Filing a Dog Bite Claim

Filing a Dog Bite Claim
To many people, pets play an important role to every family. Pets create a fun and loving environment for families, and owners should show their pets love and care. Sadly, not everyone shows their pets the same dedication. To tell the truth, some people neglect their pets and/or abuse them, which can then cause their pet to become aggressive. But also, some pets will randomly become aggressive regardless of their training or upbringing. In California, there are laws in which allow victims of animal attacks to obtain justice for their injuries.

If you or someone you know has been victimized by an animal, feel free to reach out to us to speak to an experienced Los Angeles dog bite lawyer to find out your legal options. At Mann & Elias, we have represented many victims of animal attacks and will not stop until we have received a full and fair settlement on behalf of our clients.

Determining Liability in a Dog Bite Accident
In California, there is a law that is referred to as the “strict liability rule,” which supports victims of canine bites. The strict liability rule is also known as the dog bite statute, which makes pet-owners legally responsible for the injuries their pet has caused in most circumstances. California requires pet-owners to be responsible for the actions of their pets, regardless of whether or not the owner did not have a reason to believe their pet posed as a danger.

However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as victims must have been in a public place or were lawfully in the territory of where the dog attacked them. Essentially, if the victim was trespassing or committing a crime on the owner’s property, then the owner is allowed a pass and is not legally responsible for their pet’s actions.

With most personal injury cases, comes the statute of limitations. This means that in this type of case, the dog bite claim must be filed within two years of the incident.

When it comes to dog bite cases in California, the dog does not have to break the skin in order for a victim to file the claim. In fact, it still counts as a dog bite. Additionally, a victim can still file a claim if a pet knocks him or her over, causing injury. Therefore, the dog bite statute in California certainly works in favor of victims.

What Causes a Dog to Attack?
In some occurrences, a person may provoke a dog bite. Let’s say someone is teasing or provoking a dog, intentional or not, which may result in a dog bite. In these types of cases, it typically happens with unsupervised children. Or in other cases, if someone enters a property and the dog feels threatened, then the dog may attack to protect its territory. If a dog barks to keep away intruders or passerby, this can result in a dog bite as well.

What to Do If You Have Been Bitten by a Dog
If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to try to stay as calm as possible. If not, this may cause a dog to attack again if it is still around; however, we understand that this may not always be possible. If you have been bitten, you should not pull away, as this can worsen the injury. If it is possible, try to use an object to wave around to distract the dog and make an escape.

Even if the injury you have suffered is minor, you may still have a claim. Contact us to speak to a dog bite attorney Los Angeles to find out your legal options.

Contact a Dog Bite Attorney
If you or a loved one was a victim of a dog bite, feel free to contact us to speak to skilled Los Angeles personal injury lawyer. We will handle your case from start to finish and fight until we get the maximum settlement you deserve for your injuries. We have handled many of these cases and we know what it takes to hold those responsible. We offer free case reviews and we will help you every step of the way.