Every year, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs. Dog bite claims fall under the umbrella of personal injury law, where the injured party has the legal right to seek compensation for injuries caused by another party’s actions or negligence in keeping the public safe against their dogs.
If you are involved in a dog bite incident it is important to first establish if medical treatment is necessary. Gaining pertinent information about the dog, its owner, and any witnesses is also crucial. You should also report the incident to local police or animal control authorities.
The compassionate personal injury attorneys at Swift Justice, Inc. are here to help you understand your legal rights and options after getting hurt. Reach out to a Calabasas dog bite lawyer for guidance.
Dog bite law varies by place and circumstance and also may include a limitation on the time you have to file a legal claim. In general, a dog bite victim has the right to seek injury compensation from any party whose negligence caused the dog bite attack, any party in violation on leash or restraint laws, and any party who knowingly harbors a dog with a history of biting people.
California has one of the strictest dog bite liability laws in the country. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause when biting someone in a public place or lawfully on private property. This means that, unlike some states that follow a “one bite rule,” California dog owners can be held responsible even if their dog has never bitten anyone before and even if the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous.
Dog bites can cause devastating injuries that go far beyond superficial wounds. The physical damage can be severe and life-altering, particularly when large or aggressive dogs are involved. Common injuries include:
The emotional and psychological impact of a dog attack should also never be underestimated. Many victims, especially children, develop post-traumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety around dogs, and lasting emotional distress that requires professional counseling.
While dog owners are most commonly held liable under California’s strict liability statute, other parties may also share responsibility for dog bite injuries. Property owners who allow dangerous dogs on their premises may be liable if they knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous propensities. Landlords can be held responsible if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to take action to protect others. Dog handlers, including dog walkers, pet sitters, or anyone temporarily caring for a dog, may be liable if their negligence contributed to the attack.
In some cases, multiple parties may share liability. For example, if a property owner allowed a tenant to keep a dog despite knowing it had attacked people before, both the dog owner and the property owner could be held responsible for subsequent attacks. An experienced Calabasas dog bite attorney can investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.
Dog bite victims in California can recover various types of compensation for their injuries. Economic damages include all medical expenses such as emergency room treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care for ongoing treatment or reconstructive procedures. Lost wages for time missed from work during recovery are also compensable, as is lost earning capacity if permanent injuries prevent you from returning to your previous employment or limit your career options.
Non-economic damages compensate victims for pain and suffering, emotional distress and psychological trauma, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life when injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed. In rare cases involving particularly egregious conduct, such as when an owner knowingly allows a dangerous dog to roam free, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the owner and deter similar behavior.
California law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for filing dog bite lawsuits, meaning you must file your claim within two years of the date of the attack. To ensure that you receive just compensation, consult a knowledgeable Calabasas dog bite lawyer to discuss your situation and your legal right to compensation for your injuries. Contact our experienced legal team at Swift Justice, Inc. to arrange a free consultation as soon as possible.
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