Dog bites in California can cause serious injuries, emotional trauma, and costly medical bills. A recent Los Angeles Times article highlights just how serious cases can be when basic safety information isn’t disclosed.
75-year-old Kristin Wright adopted a pit bull from an L.A. city animal shelter that described the dog as “sweet.” Two days later, the dog attacked her violently, breaking one arm and severely injuring the other. Only after the attack did Wright learn that the dog had previously bitten someone else, a history the shelter failed to disclose properly before adoption. As a result, Wright later reached a $3.25 million settlement.
This tragic case underscores why it’s critical for victims of dog bites to understand their legal options and consult with a personal injury lawyer.
The Impact of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites aren’t minor incidents. They can cause:
- Lacerations, nerve damage, fractures, and scarring
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Infections and long-term medical treatment
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
In Wright’s case, despite multiple surgeries, she still experiences ongoing nerve damage that affects her ability to work, a reality many dog bite victims face.
When Is Someone Liable for a Dog Bite?
Liability for dog bite injuries can depend on several factors, including:
Knowledge of Prior Bite History
Many states, including California, have laws requiring animal shelters and rescue groups to disclose a dog’s prior bite history in writing before adoption.
In the Wright case, the shelter was accused of violating this mandate by giving out incomplete or misleading information about the dog’s history. The legal argument wasn’t about whether the dog was dangerous; it was about whether the shelter fulfilled its legal duty to warn.
Negligence in Handling or Supervision
Dog bite claims often rely on proving that the person (or entity) responsible failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm. Examples include:
- Failing to warn about prior violent behavior
- Allowing a dog with known aggression to interact with the public
- Improper storage or control of a dangerous animal
Strict Liability
In California, dog owners are generally subject to strict liability for dog bites, meaning an owner can be held responsible for injuries even if they had no prior knowledge that the dog was dangerous. Experienced personal injury lawyers can help victims pursue compensation under strict liability law and any additional claims, such as failure to disclose a dog’s bite history.
Animal Shelter Liability: Not Just for Owners
Most people think of dog bite claims as something directed at private owners, but cases like the one involving the L.A. shelter show that government agencies, shelters, and rescue groups can also be liable.
In California, laws like the “Truth in Pet Adoption” requirement require shelters to provide written bite history disclosures before a dog can be released to a new home. When this doesn’t happen, and injuries result, victims may be able to pursue:
- Personal injury claims
- Government liability claims
- Wrongful disclosure failure claims
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Dog Bite
Talking to a skilled personal injury lawyer is essential if you’ve been bitten by a dog, especially in cases involving serious injuries or when multiple parties may be responsible. A lawyer can help you:
Identify All Responsible Parties
After a dog bite, it’s important to determine who may be liable for your injuries. This isn’t always limited to the dog’s owner. In California, shelters, rescue organizations, landlords, or government agencies can sometimes share responsibility, especially if they failed to disclose a dog’s prior bite history or neglected to follow safety protocols. An experienced personal injury lawyer will investigate the situation thoroughly to ensure that every potentially responsible party is identified and held accountable.
Navigate Complex Statutes and Liability Laws
California dog bite laws can be complicated. Owners are generally subject to strict liability, but additional claims can arise from negligence or failure to warn by shelters or other entities. A skilled lawyer understands these laws and can help you navigate the legal system, ensuring that all claims are properly pursued and deadlines are met. Their guidance is crucial to protect your rights and avoid mistakes that could limit your recovery.
Document Medical Expenses, Lost Wages, and Future Care Costs
Proving the full extent of your damages is essential in a dog bite case. A personal injury lawyer will help you compile detailed medical records, bills, therapy costs, and documentation of lost income due to missed work. They will also work with medical experts to estimate future care needs or long-term impacts of your injuries, building a strong case to support the compensation you deserve.
Negotiate Fair Settlements or Take Your Case to Trial
Insurance companies and responsible parties often attempt to minimize payouts. A skilled attorney will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that reflects the true scope of your injuries and losses. If a fair resolution isn’t possible, your lawyer is prepared to take your case to trial, advocating aggressively to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable under California law.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in California
How you respond immediately after a dog bite can impact both your health and your legal rights. If you or a loved one is bitten, follow these steps:
1. Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Even seemingly minor bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, or permanent scarring. Go to a doctor or urgent care center as soon as possible. Be sure to document all injuries, treatments, and prescribed medications. This medical documentation will be critical if you decide to pursue a claim for compensation.
2. Report the Incident to Authorities
California law encourages victims to report dog bites to local animal control or law enforcement. Reporting the bite creates an official record and ensures the dog is evaluated for dangerous behavior or rabies risk. For bites involving shelter or rescue dogs, notifying the agency can also help preserve evidence about the dog’s history and prior incidents.
3. Document Everything
Take photos of your injuries, the dog (if it is safe to do so), and the location of the attack. Write down detailed notes about the circumstances of the bite, including the date, time, what triggered the incident, and any witnesses present. Collect witness contact information whenever possible — statements from bystanders can strengthen your case.
4. Gather Information About the Dog and Its Owner
If the dog has an owner, get their name, address, and insurance information. If the dog came from a shelter or rescue, request records about the dog’s prior behavior, bite history, and any evaluations conducted by the organization. These records can be crucial in proving liability, especially in cases where the shelter failed to disclose important information.
5. Avoid Confrontation or Early Settlements
Do not admit fault, make statements, or accept offers from the dog’s owner or shelter without legal guidance. Even well-meaning comments could be used against you and may reduce the compensation you could be entitled to.
6. Contact an Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyer
Dog bite cases can involve multiple layers of liability. In California, dog owners are generally strictly liable, but additional claims may exist against shelters, rescues, or landlords if they failed to warn about a dog’s dangerous history. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate these complex rules, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
7. Follow Up and Track Recovery
Keep detailed records of all follow-up appointments, therapy, medications, and ongoing effects of the bite. This helps your legal team fully document the damages you’ve suffered and ensures nothing is overlooked in your claim.
By taking these steps promptly and carefully, you protect both your health and your legal rights. Acting quickly gives you the strongest foundation for recovery and ensures all responsible parties can be held accountable.
Speak to a Dog Bite Attorney if You’ve Been Injured
Dog bites can cause serious injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens, whether the dog is a family pet, a neighbor’s dog, or an animal adopted from a shelter. California law provides strong protections for victims, including strict liability for dog owners and potential claims against shelters or rescues that fail to disclose bite histories.
If you’ve been bitten, it’s important to act quickly. A trusted personal injury attorney in California can guide you through every step of the process and fight to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
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