California Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
We love dogs and all animals. Many people certainly love their dogs. It is important to remember that any dog can bite, and our dog bite lawyers have seen serious dog bite injuries caused by all types and sizes of dogs.
Under California law, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone. This means if a dog bites another person, the owner is liable for that person’s injuries even if the owner did nothing wrong and the dog has never bitten anyone before. There are two limits to this liability: first, you can’t provoke the dog, and second, you must either be in a public place or lawfully on private land. For example, if you are trespassing and a dog bites you, you may not be protected.
If you or someone you love is bitten by a dog, you should:
- Get Medical Help
If you are bitten by a dog or another animal, you should get medical attention right away. Dog bites can be serious and even require stiches, shots, etc. It is also important to clean wounds thoroughly, so you don’t face infection later on. Dogs can carry different types of diseases, including rabies, so even if the injury seems small, if your skin is punctured you should see a doctor.
- Document Your Injury and Gather Information
If you can do so safely, document your injury. Take pictures of your injury and where it happened. If the dog is alone, call animal control. If the dog is captured, ask for a picture of the dog and information on who its owner is. If the dog owner is present, make sure to share names and contact information (including homeowners insurance information, if possible, from the owner of the dog). This is can be helpful in getting proof of vaccinations, so you know how the dog bite may impact your health.
- Speak with a California Dog Bite Personal Injury Attorney
Because dog owners are liable when their dog bites another person, you can receive compensation for your injuries. A personal injury claim against the dog owner can help you recover the cost of medical bills, future medical treatment, pain, suffering, scarring, emotional distress, etc. The information you gathered, and evidence of your injuries will be very important to an attorney. An experienced dog bite personal injury attorney can look at the facts of your case and determine how to best help you get the recovery you deserve.
At Walch Law, we have the experience you want handling your dog bite case. We have obtained many excellent results for our clients who have been the victims of dog bites. Time is of the essence so do not hesitate to contact us today for your free consultation.