Dogs are seen as much more than just as household pets. We welcome dogs into our homes and make them part of our family. But when a dog attacks a person, leaving serious bite injuries, it can be a tough situation to be in for all parties involved. Dog attacks occur all the time, especially since almost every home owns a dog or two. A Los Angeles dog bite attorney can guide the victim through the legal process after a dog bite attack so they can get the compensation they need.
The Statistics Behind Dog Attacks
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 4.5 million dog bites happen per year. 1 in 5 people seeks medical attention for a dog bite. Dog bites can cause a significant amount of damage to a person, but the severity will vary depending on the breed and size.
A canine’s teeth can cause severe injuries, including:
- Abrasions and lacerations
- Punctures
- Infections
- Rabies
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Amputations
- Scarring
- Broken or fractured bones
- Dislocated bones
- Disfigurement
- Muscle, tendon, and ligament damage
- Death
If a dog bite is severe enough, it can leave the victim with significant lifelong damage that is irreversible. In addition, some victims whose muscles, tissues, or tendons were damaged from the dog bite can have limited mobility after the incident.
The Laws That Apply To Dog Bites In California
The dog bite laws vary from state to state. Unlike other states, California does not adhere to the one-bite rule that other states follow, where a dog is given one free bite and the owner holding little to no liability. Instead, California follows the strict liability dog bite law. If the dog bite victim did not provoke the dog or was not trespassing at the time of the incident, then the victim has grounds to file a lawsuit. The dog owner is held liable regardless of whether they could have done anything to prevent the attack or whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before.
California’s default dog bite rule is that a dog owner should know their dog’s vicious propensities. The following factors determine vicious propensity:
- Bites without provocation
- Growls, barks, or lunges at people
- Trained to fight other dogs
- Guard dog
- Is an Akita Breed
- If its breed is a Pit Bull, especially if it barks and lunges at children
- Runs loose on common areas and is aggressive with sticks or inanimate objects
- Has previously bitten a person who provoked it
- Follows victim for 50 ft while barking at them before the attack
Dogs labeled with vicious propensities must follow the requirements and restrictions that come with that label. One restriction is the dog may not be allowed to be in particular dog parks or, at least, must wear a leash at all times.
We Are Ready To Handle Your Dog Bite Case
When a man’s best friend turns into a nightmare, a Los Angeles dog bite attorney is prepared to devote their time and knowledge to secure compensation for any costs the victim is faced with. At the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg, our Los Angeles dog bite attorneys have 30 years of experience that we put into helping the victims with their cases so they can heal and move forward.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog bite injury in California, please contact us by clicking here or calling us at 310-997-0904.
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