According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five victims of dog bites requires medical care. The issue, however, goes beyond dog bites in the home, and a dog attack can happen at any time, anywhere, especially in public places such as parks where people walk their dogs and there is increased overlap between animals and people with whom they are unfamiliar.
If you were attacked by a dog and suffered bodily injuries, the Los Angeles (Robert L.) Burns Park dog bite lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can assist you with your case. Please call us at (800) 816-0755 for a free case evaluation. We can help you determine the at-fault parties responsible for your injuries, quantify any damages that you may be able to pursue, and help you meet important filing and administrative deadlines.
Dog Bite Laws
There are state and local rules and ordinances that govern how dogs are to be handled as well as dog owner’s responsibilities in cases in which a dog attacks someone. The one-bite rule, for example, states that a dog classifies as dangerous–and the owner is liable for the dog’s actions–if the dog bit someone in the past.
California, however, uses the strict liability rule, in which dog owners and other liable parties are held responsible for the actions of the animals they own or the animals in their care irrespective of whether or not the dog is known to bite and even if the responsible parties took reasonable steps to prevent a bite from happening.
Consider the following examples:
- A dog owner fails to restrain their dog either through recklessness or indifference, and it bites someone.
- A dog enters someone else’s property and bites someone on that property.
- A dog bites someone due to provocation.
- A dog bites someone without being provoked.
Each of these cases would likely be handled differently based on the circumstances of each case. For example, a dog owner, a dog walker, or an operator of dog walking services can all shoulder some of the blame for a dog bite. Furthermore, determining the fault for a bite and identifying the at-fault parties who may be held liable can take valuable time away from you while you attempt to recover from your injuries. If you suffered a dog bite in the Los Angeles (Robert L.) Burns Park, our dog bite lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can assist you.
Establishing Liability
There are other scenarios and situations in which a dog bite can occur in which parties different from those outlined above may be liable for the resultant damages. Consider the following questions:
- Did the dog bite occur on public or private property?
- Who owns the property? Is it currently rented to a temporary tenant?
- Does the owner or tenant have dog bite insurance?
- What if a trespasser is bitten by a dog?
- Are there any breed or size restrictions that apply to dogs in your case?
Establishing liability for a dog bite requires an interpretation of California’s Civil Code Article 3342, which clearly outlines who can and cannot file a personal injury claim against the owner of a property or a dog involved in a biting incident. In some cases, civil charges may be levied against the at-fault parties by victims of an attack unless the attack was perpetrated by a dog used for military, government, or law enforcement purposes.
For a free legal consultation with a (Robert L.) Burns Park Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
Injuries and Damages
Dogs, especially vicious breeds and large dogs, can cause considerable damage if they bite or attack anyone. Attacks aimed at the head and neck, the limbs, and attacks on children are especially common. Children may be unable to defend themselves from a surprise attack by a dog, and the child’s life–as well as that of his or her parents–can be forever changed in an instant if a dog suddenly bites or attacks the child.
Injuries and illnesses commonly seen in dog bite cases include:
- Puncture wounds
- Facial scars and disfigurement
- Rabies
- Lost fingers or toes
- Bone breaks or fractures
- Head injuries from falling during an attack
- Emotional trauma
- Anxiety being outdoors
Treating dog bites may require:
- Hospitalization
- Stitches
- X-rays and scans
- Medications
- Long-term treatment for illnesses such as rabies or tapeworm
Insurance issues may also come up, and you must understand your rights and the limits that insurance companies may have for cases like yours when filing a claim for damages. If an insurance policy does not fairly cover your losses now and in the future, financial compensation may be available through a personal injury lawsuit.
Los Angeles (Robert L.) Burns Park Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Contact Us for Assistance
At Pintas & Mullin Law Firm, our Los Angeles (Robert L.) Burns Park dog bite lawyer can help you with your dog bite case. Please call us at (800) 816-0755 for a free case evaluation. We can:
- Help identify the parties responsible for the dog bite.
- Calculate the damages you may be entitled to.
- Make sure you meet all filing deadlines.
We empathize with the victims of dog attacks–especially those that involve young children and those that happen unexpectedly in public places where the dog owner should have exercised more care and caution to prevent harm of any sort from reaching others. Call us for assistance with your case at no upfront cost and only pay if we win your case. Do not delay and contact us today.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form