Dog bites are a problem in California and not only cause severe injuries but can result in the death of a dog bite victim. The state, along with Sacramento County, has laws in place meant to protect its citizens from dog bites.
Dog Bite Statistics in California
Again, California had the highest number of dog bite claims in the nation in 2016 at 1,934, according to the Insurance Information Institute, an increase of 250 dog bites over 2015. With those dog bites and the injuries or deaths they inflict, California also holds the record for the highest average claim paid for dog bite injuries and deaths.
Liability for Dog Bites
California Civil Code Section 3342 states that individuals are liable for damages caused by a dog bite in a public or private location if the victim was there legally. Because of this, it is referred to as a “strict liability” state. However, there is an exception. This applies to dogs used by police departments and the military, which cannot be held accountable. This dog bite law applies only to bites. California does not abide by the “one-bite” rule as some states do. Under the one-bite rule, a dog owner may not be held liable if their dog bites someone, and the owner is unaware of this aggressive tendency in the animal.
Liability: When the Dog Owner Is Not Insured
Other actions by a dog that cause human injuries, such as pushing someone down or jumping up and causing an injury, are covered under negligence laws in California. It may be argued that the injury occurred because the person who owned the dog was not exerting sufficient control over the animal at the time.
Sacramento Laws on Dogs
The Sacramento County zoning code allows no more than four dogs, aged six months or older, to live on any premises. Under Sacramento County Code 8.08.056, dogs must be kept on a leash no more than eight feet long when outside the property. Exceptions are dogs used by law enforcement, dogs participating in obedience training, competitions, or an exhibition, herding dogs used to handle livestock, and hunters accompanied by their dogs at designated areas.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites cannot only result in devastating injuries but are also sometimes coupled with emotional harm from fear of going outdoors due to the fear of dogs. Bodily injuries such as abrasions and scratches may be superficial but can be more serious, resulting in tissue loss, broken bones, crush injuries, and facial fractures. Some individuals may have permanent scarring and plastic surgery may be required to repair the damage. In addition, dog bites can become infected, and the dog bite victim is usually placed on antibiotics. In the most severe dog attacks, the victim may die. Diseases carried by dogs that can be transmitted to a human are numerous and include:
- Campylobacteriosis
- Rabies
- Lyme disease
- MRSA
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Getting Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury
A dog attack can be physically and psychologically damaging, and recovery may take a long time. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help by dealing with the insurance company to obtain the compensation needed to pay medical bills and for lost time at work and other expenses. If the person attacked passes away due to injuries, a personal injury attorney can help by filing a wrongful death lawsuit or survival action to recover damages to help the family.
Related Links:
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento dog bite lawyer. Dog attacks or bites can cause severe injuries and require extensive medical care. If you or your loved one has been injured due to a dog bite or other injury by a dog, please call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for help. I can offer you my free and friendly advice about your situation.
Google, Yelp, and Avvo are review sites where you can see comments made by my former clients. Verdicts and Settlements on my website list some of my firm’s previous cases and their outcomes.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates as a California member. This group is only open to primary counsel lawyers with a proven record of $1 million or over in verdicts/settlements for clients.
For 35 years, I have been privileged as an injury lawyer to represent many traumatic injury and wrongful death claims for those seeking fair compensation for their personal injuries in Northern California.
I am the owner and founder of autoaccident.com, a comprehensive source of information on many California personal injuries.
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