California Dog Bite Attorney
Are You a Dog Bite Victim? Call the Attorneys at CZ Law Today! Serving Southern California
Dogs bite about 4.5 million people every year in the United States, and it’s estimated that half of the victims are children between the ages of 5 and 9. Dog bites often have unforeseen consequences, affecting victims in numerous ways. Physically, they range from simple scratches to severe injuries that can lead to nerve damage or infections. Psychologically, the trauma of an attack can lead to long-term fears and anxieties. Knowing your options can alleviate some of the stress involved in the aftermath and help ensure you receive proper compensation for both visible and invisible scars.
Dog bites can be traumatizing for people of all ages, and the physical and emotional injuries may affect you for years to come. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, contact Carpenter & Zuckerman today to discuss your circumstances with an experienced personal injury attorney in California.
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to understand your legal rights so you know who to hold liable for your injuries, contact us today.
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What is California's Dog Bite Law?
Each state has its own laws related to dog bites. California is a strict liability state, which means the dog owner will be held liable when their dog bites another person as long as:
- The injuries were caused by a dog bite
- The person was bitten in a public place or was lawfully on private property at the time of the attack
This means the dog owner cannot be held liable if a dog bites someone who is trespassing on private property. The dog owner may also not be held liable if the victim provoked the dog prior to the bite. For example, if a dog owner asks someone not to approach their dog because the dog seems agitated, but the person does so anyway and is bitten, the owner may not be liable.
In California, the owner cannot defend themselves by saying that they did not know the dog was aggressive or that the dog did not have a history of biting people. Because this is a strict liability state, the dog owner can still be liable, even if the dog does not have a history of aggressive behavior.
The strict liability rule simplifies the legal proceedings by focusing primarily on the occurrence of the bite, rather than the owner's knowledge of the dog's tendencies. However, nuances in the law mean that thorough legal guidance is often necessary to navigate the complexities involved in proving liability. It's important for victims to understand these aspects to effectively pursue justice with help from a skilled dog bite attorney in California.
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How to Prevent Dog Bites & Keep Safe in California
Preventing dog bites is crucial in high-population areas like Southern California, where interactions between dogs and people are frequent. Understanding dog behavior can significantly reduce the risk of bites. Dogs may bite if they feel threatened, startled, or in defense of their territory. Therefore, it's essential to approach unfamiliar dogs cautiously. Avoid direct eye contact, move slowly, and allow the dog to sniff your hand before attempting to pet it. Teaching children how to behave around dogs is equally important, as their unpredictable movements can sometimes provoke a defensive response from an animal.
Awareness of body language is another effective strategy to prevent bites. Signs such as raised fur, growling, baring teeth, or stiffened body posture can indicate potential aggression. In these situations, it is advisable to remain calm and avoid sudden movements that might trigger a bite response. Responsible pet ownership also contributes significantly to bite prevention. Ensuring dogs are well-socialized and trained from a young age can mitigate aggressive tendencies, reducing the likelihood of bites.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in California
Experiencing a dog bite can be traumatic, but knowing what steps to take afterward is crucial for ensuring safety and preserving your legal options. First, ensure the wound is cleaned immediately to reduce infection risk. Seek medical attention promptly, as healthcare professionals can assess the need for rabies or tetanus shots. Documenting the incident is also vital. Capture photos of the injuries, the location, and, if possible, the dog that bit you. Gather witness statements, including contact details, which can support your narrative if a legal claim is pursued.
Next, report the bite to local animal control authorities. In California, it's required to report such incidents so that the animal's vaccination records can be reviewed, and the risk of rabies exposure is assessed. Consult with a personal injury attorney to explore your legal rights. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of California's dog bite laws, maximizing your opportunity for fair compensation and holding responsible parties accountable.
We know when to take cases to trial to secure maximum compensation for our clients.