The Los Angeles Chavez Ravine Arboretum in California is not officially considered a dog park. However, many dog owners take their pets to this park for some fresh air and exercise. Some dog owners may visit parks that are not officially designated dog parks with their pet. However, they also have a legal responsibility to ensure their pet does not harm others.
When dogs behave aggressively and bite someone, serious injuries or fatalities can result. If you have suffered injuries as a result of a dog bite, consider contacting our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 816-0755 to learn how a Los Angeles Chavez Ravine Arboretum dog bite lawyer may be able to help you with your case.
Dog Bite Laws in California
Dog owners have the responsibility to ensure their dogs behave in a proper and safe manner and that they do not harm others. California Civil Code § 3342 articulates the exact responsibilities that a dog owner has in California. Specifically, any injury or losses resulting from a dog bite remains the dog owner’s responsibility. These laws exist in order to ensure that under almost all circumstances, a dog owner will remain liable for any injuries or losses suffered from their dog biting another person.
Strict Liability
California applies a “strict liability” approach to its dog bite laws. Strict liability laws are ones in which the victim (in this case, the person who received the dog bite) does not have the burden to prove that the dog owner acted with negligence. Rather, with strict liability laws, a victim of a dog bite simply must prove that the dog bite caused their injuries.
This burden is substantially less than other burdens of proof, making it much easier for a dog bite victim to bring a claim to receive compensation for their injuries and losses suffered from the dog bite. Strict liability laws do not require that the dog owner knew of any prior incidents of aggression. Under this law, dogs without any prior aggressive tendencies are not exempt. Regardless of past behavior, a dog owner has full and complete responsibility for any injuries caused to a victim when their dog bites another person.
Exceptions
There are only a few exceptions to the dog bite laws in California. For example, if the person who suffered a dog bite was not on public property and trespassing on private property, the dog owner may not be liable for any damages or injuries that an illegal trespasser suffered from a dog bite.
Additionally, if a person receives a dog bite from a “working dog” that is on duty and working in an official capacity for the military or law enforcement, the victim may not have a claim against the government for their injuries. If a person intentionally provokes a dog that causes the dog to attack, the victim may not have a strong case to receive compensation for any resulting injuries suffered from the dog bite. Regardless of the circumstances of your dog bite, you can contact a personal injury lawyer’s office to discuss the specifics of your case.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can result in serious or even fatal injuries. To put it into better perspective, Psychology Today has published research that shows many dogs can bite a victim with hundreds of pounds of pressure. Dog bites can easily result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, especially if the victim is small or otherwise vulnerable.
Injuries from dog bites will vary as a result of the type of dog as well as the facts and circumstances that surrounded the dog bite incident. Some types of injuries a victim can suffer from a dog bite include:
- Fractured or broken bones from falls
- Puncture wounds, scratches from the dog bite that may turn into a serious infection
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Dislocations of bones from falls
- Lacerations, severe bruising, internal organ damage or bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Neck and spine injuries
- Death
If you have experienced any of these kinds of injuries, you may have recoverable damages. Learn how the legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can answer your questions and help you figure out your next steps.
For a free legal consultation with a Chavez Ravine Arboretum Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
Medical Complications from Dog Bites
In many cases, dog bites are so serious that victims need additional therapy in medical treatments for scar diminishment, skin grafting, tissue expansion, or even reconstructive surgery. The severity of injuries resulting from dog bites can require multiple medical surgeries, procedures, or treatments over several years.
Disfigurements or limited mobility can impact a victim’s overall quality of life and health. If you have suffered any injuries or losses as a result of a dog bite in California, learn how a Los Angeles Chavez Ravine Arboretum dog bite lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you with your next steps. You have only a limited time in California to pursue compensation for any injuries related to a dog bite, so time is often of the essence. Per California Civil Code § 335.1, victims typically have two years to pursue a civil court case for their dog bite.
Los Angeles Chavez Ravine Arboretum Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Consider How a Los Angeles Chavez Ravine Arboretum Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You
If you have suffered serious injuries as a result of a dog bite, you may face astronomical medical bills, the loss of your wages due to an inability to return to the workplace as a result of your injuries, and pain and suffering.
Serious dog bite injuries can often take months or years to resolve, and some can permanently affect a victim’s life. Consider calling Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 816-0755 for a free consultation regarding your possible dog bite case and learn how a Los Angeles Chavez Ravine Arboretum dog bite lawyer can help you understand how to protect your legal rights.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form