Dogs are known as man's best friend, offering companionship, loyalty, and affection. However, it's important to remember that dogs are animals with instincts that can occasionally lead to unexpected behavior, including biting. In California, the state has enacted laws to protect individuals who have been bitten or injured by dogs. This blog post aims to shed light on California's dog bite statute specifically focusing on strict liability for dog owners. Understanding these laws can help both dog … [Read more...]
The Dos & Don’ts of Building a Dog Bite Claim
Whenever you come across a playful pup, it’s easy to forget that dogs have the potential to cause serious harm. At the end of the day, however, even the friendliest Fido acts on instinct, which means they will attack if they feel threatened. While a minor dog bite may leave little more than a scratch, a major incident can result in devastating injuries. The latter probably seems unlikely, but it happens far more often than most people realize. More than 4.5 million Americans are … [Read more...]
Meeting with a Dog Bite Attorney? How to Prepare
While some dogs are more inclined to attack than others, every animal has the propensity to cause harm. In fact, roughly 1,000 people across the United States need emergency medical care following a dog bite every single day. Thankfully, California holds pet owners strictly liable for any damages their dogs cause. That means victims don’t have to prove negligence on the part of the owner to secure compensation. Of course, recovering a payout can still pose a … [Read more...]
What Kinds of Damages Are Available in Dog Bite Claims?
Getting bit by someone else’s dog can have a disastrous impact on your physical, emotional, and economic well-being. Thankfully, the state of California recognizes as much and allows victims to seek compensation for the damages they incur as a result. Learn about the most common losses that can be recovered following an animal attack below: Economic Damages Economic damages make up a significant portion of most personal injury payouts. Comprised of tangible monetary losses, … [Read more...]
When Is a Dog Owner Liable for Bite-Related Injuries?
Dogs might be man’s best friend—and in most cases, they live up to the name—but every animal has a breaking point. Thankfully, California tort law recognizes as much. The statute governing dog bite claims acknowledges that all dogs have the propensity to attack, so victims can usually hold the dog owner liable for their injuries. Under the state’s strict liability doctrine, owners are almost always responsible for damages their dogs cause, even if they were not being negligent at the … [Read more...]
Does Strict Liability Apply to Dog Bite Cases in California?
In the state of California, dog owners are almost always strictly liable for the damages their dogs cause in the event of an attack. As such, dog bite victims typically do not have to prove the owner was negligent in order to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Unlike other states, California does not have a “one-bite rule.” That means dog owners can be held strictly liable for damages even if their animal had never bitten anyone or displayed vicious … [Read more...]
My Child Was Bitten by a Dog—Can I Sue?
If your son or daughter was bitten by a dog, your family may be entitled to compensation for all resulting damages. There are, however, many ways for the dog owner and/or the insurance company to dispute your claim. For example, they might argue that your child instigated the attack or that the injuries are less severe than you’re claiming. The easiest way to find out if your case has merit is to speak with a dog bite attorney. Fortunately, most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, … [Read more...]
What Does “Strict Liability” Mean?
Most personal injury claims are founded on the basis of negligence, which means the tortfeasor breached a duty of care owed to the claimant, resulting in his or her injury or loss. But when strict liability applies, proving the defendant was negligent is not a prerequisite to recovering damages. In the state of California, strict liability applies to certain product liability and dog bite cases. Strict Liability in Product Liability Cases A product defect can arise at any stage of the design, … [Read more...]
Umbrella Coverage: A Potential Source of Recovery in Tort Claims
Recovering a fair settlement after a serious injury or wrongful death is a tricky process that may involve several insurance policies. Ideally, the person or entity that caused your injury or loss will have liability insurance that covers such scenarios, whether it was a car accident, slip and fall, product defect, etc. In addition to auto, home, and renter’s insurance, some defendants have umbrella coverage. This is extra liability insurance that will kick in if the policyholder is held … [Read more...]
Is a Landlord Liable If A Tenant’s Dog Bites Someone?
California dog owners are responsible for all damages resulting from their dogs’ bites. That sounds straightforward. Unless you are the dog bite victim and the dog’s owner is a tenant without insurance. In that case, you may wonder about landlord liability for dog bites. Determining liability is important to victims because the liable person must pay for the victim’s injuries. Dog bites can cause serious scarring and permanent damage. Injuries may require multiple surgeries. Dog bites can leave … [Read more...]