Dog bites can cause severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Sacramento, with its many dog-friendly parks and neighborhoods, sees its share of dog bite incidents. If you’ve been injured by a dog, California law provides protections for victims, holding owners strictly liable in most cases. Our experienced Sacramento dog bite attorneys are here to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and hold negligent owners accountable.
California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Laws
In California, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression. This means that even if it’s the dog’s first attack, the owner is responsible for any damages caused. Strict liability applies if:
- The bite occurred in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property.
- The victim did not provoke the dog.
Understanding your rights under strict liability can be crucial in building a successful claim. For more on liability in personal injury cases, read our guide on proving fault in negligence claims.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which have long-term or permanent consequences. Common injuries include:
- Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Deep wounds can lead to significant blood loss and require stitches or surgery.
- Nerve Damage: Severe bites can damage nerves, leading to partial or complete loss of function in affected areas.
- Infections: Bites often carry bacteria that can cause dangerous infections like cellulitis or sepsis.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Many dog bites leave permanent scars, impacting victims both physically and emotionally. Learn more about how scarring impacts personal injury cases in our blog on severe injuries.
- Emotional Trauma: Victims often experience anxiety, PTSD, or a lasting fear of dogs following an attack.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Taking immediate action after a dog bite can strengthen your claim and protect your health. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even minor bites can lead to serious infections if untreated.
- Report the Incident: File a report with Sacramento Animal Control to document the attack and prevent future incidents.
- Identify the Dog and Owner: Obtain the dog owner’s contact information and verify vaccination records, especially for rabies.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location where the attack occurred.
- Consult an Attorney: An experienced dog bite attorney can guide you through the claims process and help you recover compensation.
For more tips on handling injury claims, check out our post on steps to take after an accident.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Covers emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to missed work while recovering.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Victims who suffer permanent scars may recover additional compensation for the lasting impact on their appearance and self-esteem.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the dog owner’s actions were reckless or egregiously negligent, punitive damages may apply to punish the wrongdoer.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Injuries?
While California’s strict liability law makes dog owners primarily responsible, other parties may share liability in some cases:
- Landlords: If a landlord knowingly allowed a dangerous dog on their property, they may be held partially liable for injuries caused by the dog.
- Dog Walkers: In some cases, individuals responsible for the dog at the time of the attack can share liability, particularly if they acted negligently.
- Property Owners: If a dog bite occurred due to unsafe conditions, such as a broken gate or lack of warning signs, the property owner may also share responsibility. Learn more about liability scenarios in our post on navigating complex injury claims.
Why You Need an Experienced Sacramento Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite cases can be legally complex, especially when insurance companies try to minimize payouts or place blame on the victim. Here’s how our attorneys can help:
- Building a Strong Case: We gather medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to establish the dog owner’s liability.
- Maximizing Compensation: Our team ensures that your claim accounts for all damages, including long-term costs like physical therapy or counseling for emotional trauma.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We handle all negotiations to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Litigating Your Case: If a settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court to fight for your rights.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in California
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim is two years from the date of the injury. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation. Consult an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Contact Our Sacramento Dog Bite Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident, don’t face the legal process alone. Our Sacramento dog bite attorneys are here to provide compassionate and skilled representation, ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (877) 659-9223 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
