Arcadia Dog Bite Lawyer
Most of us love dogs. They are friends, and many consider them family. But not all dogs are safe and friendly. Especially if they are abused, neglected, or trained to attack, dogs and other pets can turn vicious. Some animals simply attack because it is in their nature. Every year, thousands of people across the State of California and millions more across the country are injured by vicious dogs and other animals. If you were bitten by a dangerous dog or otherwise have suffered from an attack by an animal owned by someone else, you might have the right to compensation.
At the Law Offices of Dulio R. Chavez, II & Associates, our Arcadia personal injury law firm is dedicated to helping the people of California recover compensation for the damages they have suffered due to dog bites and other animal attacks. From our offices in Arcadia, we serve clients throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. Reach out to our experienced personal injury attorney for help if you or a loved one has been injured in an animal attack in Southern California, and let us help you recover the compensation you deserve.
California’s Dog Bite Law
California is one of a few states that imposes “strict liability” for dog bites. California Civil Code section 3342, also called the dog bite statute, establishes that pet owners are legally responsible for people hurt when their dogs attack.
The dog bite law in California makes dog owners liable if their dogs attack, so long as the attack either occurred in a public place or, if the attack was on private property, the victim was a legal guest. The private area can be a store, a business, or a home. The owner is liable regardless of whether the animal showed aggression in the past (unlike other states that have a “dangerous dog” rule). If you were bitten, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury claim.
In addition to dog owners, other parties may be liable for an animal attack if they had control of the premises or the animal at the time of the attack. Dog caretakers and landlords may also be responsible after an animal attack, although they will not be held to the same strict liability standard. A dog caretaker must have known the dog had a propensity for violence or acted negligently in caring or controlling the dog in order to be held liable. Similarly, a landlord or property owner who had knowledge of a dangerous animal and failed to ensure the safety of residents or visitors may be responsible after an animal attack.
Dog Bite Injuries and Damages
Dangerous animals can do more than just bite. Large dogs can tackle you to the ground, causing head trauma, strained muscles, and other trauma-based injuries. A severe dog bite or scratch can mangle a limb or cause a deep laceration. Even a small, vicious dog bite can do serious, lasting injury.
Dog bites and other animal attacks can cause severe injuries, including the following:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Fractures and broken bones
- Strained or torn muscles
- Deep contusions
- Loss of limb
- Head and brain trauma
- Infection
- Emotional trauma
- Exposure to rabies and other diseases
- Fatal injuries
If you were bitten or attacked by a dog, you might be able to recover a variety of damages. Compensation available after an animal attack in California may including the following:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages for any missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress relating to scarring or disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Speak with our dedicated California dog bite attorneys about your case and your injury to learn about the damages you may be able to recover. We will help you build your case and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for the harm you have suffered.
Call a Seasoned Arcadia Dog Bite Lawyer After Your Southern California Animal Attack
For dedicated, effective, and efficient help with a dog bite claim in Southern California, contact the Arcadia Law Offices of Dulio R. Chavez II & Associates for a free consultation at 626-357-3303.
