Have You Been Bitten by a Dog?
Dog attacks can be devastating, life changing events that leave physical and emotional scars that may never heal. Even a small bite can cause a serious injury and lead to a major ordeal. If you've been bitten by a dog, the homeowner's insurance company for the dog owner owes you money.
What if your pet was injured or killed?
The most common type of animal attack is a dog attacking another dog. It’s very common for a person holding the leash during a dog attack to get bit or injured during the dog fight. Pets are part of the family and their loss can be devastating. The homeowners insurance carrier for the other dog owes you money.
Each year, roughly 4.7 million people suffer from dog bites. These victims not only endure mild to severe physical and emotional injuries, but may also experience a potentially heavy financial burden of medical treatment and hospital bills.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Orange County, CA, contact the Law Offices of Geoff Rill today.
Determining Liability
California dog bite law holds owners to strict liability standards and imposes a legal duty on the dog owner for any damages and injuries their dog may cause. That applies even if the person did not act with negligence or fault.
The state also has several different laws that aim to reduce the chances of dog bites. Code Section 4-1-45 requires all dog owners to restrain their dog with a leash, chain, or fence. Law enforcement agencies may also detain an animal if it demonstrates aggressive behavior.
The only exception to this rule is for the victim to illegally come onto your private property before the attack. However, mail carriers and meter readers have an exemption to this rule, as it pertains to their profession to access private residences.
Strict liability only applies to the owner. If a dog attack happens while the animal is with a sitter or trainer, that person doesn’t bear complete responsibility for the attack. Some dog bite victims might prefer suing someone other than the owner to deter future dog bite cases.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dogs have powerful jaws, with some breeds being able to deliver more than 550 psi per bite. By comparison, human bites only register 162 psi. Some of the most common injuries that dog bite victims may suffer from include:
Puncture wounds
Scars and lacerations
Broken bones
Nerve damage
Emotional suffering
Eye, mouth, and nose injuries
Disfigurement
What to Do After a Dog Attack
If you have been bitten by a dog, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries aren’t severe. Dog bites can pass diseases like rabies that can cause complications.
After the attack, write down the owner’s contact information if you know it, along with your recollection of what happened. It’s advisable to take pictures and videos of the dog bites, as they may be used as evidence to build your case and help you receive compensation from insurance companies or the owner.
Contact us at the Law Offices of Geoff Rill to schedule your free consultation.
