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...]
Category: Dog Bites — Page 2 of 3
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 … [Read more...]
Which Dog Bites Are The Most Dangerous?
Parents want to keep their children safe from dog attacks without making them scared of dogs. My advice to parents is to teach children how to be safe around all dogs. After representing dog bite victims for 35 years, I know that any dog can bite in certain situations. If a dog bites your child, contact an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible after seeking medical care. California dog owners are responsible for damage caused when their dogs bite people. An experienced dog bite … [Read more...]
Dog Bite Homeowners Insurance Claims: Am I Covered?
Dog bites are more common than most people would think. Dogs bite 4.5 million people each year. About 20% of these dog bite victims require medical attention. If a dog recently bit you, you may wonder if the dog’s owner has dog bite homeowners insurance. In California, dog owners are responsible for all damages resulting from a dog bite. A dog owner’s homeowners insurance usually pays for bite victims’ medical care and related damages. If the dog owner is not insured, or the insurance limits … [Read more...]
Who pays the vet bills when one dog bites another dog?
In California, a dog owner is responsible for any injuries caused when their dog bites a person. But what if the dog bite victim is another dog? California’s dog bite law does not apply to situations where one dog bites another dog. Despite this, when a dog bite victim is a canine, the victim’s owner can often recover damages. California Dog Owners Are Strictly Liable for Dog Bites California’s dog bite statute says “(a) The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person … [Read more...]
Can a Landlord Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite Inflicted by a Tenant’s Dog?
Over five million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. Unfortunately, young children are the ones most frequently attacked. Dog bites cause severe trauma for victims, and often result in permanent disfigurement. According to California dog bite laws, the owner of the dog is responsible for damages caused by a dog bite or dog attack. California Civil Code Section 3342 states the owner is strictly liable for any damages caused by the dog regardless of whether the dog has … [Read more...]
Are Some Dog Breeds Excluded from Insurance Policies?
Dog bites can cause disfigurement and permanent injuries. A bite can have emotional ramifications for victims who may re-live the attack. Children can be especially susceptible to physical and emotional injuries, including permanent scarring, as a result of a bite incident with a canine. Dog owners can be held responsible for all losses victims experience, with California law imposing strict responsibilities on dog owners. In most cases, homeowners or renters insurance … [Read more...]
Can You Sue For Punitive Damages In A Dog Bite Case?
Dogs are generally friendly and well behaved. Most dog owners train their dogs to be obedient, but sometimes even the most even-tempered dog can unexpectedly attack and bite an innocent person. When this happens, the victim often has to deal with the emotional, physical and financial damages resulting from the dog bite. In California, the victim of a dog bite is entitled to financial compensation for damages related to the dog bite accident. Collecting Damages for Dog Bites in … [Read more...]