Pursuing Compensation After a Dog Bite

 Posted on September 21, 2022 in Personal Injury

Dog bites are often worse than they initially appear. Frequently, people who have been bitten are at first only aware of puncture wounds that could theoretically be effectively treated at home. However, injuries inflicted by a dog bite can extend far beyond the surface of the skin. Damage to ligaments, tendons, and even veins may necessitate surgical repair. Broken bones, particularly in the hands, can be camouflaged by rapidly developing hematoma enveloping the bitten area. Infectious bacteria contained within a dog’s mouth and saliva are a critical secondary concern. Infections stemming from a dog bite can become severe due to the depth at which bacteria was driven under the skin. If you have been bitten by a dog, it is imperative to seek urgent medical attention. You may also be eligible to recover financial compensation for any costs and losses related to the injury. 

3 Important Facts About Dog Bites in California 

In California, it is the duty of a dog’s owner to retain such control over their animal as to prevent bites from occurring in public spaces, and in private spaces into which others have been permitted. This concept is known as “strict liability,” meaning that it is not necessary to prove that the owner engaged in negligent conduct that allowed the bite to happen, nor can the owner’s lack of knowledge as to the dog’s aggressive tendencies provide a defense. Other important information victims of dog bites in California should be aware of includes:  

• Provocation exception - An exception to the strict liability rule applies when the victim provoked the dog bite. This may include conduct like striking or harassing the dog, committing violence or acts of aggression against the owner, or even inadvertently stepping on the dog, as a canine cannot be expected to distinguish between an accidental impact and a deliberate assault. 

• Available types of compensation - Depending on the severity of the bite and the impact of the attack on your life, victims of dog bites may seek compensation for multiple types of costs and losses associated with the account, in addition to compensation for psychological harms. Medical costs and lost wages are two examples of generally compensable damages. 

• Impact to the dog - Many victims express concern for what will happen to the dog following a bite for which a claim was filed. Unless there are strong reasons suggesting that the dog is a threat to the public, it is highly unlikely to be euthanized after a single bite. Unless you were bitten by a dog intentionally trained to attack, you suffered substantial injuries, or the dog has previously bitten another person, you generally need not worry about harming the animal itself by filing a claim. The owner is more likely to be required to train the animal properly if anything. 

If you were bitten by a dog, you should seek prompt medical care and then speak with an attorney as soon as you are able. 

Contact an LA County Dog Bite Lawyer

Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. represents victims of dog bites in their pursuit of compensation. Our experienced Glendale dog bite attorneys will strive to recover the compensation you need after being bitten by a dog. Call 818-242-8201 to receive a free consultation.  

Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=3342.&lawCode=CIV