Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog bite injuries are nothing to take lightly. A bad bite from a dog can result in infection, nerve damage and disfigurement, and the event itself can be psychologically traumatizing. There is also an unfortunate stigma that sometimes accompanies these attacks. Dogs are widely seen as pets rather than animals, and when people hear “dog bite” they don’t always take the injury as seriously as they should.
At The Weinberger Law Firm, however, our Sacramento dog bite injuries understand just how devastating these injuries can be. We can help you file an injury claim to hold the dog owner responsible and obtain the compensation you need for your medical expenses, pain, and suffering.
California Dog Bite Laws
California has what’s called a strict liability dog bite law, meaning dog owners are generally liable for any injuries caused by their dog’s bite, regardless of certain factors. Here’s a breakdown of key points:
- Applicable Location: The bite must have occurred in a public place or on private property where the victim was lawfully present. This includes invited guests, mail carriers, or people performing legal duties on the property.
- Prior Viciousness: The dog’s history of aggression is not a factor in determining liability. Even if the dog never bit anyone before, the pet owner is still liable.
- Owner’s Knowledge: The owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies is also irrelevant under strict liability.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Trespassers: Dog bite laws typically don’t protect trespassers unless they can prove the pet owner acted with negligence, which can be difficult.
- Bite Victim Responsibilities: While California has strict liability laws, the victim may have some responsibility if they provoked the dog.
- Leash Laws: Separate leash laws may apply depending on the city or county. Violating leash laws could strengthen your case.
Dog Bites Statistics
Dog bites are a surprisingly common occurrence in the United States, with California having its own share of incidents. Here’s a breakdown of some statistics:
United States
- Overall Bites: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually.
- Medical Attention: Out of those bitten, around 1 in 5 people require medical attention for their injuries.
- Hospitalization: An estimated 1.8% of dog bites require hospitalization due to the severity of the dog bite wound.
- Financial Burden: Dog bite claims filed in the U.S. cost insurance companies millions each year. In 2019, State Farm® reported 17,866 dog bite claims totaling over $802 million.
California
- Bite Rates: California has a high rate of dog bites. A 2014 report by the California Department of Public Health indicated over 50,000 dogs were reported to animal control for biting incidents in a single year.
- Emergency Room Visits: A 2024 Los Angeles Times article highlights a concerning trend. Emergency room visits for dog bites in California have seen a 70% increase since 2005, reaching a record 48,596 visits in 2022.
Additional Points
- Breeds: While any dog can bite, certain breeds are involved in a higher percentage of incidents. Pit bulls, German Shepherds, and Chihuahuas are frequently cited in California statistics.
- Victims: Children are unfortunately the most common victims of dog bites. The National Library of Medicine reports that over 800,000 people seek medical care for dog attacks annually, with a significant number being children.
It’s important to remember that these are just statistics. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, especially in California, consider consulting Sacramento dog bite lawyers specializing in dog bite cases. They can provide specific guidance based on your situation.
Why Should You Hire A Dog Bite Attorney?
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a dog attack, you may want to enlist the services of a skilled dog bite attorney. Sacramento dog bite attorneyscan help you understand your opportunities for recovery and can help hold the negligent party responsible.
Here’s why you should consider hiring a Sacramento dog bite attorney after a dog attack:
- Understanding California’s Dog Bite Laws: California has strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning the dog’s owner is liable for damages regardless of prior knowledge of aggression. An attorney can ensure you understand these laws and how they apply to your dog bite case.
- Maximizing Compensation: Dog bite injuries can result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. A lawyer can fight for compensation that covers all these damages.
- Complexities of Dog Bite Cases: Proving negligence or fault can be tricky, especially if the attack happened on private property. A Sacramento dog bite lawyer can navigate these complexities and build a strong personal injury case.
- Focus on Recovery: Dog bite injuries can be physically and emotionally demanding. An attorney can handle the legal legwork, allowing you to focus on healing.
- Experience with Insurance Companies: Serious dog bite claims often involve insurance companies. A lawyer can negotiate with them on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
Don’t underestimate the importance of legal representation. A Sacramento dog bite attorney can be your advocate throughout the process, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
In California, dog bite victims or the family of the victim have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a dog bite claim. With dog bites, however, it’s important to contact local authorities and to begin the legal process to keep the dog from attacking anyone else. Working with an attorney can give you time to focus on recovery while your attorney investigates the accident and works on identifying the dog owner.
Finding The Dog Owner
Many dog bites are perpetrated by dogs the victims are unfamiliar with. As such, tracking down the owner is not always an easy task. Thankfully, this is not a task you have to handle on your own. Our team has experience finding dog owners and informing them of the attack. With the owner identified, your dog bite injury claim can then proceed.
There are some things you can make note of that will help us find the owner of the dog:
- Where did the attack occur?
- What time did the attack occur?
- What kind of dog was it?
- Was the dog wearing a collar?
- Were there any houses near where you were attacked?
- Did anyone witness the attack?
Contact Us To Learn More About Your Legal Options
The Sacramento dog bite attorneys at The Weinberger Law Firm have been representing dog bite victims for decades. We have extensive experience building an injury case, and we are prepared to take every case to trial if it cannot be resolved with a settlement. Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation, or call 916-304-0952.