Dog Bites in California
At Kannan Law, we can represent you if you have been a victim of a dog bite in California
The team of expert attorneys at Kannan Law in San Diego, California, has extensive experience in dog bite cases. We can review your case for free, help you understand your legal rights and options, and accompany you in filing a lawsuit so that you can recover from that incident without financial problems.
Being bitten by a dog can be an overwhelming and challenging experience due to the physical and emotional consequences it causes. However, this state’s law imposes strict liability when a dog bite occurs, even if the dog has never bit someone before and the owner did nothing wrong.
The owner of the dog will be held responsible for the injuries of the person who was bitten, and this person could recover compensatory damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
When is the owner held liable for dog bites in California?
According to California Civil Code Section 3342 (CC 3342), which is the state’s civil dog bite statute, the owner of a dog will be responsible for injury to others as long as it was unprovoked and the person was in public or legally on private property.
A public place is any location that is open to the general public, such as a neighborhood, park, bar, library, restaurant, beach, apartment complex, or public plaza.
Trespassers who are bitten by a dog will likely not recover dog bite damages in this state. Additionally, if the dog was provoked, was protecting its owner or another person in accordance with self-defense laws in California, or was a military or police dog used appropriately, people bitten by a dog may not recover damages.
California law requires dog owners and also dog victims to report dog bites to their local county health officer. It doesn’t mean the dog owner will be prosecuted, it’s just to make sure the animal doesn’t have the rabies virus. This is why dogs that have bitten someone will be quarantined for ten days, to make sure they are healthy.
If a dog has bitten a person, it does not have to be euthanized, but the law allows it if the dog has bitten a person on more than two occasions or if it has been trained to fight, attack, or kill someone and bites a person even once causing considerable physical damage. In these cases, the dogs could be removed from their owners and put to sleep after a hearing takes place.
It is important for you to also know that some homeowners’ and renters’ insurance covers dog bites in California. Additionally, in the event that a dog bites you and you do not have health insurance, you may be able to find a doctor who is willing to work on a medical lien in the state of California.
What are compensatory damages for dog bites in California?
Compensatory damages for a dog bite in California may include, but are not limited to: medical bills; physical therapy; psychological counseling; lost wages; loss of earning capacity; pain and suffering; cicatrization; inability to use a limb. Additionally, families of people who have died as a result of a dog attack can recover wrongful death damages or loss of consortium damages.
However, if a person was injured by a dog but was not bitten, they must prove that the owner was negligent in order to recover compensatory damages, which means proving that the owner knew or should have known that the dog could be dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent others from being injured.
Suffering a dog bite can be a traumatic experience and leave serious physical and emotional consequences. If you have been the victim of a dog attack in California, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from a specialized attorney to give you the best chance of obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve after such an unfortunate attack.
A California dog bite attorney knows California’s specific laws and procedures, ensuring your claim is handled correctly from the start, maximizing your chances of success.
This legal expert will thoroughly analyze your case to identify responsible parties and ensure they are held accountable. Additionally, she can help you negotiate with insurance companies and obtain the maximum possible compensation for you.
It is important to know that if you want to sue after being bitten by a dog in California, you have two years after the incident to do so and the period begins on the date the bite occurred. Once this period is over, the person will not be able to recover damages.
Why Should You Hire an Expert California Dog Bite Lawyer?
At Kannan Law, we can help you negotiate a settlement with a doctor who has agreed to work for a lien so that you don’t end up with an incredible amount of medical bills when treating dog bite wounds. This is in the event that you do not have health insurance and the dog owner has no insurance or assets. We are trained to help you negotiate an agreement with a doctor who agrees to work under a lien. This will help you avoid a lot of medical bills from dog bite injuries.
We offer you our team of experienced dog bite lawyers who will help you recover without having to deal with financial problems and personalized attention so that you can understand your rights and legal options.
Contact us today if you have been the victim of a dog bite, and our team will review your case. All we want is for you to recover comfortably from a dog bite without harming you financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I am bitten by a dog in California?
The law in California imposes strict liability on the dog owner in the event of a bite, regardless of whether the dog has bitten before or whether the owner acted wrongly. At Kannan Law, we understand the legal implications of these types of incidents and can help you understand your legal rights and options, as well as assist you in filing a lawsuit to recover financially.
When is the owner held liable for dog bites in California?
Under California Civil Code Section 3342, the owner of a dog is responsible for injuries caused by the animal unless the person provoked the dog or was trespassing on private property. At Kannan Law, we know the details of this law and can determine if you are entitled to recover compensatory damages for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
What should I do if I am bitten by a dog in California?
California law requires both dog owners and victims to report bites to the local county health officer. It is crucial to seek immediate medical and legal attention after a dog attack. At Kannan Law, we are prepared to guide you through this process and ensure that your rights are protected as you seek to recover from the injuries suffered.
What are compensatory damages for dog bites in California?
Compensatory damages can include medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, among others. At Kannan Law, we understand the importance of obtaining adequate compensation for injuries sustained due to a dog bite and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Do I Need a California Dog Bite Lawyer?
Suffering a dog bite can be a traumatic experience and leave serious physical and emotional consequences. It is crucial to have the legal support of a California dog bite attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries. At Kannan Law, we have the experience and commitment to help you obtain justice and recover financially after a dog attack.