites, cases involving all types of motor vehicle accidents, and wrongful death for more than 38 years.
Additional information about my law firm can be found at:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-dalmatians-pet-dog-breed-1020790/
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