Dogs can be your best friend and offer amazing companionship and love for millions of dedicated pet owners. However, while dogs may bring their owners a lot of peaceful, loving happiness, there are times where they may not offer the same to other animals or people. Around 4.5 million dog bites are reported every year- with most of them happening in the state of California. Although many dog bites don’t cause significant physical injury to their victims, there may be long-lasting and severe emotional trauma that results from a dog attack that lingers for years. As a California dog bite accident attorney, we advise dog owners to get as informed as they can regarding the legal liability and responsibilities that they have as a dog owner, and also advocate for any victims who are entitled to compensation for damages resulting from any injuries they suffer in a dog attack. 

What To Know About Dog Bites In California

Here are some basic things that dog owners and dog bite victims should know about the legalities surrounding dog bite accidents in California.

• Dog owners are strictly liable: Under California’s strict liability rule, dog owners are held strictly liable if their dog bites somebody on public OR private property. This means that dog owners are unable to claim “lack of awareness” in dog bite incidents as a defense. Even if the owner had zero previous knowledge of their dog having any aggression, they are still held liable for the dog’s attack or bite. Moreover, even if they try to restrain an aggressive dog and the dog gets away from them i.e breaks the leash, the owner is still held liable. The only exception is if the victim was committing a crime against the owner or illegally trespassing on private property at the time of the dog bite. Also, if the victim was intentionally provoking or taunting the dog, resulting in the dog attack or bite, the owner may be able to defend against liability.
• There may be criminal charges: Dog owners may face criminal charges if they had any prior knowledge of the animal’s aggression. If the dog owner knew about the dog’s history of aggression, especially if they hadn’t taken reasonable measures to correct or prevent such behavior, they potentially face criminal charges and penalties. 
• Dog bite claims have a statute of limitations: If the victim’s claim isn’t filed within California’s two-year statute of limitations, the right to file a claim may expire. It is critical to consult an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible following the dog bite incident who can help you move the case forwards efficiently within time restrictions while you heal and recover.
• Dog bite victim compensation: Many victims suffer post-traumatic stress disorder in addition to physical injuries after a dog attack. An experienced dog bite accident attorney will help you get a settlement that includes immediate and future expenses, including psychological counseling, lost wages, and reconstructive or plastic surgery.

Contact Us Today

Dog bite attacks are an unfortunate situation that can cause a lot of physical and emotional pain for all involved. If you were the victim of a dog bite accident, call the Law Office of Ball & Yorke to consult with a top dog bite accident lawyer today.