We represent the plaintiff in California dog bite and attack cases.
If you've been been bitten or attacked by a dog, you should consult with
a California dog bite lawyer
to determine if you are entitled to compensation to cover your medical
bills and damages. Dog bites go much further than broken bones or
scarring. The emotional trauma of a dog bite can last a lifetime.
The personal injury attorneys at Bisnar Chase handle numerous dog
bite and attack cases each year. We have the knowledge and experience it
takes to represent our clients and help them obtain fair and full
compensation for all their losses. Please contact us at 949-203-3814
to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights. We are
here to help. We'll provide you with a no obligation, free consultation
about your dog bite case.
When a dog attacks an individual - regardless of the victim's age,
physical build or mental attributes - the incident leaves a mark. This
goes beyond the physical puncture wounds and bite marks suffered by the
victim. There is a heavy emotional and psychological toll in dog bite
cases, which is indisputable. Whether the victim is a 6-foot-tall man or
a 2-foot toddler, they both go through a period of intense fear and
insecurity. A dog attack is traumatic, period. Dog aggression can leave long lasting anxiety.
Injuries associated with a serious dog bite are typically:
- Deep contusions
- Fractures
- Amputations
- Serious head and face injuries
- Long term emotional scars
California Leads the Nation in Dog Attacks
Two recent reports confirmed that California, especially the Los
Angeles area, leads the nation when it comes to dog bite incidents. For
example, Los Angeles has earned notoriety for the second year in a row
as the U.S. city with the most dog attacks on postal workers. According
to the U.S. Postal Service, Los Angeles had 69 dog attacks on mail
carriers in fiscal year 2012. In 2011, Los Angeles led again with 83
mail carrier dog attacks.
Experts say year-round pleasant weather in Southern California could
be one of the reasons why these incidents are so prevalent here. Also,
according to a report released by State Farm insurance company,
California led the pack when it came to the number of dog bite claims
(527) and the payout in these types of cases ($20.3 million) during the
year 2012.
Strict Liability Statute in California for Dog Bites
California has what is known as a "strict liability statute"
when it comes to dog attacks. What this means is that dog owners are
responsible for the actions of their pets, no ifs or buts. The only
exceptions may be when the dog attack was provoked by cruelty toward the
animal or when a dog bites someone who was committing a crime or
trespassing on the owner's property. However, there are very few
exceptions in this regard. In a majority of cases, dog owners can be
held financially liable in addition to receiving citations or facing
other penalties associated with the attack.
California's Civil Code Section 3342 states: "The owner of any dog is
liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog
while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the
property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness
of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness." There have
also been several recent cases in California where courts have upheld
personal injury claims against landlords who have allowed a tenant to
have a dangerous dog on premises.
Injuries and Treatment in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite incidents can result in serious injuries including, but not
limited to bites, puncture wounds, broken bones and even nerve injuries.
Dog attacks also result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, which,
needless to say, also causes serious emotional and psychological issues
for victims. Often, victims or their families spend thousands of
dollars on therapy so that their lives can return to normalcy. Most
victims develop a long-term fear of dogs. Many victims also require
plastic surgery to treat bite marks and scars. Some undergo several
surgeries to repair these scars. Some are unsuccessful and are left with
permanent scars.
Victims and their families also struggle with paying for these
treatments. Most insurance companies do not cover plastic surgery
procedures because they are cosmetic in nature and not something that is
needed to save the life of a patient. Patients end up paying out of
pocket for these procedures and much-needed psychological therapy
sessions to combat issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD).
Holding Dog Owners Accountable
It is unfair that victims pay such a high physical and financial
price for a dog attack when the incident was not even their fault. Dog
owners should be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages
and losses suffered by these unsuspecting victims. Injured victims can
seek compensation in dog bite cases for damages such as medical
expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, cost of
surgeries, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional
distress. Dog bite attorneys are very familair with the laws in
California regarding unwarranted dog attacks and will be able to fight
for you against the dog owner.
Dog Attacks and Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners' insurance policies usually cover dog attacks. Most of
these policies provide between $100,000 and $300,000 in liability
coverage. However, if the dog owner is a renter or lacks insurance, the
victim can try to hold the property owner liable for allowing a
dangerous dog to live on the premises. In a recent development, Farmers
Group notified its policyholders that it would no longer cover bites by
pit bulls, Rottweilers and wolf hybrids under homeowners' insurance
policies.
Despite sharp criticism from pit bull advocates, insurers say bites
from pit bulls and other breeds have risen significantly in recent years
along with the cost of settling those damage claims. Farmers said that
the three breeds it listed accounted for more than 25 percent of their
dog bite claims. Farmers officials also said that these breeds caused
more harm than any other breed when they attacked.
Get Immediate Legal Help
An experienced and seasoned dog bite lawyer is going to be the
difference between winning and losing your case. An attorney who spends
countless hours in the courtroom fighting for the rights of injured
plaintiffs will have a much better grasp on the issues than just any
attorney. A dog bite attorney studies these types of cases on a regular
basis and understands the laws, courts and local statutes. Be sure to
seek out an attorney who has a specialized area of practice for dog
bites and animal attacks.