It is easy to see why De Neve Square Park in West Los Angeles is a favorite choice for families and small groups alike. With plenty of wide-open space and natural beauty to absorb, you would not usually think about protecting your safety or rights while spending time at De Neve Square Park.
Neighborhood parks like De Neve Square invite young families and children to enjoy the outdoors. The family dog can make the feeling of security complete, protecting and defending children from harm. However, some of our favorite family pets might bite or attack when provoked, even when they have no history of violence.
In the event of a dog bite or attack, you will need to understand how to defend your rights as a victim. You can work with a Los Angeles De Neve Square Park dog bite lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to understand your legal options after suffering injuries in a dog bite incident. Call our offices at (800) 614-2067 now for a free consultation with a team member.
About Dog Ownership Laws in Los Angeles
California law requires that dog owners assume liability for any harm caused by their dogs, so it is important for owners to understand their obligations before taking their dog out in public.
Owning an animal comes with the risks and rewards of sometimes unpredictable behavior, which is why dog bite victims can usually hold owners liable for the damage their dog caused. Some exceptions exist in the law, such as if the victim trespassed on private property or assumed some risk for the incident (for example, by letting the animal out of a fenced yard).
Laws regarding dog ownership seek to prevent harm from unprovoked dog bites in public and on common areas of private property. Knowing the risk factors for dog bite accidents can help you understand your circumstances better. Dogs are more likely to bite when unrestrained and provoked. A dog’s breed also plays a role. While breed is not a reliable indicator of whether a dog will bite, a report by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) concludes that it is far from the only factor in a bite incident.
California Dog Bite Laws
Unlike some states, California law holds owners to strict liability for incidents like dog bites. CIV § 3342 provides that dog owners have liability for their dog’s actions on public property or when the victim was legally on private property, regardless of whether the victim provoked the dog. However, an owner could use any provocation to show the victim had partial liability, thus reducing their award under comparative negligence law.
Some states allow dogs one free pass to bite without reporting it to county authorities or holding the owner liable, but California holds owners accountable from the first bite incident, regardless of any history of past bites.
Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control provides additional guidelines for all dog owners to ensure accountability for any harm caused by their pets. Owners must license their dogs aged four months and older through the county and renew their registration every year. To maintain a valid registration, dogs must have received a rabies vaccination for the duration of each registered year.
Leash training and behavior is another important aspect of dog ownership, as stipulated by the Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances § 10.32.010. This ordinance requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than six feet while on public property and common areas of private property. Owners may only allow a dog to roam unleashed on private property with consent from the property owner or lessor.
Legal Counsel for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims can seek legal representation for help with navigating complicated legal scenarios. A Los Angeles De Neve Square Park dog bite lawyer can help you understand the scope of your case to hold the dog owner responsible for your injuries and fight any claims they make to mitigate their liability. They can investigate the incident, talk to eyewitnesses, and collect police and animal control reports to build your case.
Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, including emergency treatment for deep bite wounds and long-term care they might need after the initial injuries heal. They also can claim for any lost income from missing time at work while recuperating from their injuries, repair or replacement of any property damaged in the attack, and the pain and suffering you experienced because of your dog bite injuries. A personal injury lawyer can use medical records, doctor’s bills, pay stubs, and other documentation to show the extent of your injuries and pursue compensation.
Many dog bite cases settle before going to trial. If the owner has homeowner’s insurance, their policy might cover your damages. The dog bite lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can negotiate with the insurance company or opposing counsel for a settlement that fully covers your current and future financial needs. If negotiations falter, we can argue your case at trial. Call us today to get started.
For a free legal consultation with a De Neve Square Park Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Legal Consultation for Dog Bite Accident
You can seek help from a Los Angeles De Neve Square Park dog bite lawyer if you think that your injuries resulted from the negligence of a dog owner. You do not have to deal with the complicated aftermath of a dog bite incident alone. Call the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 614-2067 for a free case review.
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