AFTER AN INJURY, EVERY MINUTE COUNTS.
SAN DIEGO DOG BITE ATTORNEY
EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY AND ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN CALIFORNIA
More than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by a dog each year, and about 800,000 of those bites require medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you or a loved one have been attacked by a dog in San Diego, you may be worried about how you will pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The good news is that with an experienced San Diego dog bite attorney, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries.
Personal Injury Claims For Dog Bites In San Diego
If you have been injured by a dog bite in San Diego, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the owner of the dog. To do this, you will need to show that the owner was negligent in some way and that their negligence led to your injuries.
There are many ways that a dog owner could be considered negligent. For example, if they knew that their dog was aggressive and did not take steps to prevent it from biting someone, or if they allowed their dog to roam free in a public place even though it was not properly trained or supervised.
If you can prove that the owner of the dog was negligent, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and more.
California's Dog Bite Law Is a Strict Liability Statute
In California, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether or not they knew the dog was dangerous. This is true even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
According to California Civil Code 3342:
“The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
This law applies to all types of dog bites, including those that cause minor injuries as well as those that result in serious injury or death.
Does California Have the "One Bite Rule"?
No, California does not have the “one bite rule.” This is a common misconception about California’s dog bite law.
The “one bite rule” is a law that has been adopted in some states. It says that a dog owner is only liable for injuries caused by their dog if they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous.
In other words, if a dog has never bitten anyone before, and the owner had no reason to believe that it was dangerous, the owner would not be held liable under the “one bite rule” if the dog went on to bite someone.
However, as mentioned above, California does not have the “one bite rule.” In California, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether or not they knew the dog was dangerous.
States that have the “one-bite rule” are said to be one-bite-free states. Naturally, police and military dogs are an exception to this rule.
Who's At Fault For a Dog Bite In San Diego?
Under California law, the owner of the dog is always liable for any injuries their dog causes. This is true even if the owner had no idea that their dog was dangerous or if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
Unlike other personal injury legal cases, the plaintiff does not need to prove that the defendant was negligent to recover compensation.
However, there are some circumstances where the victim of a dog bite may be found at fault. For example, if the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property.
What To Do After You Have Suffered From a Dog Bite Injury
If you have been injured by a dog bite, it is important to take the following steps:
Get Medical Treatment
Seeking medical attention immediately after a dog bite is important for two reasons. First, it will ensure that you receive the treatment you need to recover from your injuries. Second, it will create a record of your injuries, which will be important if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
Collect Evidence
If you decide to file a personal injury claim, you will need to provide evidence of your injuries and damages. This may include medical records, bills, pay stubs, and photos.
Contact a San Diego Dog Bite Attorney
Last, but certainly not least, you should contact a San Diego dog bite attorney. An experienced San Diego dog bite lawyer will be able to help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our San Diego Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help
As a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases, we have the experience and resources that you need to successfully pursue a dog bite claim.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a dog bite can take on a person, and our team of San Diego dog bite attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
Why Hire a Dog Bite Attorney In San Diego?
We will guide you every step of the way and make sure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Representing victims of dog bite accidents in San Diego, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, Chula Vista and surrounding San Diego County communities. Link cities to the corresponding Dog Bite Accident pages.
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