All too often, children become the victims of dog bite injuries, requiring the expertise of a personal injury attorney with experience in dog bite law. In such cases, the defendant will be presented with a lawsuit and held responsible for damages if the following conditions are true:
- The animal responsible for the bite or attack belonged to the defendant
- The plaintiff was on the defendant’s property or in a public place
- The defendant violated the state’s leash law or allowed his animal to roam freely
The State of California has strict dog bite laws that aim to reduce the prevalence of animal-related attacks and deaths by holding pet owners responsible for their animals’ actions if they show no history of aggression. It is interesting that the rate of injuries has grown to 15 times that of ownership, a situation that may be explained by the breeds chosen as pets. More aggressive animals mean more attacks on humans.
Potential After-Effects of Dog Attacks in Los Angeles
Depending on various factors, such as the size of the dog, the condition of the victim, and more, dog attacks can result in serious harm. Potential injuries one might sustain because of a dog attack include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Bruising and contusions
- Fractures and broken bones
- Infections (e.g., tetanus, rabies)
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
- Rabies (if the dog is not vaccinated)
- Tetanus
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Death (in severe cases)
Dog attacks can cause severe injuries, and it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an attack. Even if the injuries appear to be minor, it’s important to have them examined by a healthcare professional to ensure that there is no internal damage or risk of infection.
Seeing a doctor right away can also help you establish a link between a dog attack and your injuries. This may be necessary if you plan on seeking compensation by filing a claim or lawsuit.
After being injured in a dog attack, a victim could face such consequences as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages if injuries prevent a victim from working
- Emotional distress
- Pain
Those are just a few examples. If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, a Los Angeles dog bite attorney can help you better understand what types of losses and damages you may seek compensation for.
Factors Influencing the Severity of Los Angeles Dog Attack After Effects
Again, many factors can play a role in determining the severity of injuries and other such consequences a victim might face in the short-term and long-term aftermath of a dog attack. They include the following:
- Size and breed of the dog: Larger and stronger breeds can cause more severe injuries than smaller breeds.
- Age and health of the victim: Children and older adults are more likely to suffer severe injuries in a dog attack due to their physical vulnerability.
- Number of dogs involved: A single dog can cause serious injuries, but an attack by multiple dogs can result in even more severe injuries.
- Part of the body bitten: Bites to the face, head, and neck can be more severe and result in more serious injuries than bites to other parts of the body.
- Duration of the attack: The longer the attack lasts, the more severe the injuries are likely to be.
- The dog’s temperament and training: A well-trained dog is less likely to cause severe injuries than a dog with aggressive tendencies or one that has not been properly trained or socialized.
- The dog’s vaccination status: Unvaccinated dogs are more likely to transmit diseases like rabies and tetanus and these diseases can cause serious health consequences.
Remember, even a minor bite or scratch can become infected and cause serious health problems. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and report the attack to the proper authorities.
Protecting Children under the Los Angeles Dog Bite Law
Dog bite injuries can cause extensive and permanent damage, especially to children whose small stature makes them unable to defend themselves properly. The cost of treating these injuries can leave the victim’s family members with overwhelming medical bills that they may be unable to pay. Attorney Howard C. Kornberg understands the state laws of California and will proceed with a lawsuit aimed at garnering the highest compensation possible for the injured victim and his family. Attorney Kornberg and his legal team work diligently to build a strong case in favor of the plaintiff, ensuring that his needs are well recognized in court.
Howard C. Kornberg is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and is AV-rated* by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating given to attorneys for legal trial skills and ethical standards. If you have been injured in a dog attack, call 310-997-0904 today.
Find out more about Dog Attacks
*AV®, BV®, AV Preeminent®, and BV Distinguished® are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards, and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general practice standards.
