Downey Recreation Center and its nearby areas have dog-friendly spots where dog owners can spend time with their pets outdoors. However, this also increases your chances of getting bitten. Dog bites put you at risk from several conditions that can get expensive to treat and can potentially kill you.
If you or a loved one suffered from a dog bite at Downey Recreation Center, you have the option to file a lawsuit and get compensated accordingly.
A Los Angeles Downey Recreation Center dog bite lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can guide you in your claim and help you learn more about California’s dog laws. Call a member of our team today at (800) 816-0755 to discuss your legal options.
Dog Bite Health Dangers
In 2008, dog bites caused 316,200 emergency room visits, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
A dog’s mouth and saliva contain several bacteria that could infect your body once it penetrates the skin. Rabies and sepsis are some of the notable infections you can catch from bites. These diseases can kill you in days if you do not seek medical help immediately. Deep dog bites can also cause other health problems such as nerve damage, ripped muscles, and broken bones.
After getting bitten, you need to clean the wound as thoroughly as you can. Doing this will help remove much of the bacteria and prevent infections from spreading. You should then see a doctor right after to keep any present issues from worsening.
Dog Owners Have Full Liability for Bites
Dog owners are obligated to train their dogs properly so that they do not endanger other people. Dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries that result from the dog bite under California Civil Code section 3342.
They can pay for personal injury damages to the victim, which include medical costs, therapy, disabilities, and income lost while recovering. In case the victim died due to the bite, the owner has to cover wrongful death damages such as funeral and burial expenses.
However, there are some exceptions where the owner does not have civil liability for dog bites:
- The victim trespassed on private property when they got bitten
- They deliberately provoked the dog into becoming aggressive
- The dog was guarding the owner as self-defense
- Law enforcement was using the dog
Military and police dogs are exempt from lawsuits if the bite happened while apprehending criminal suspects or defending officers during investigations and other police operations.
Pintas & Mullin Law Firm stands ready with a lawyer if you ever need assistance with suing the dog owner. Get in touch with a member of the team today.
Other Dog Ownership and Violence Laws
Because dog bites pose serious health concerns, the state has measures to protect citizens and develop more responsible dog owners in California. A Los Angeles Downey Recreation Center dog bite lawyer can further explain California’s dog laws in detail if you wish to know more.
Mandatory Quarantines
All dogs in California must undergo a 10-day quarantine period if they bite someone. The quarantine helps determine if the dog has rabies or not. If you were bitten, you have the option of reporting the incident to local health authorities. They can provide further medical assistance and ensure that the owner complies with the quarantine.
California’s Health and Safety Code section 121705 decrees that any individual who violates the quarantine requirements in any way, such as hiding the dog’s location or disobeying health officers, can get charged with a misdemeanor. The state may sentence them to a year in jail or fined up to $1,000.
Dog Ownership Laws
California has strict regulations regarding dog ownership. Owners must have their dogs licensed if they are over four months old to help animal control and shelters identify lost pets faster. Dogs should also have vaccinations every year.
Los Angeles County has additional dog rules that the state does not have. For instance, dogs have to get chipped and spayed or neutered. They cannot run around in streets and public spaces without a leash with a maximum length of six feet — this includes places such as the Downey Recreation Center.
Evidence that reveals other dog law violations can help strengthen your dog bite case. It shows that the owner is negligent and unfit to own a dog.
For a free legal consultation with a Downey Recreation Center Dog Bite Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 816-0755
Time Limits for Dog Bite Lawsuits
California categorizes dog bites as personal injuries. As such, you have to follow the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, as specified in California’s Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. The law gives you two years to present your dog bite case in court. The civil court generally does not entertain claims that miss the filing deadlines.
An attorney might be able to help you in collecting evidence and building your claim so that you can comply with the time statutes.
Los Angeles Downey Recreation Center Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
We Might Be Able to Help You Get Compensated
Dog bites are painful and can raise your medical expenses. Worse, a loved one could die from it and cause your family great emotional pain. Our team understands your suffering and commits itself to fight on your behalf until you can reach a settlement that satisfies your need for justice.
We can send a Los Angeles Downey Recreation Center dog bite lawyer to help you develop your claim and represent you in court. Our firm has handled malpractice, wrongful deaths, abuse, and more civil cases across the United States for over 30 years.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is always ready to help you with any concerns you have with your lawsuit. For a free case review, you can call us at (800) 816-0755. We do not take any fees up front, and only get paid when your case results in a settlement.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form