According to State Farm, California leads the United States in dog bite claims. In 2018, the insurance company paid $123 million in dog bite claims, including $18.6 million in California alone. The following year, the United States hit a record high of 48 dog bite fatalities, and California (nine deaths) led the nation.
Any dog can bite, and owners must take responsible measures to prevent themselves, their families, and others from harm. When pet owners fail to train their dogs and keep them appropriately restrained, serious injury, and even death can occur should the dog attack another person.
If you suffered an injury or lost a loved one as the result of a dog bite at the Griffith Park Bird Sanctuary in Los Angeles, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you seek compensation. Call us today at (800) 816-0755 to discuss your case with our legal team.
The City of Los Angeles Does Not Allow Unleashed Dogs in the Bird Sanctuary
Nestled inside Griffith Park, a 4,310-acre city park in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Bird Sanctuary features a nature trail offering views of native plants and animals. While the park does allow dogs, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks specifically states that dogs must remain on a leash throughout the park. This restriction includes the Bird Sanctuary, as freely roaming dogs present a danger to the park’s ecosystem. However, as many victims know firsthand, dogs sometimes present a danger to park visitors, as well.
Stray Dog Bites
While Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control responds to concerns regarding stray animals, they cannot control the region’s entire population of stray dogs. These dogs often have unpredictable behavior and may attack pets and people, especially if they feel scared or threatened.
If a stray dog bit you during your hike, Animal Care & Control can attempt to confine the dog and determine if it has an owner. If they can find the dog’s owner, you might be able to recover compensation for your injuries. A Los Angeles Bird Sanctuary dog bite lawyer can help you determine if you have a case.
Bites From Leashed or Unleashed Dogs
If you know the identity of the owner of the dog that bit you or your loved one, the county can take the appropriate steps to investigate the situation and prevent further incidents. After seeking medical treatment, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can work with you to gather evidence and build a case against the owner to hold them responsible for your losses. Contact us today, and a representative from our legal team can discuss the details of your case with you for free.
Dangers of Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause many serious injuries that have a lasting effect on your health, mobility, and financial stability. In severe instances, they can even cause death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 5 dog bites requires medical attention. The dangers of dog bites vary based on the location, severity, and treatment of the injuries.
Contracting Diseases
Diseases remain a significant concern, particularly for those bitten by a stray dog, as dogs can transmit certain diseases to humans through bites. One of the most dangerous of these diseases is rabies, which can lead to serious neurological conditions if not treated. Other diseases spread by dogs may include symptoms such as:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills and fever
- Digestive issues
- Joint pain
- Gangrene
Serious Bodily Injury
Dog bite victims often suffer from injuries to the body. Along with minor scratches and lacerations, deep wounds causing muscle damage and broken bones can also occur. These injuries can make healing time substantially longer and can prevent victims from going to work, paying their bills, and taking care of their families.
Infection of Wounds
Even dog bite wounds that do not initially require medical attention can become infected, which may result in severe pain, redness, and swelling that require further medical care. If not treated, these infections may spread or worsen, which can eventually cause organ failure, sepsis, and death.
The injuries from your dog bite can affect many aspects of your life. If you required medical treatment or suffered the loss of a loved one in an attack, a Los Angeles Bird Sanctuary dog bite lawyer can help you seek justice and financial awards.
For a free legal consultation with a Bird Sanctuary Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
California Dog Bite Laws
In January 2020, a law took effect in California requiring shelters and rescue organizations to disclose any known incidents in which a dog bit and broke skin before a new owner adopts it. It complements California Civil Code § 3342, which states that the owner of any dog that bites someone in a public place is liable for the victim’s damages, regardless of whether the dog had previously bitten or if the owner knew of its history. Therefore, in cases where the victim knows the owner’s identity, they may file a claim against the owner to recover awards for their losses.
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Financial Awards for Dogs Bites
Seeking compensation on your own may feel intimidating, especially during your challenging time. A Los Angeles Bird Sanctuary dog bite lawyer can help you by collecting documentation to build your case, pursuing the awards you may be entitled to receive, and representing you in court. The types of financial recovery awarded in dog bite cases vary by circumstance, but they may include compensation for:
- Emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and other related healthcare needs.
- Wages you lost being out of work with your injury and loss of future income due to your inability to work.
- Pain and suffering or mental anguish you experienced because of the bite.
- Funeral and burial expenses if you lost a loved one.
- Loss of consortium, also known as loss of companionship, if you suffered the loss of your spouse.
In some circumstances, the court may also order the dog owner to pay punitive damages, which refer to penalties imposed as a form of additional punishment for their negligence.
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Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
You do not have to act alone if you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a dog bite incident at the Griffith Park Bird Sanctuary in Los Angeles. The attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can advocate for you in court, help you hold the owner accountable, and assist you in seeking financial awards to help you get back on the road to recovery. Call us today at (800) 816-0755 for a free case review with a team member.
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