Dog Bite
The Role of Dog Owners in Preventing Bites
| November 18th, 2024
Owning a dog is rewarding, but it also comes with serious responsibilities—especially when it comes to preventing bites. Are you doing enough to keep others safe? In California, dog owners face strict legal consequences if they don’t meet their obligations, and failing to take the proper precautions could put others—and your pet—at risk.
Explore the role of dog owners in preventing bites and what you can do to protect others, your pets, and yourself. If you’ve been injured by a dog, contact a California dog bite lawyer to learn your legal rights and compensation options.
Legal Responsibilities of Dog Owners in California
California follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. In California, dog owners are responsible for any damage their pets cause, whether on private property or in public. This applies whether the dog has a history of aggression or not.
If someone is on your property for legal reasons, like a postal worker, they’re protected by law. Even if you invite someone over, they’re considered lawfully present.
Local leash laws add to this responsibility. For instance, in Los Angeles, dogs must be restrained by a leash no longer than six feet and under the control of a competent person when off the owner’s property. Failing to follow leash laws can increase the risk of a bite and lead to fines or other legal penalties for the owner.
Common Scenarios Where Dog Bites Occur
Dog bites can occur in various situations, and understanding common scenarios can help you take preventive measures. Some typical scenarios include:
- Unsupervised Interactions: Allowing a dog to roam freely in public spaces without supervision or proper control is a common scenario for dog bites. Without a leash or owner nearby, the dog may feel threatened or overly excited, leading to aggressive behavior.
- Interactions With Strangers or Other Dogs: Many dog bites occur when a dog feels uncomfortable or threatened by a new person or another animal. This is especially true if the dog hasn’t been properly socialized. Anxious or fearful dogs may lash out if they feel cornered or trapped in an unfamiliar situation.
- Defending Territory: Dogs are naturally territorial creatures. They may bite to protect their territory when they perceive a person or another animal as threatening their home or owner. This can happen when visitors enter the house, or someone gets too close to the dog’s personal space.
- Children and Dogs: Children are often victims of dog bites because they may not know how to approach or interact with dogs. A dog may react unpredictably if a child pulls its tail, grabs its fur, or invades its personal space.
Preventive Measures for Dog Owners
While owning a dog comes with risks, there are many steps you can take to prevent dog bites and protect those around them.
- Obey Leash Laws: The simplest way to prevent dog bites is to obey local leash laws. Keeping your dog on a leash in public areas ensures that you have control over your pet and can prevent it from approaching strangers or other dogs unexpectedly.
- Training and Socialization: Proper training and socialization help prevent aggressive behavior in dogs. Enroll your dog in obedience classes to teach them how to respond to commands and behave appropriately in different situations. Socializing your dog helps them feel more comfortable in unfamiliar settings, reducing the risk of fear-based aggression.
- Understand Your Dog’s Behavior: Recognize the signs of discomfort or stress in your dog. Dogs often give warning signals before they bite, such as growling, showing their teeth, or stiffening their body. If you notice these signs, remove your dog from the situation immediately to avoid a potential bite.
- Regular Veterinary Care: Ensuring your dog is healthy can also prevent aggression. Pain or discomfort caused by untreated medical issues can lead to uncharacteristic biting or lashing out. Regular check-ups with a vet can help keep your dog in good health and reduce the likelihood of aggressive behavior.
Legal Consequences for Negligent Owners
Dog owners who don’t take precautions to prevent bites can face serious legal consequences, and the emotional weight of knowing their negligence caused harm. A dog bite can have lasting physical and emotional effects on victims, especially children, who often suffer trauma and fear long after the wound has healed.
Under California’s strict liability laws, owners are responsible for these injuries—covering medical bills and the victim’s pain, suffering, and emotional recovery.
In some cases, the court may impose additional penalties, such as fines or requiring the dog to be euthanized if it is deemed a danger to the public. Owners who violate leash laws or other local ordinances may also face fines or legal actions.
Seek Compensation After a Dog Bite
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, you have legal options. To pursue compensation, you’ll need to gather evidence of the dog owner’s negligence, such as proof of leash law violations, previous complaints about the dog’s behavior, or failure to restrain the animal properly.
Our skilled dog bite lawyers can help you collect this crucial evidence, build a strong case, and hold negligent owners accountable. We understand the complexities of dog bite cases and will fight to secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options to seek the financial support you need to recover.
What to Know About California’s Dog Leash and Dog Bite Laws
| August 28th, 2023
California’s dog leash and dog bite laws are in place to safeguard the well-being of both dogs and the public. These laws dictate the appropriate handling and restraint of dogs in public spaces and establish liability for dog owners in the event of a bite or attack.
Understanding these laws is essential for dog owners, pedestrians, and anyone who encounters dogs in public areas. If a dog in the Golden State hurts you, our California dog bite lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers can help you file a claim against the responsible dog owner for compensation.
Understanding California Leash Laws
While there is no state-wide leash law, most California municipalities have established mandates requiring dogs to be leashed in public spaces like parks, sidewalks, and playgrounds. These rules protect dogs and the general public from potential harm and ensure responsible pet ownership.
For example, the city of Sacramento requires that dogs in public areas be on a leash that has a length of 6’ or less. In Alameda, dog owners must leash their pets and control them in public parks. Dogs are not allowed on the city’s beaches.
Strict Liability Explained
Unlike specific leash laws, California does follow a strict liability rule for dog bites across the entire state. Strict liability means dog owners are legally responsible for injuries their dogs inflict. This applies whether the dog has a history of aggression or if the owner was aware of the dog’s dangerous disposition. This rule applies in public spaces and private property where the injured person has lawful access.
Consequences of Violating Leash Laws
When dog owners violate leash laws, they may face various consequences and liabilities. Local authorities may fine owners for having their dog off its leash. For example, in Sacramento, owners could be fined between $50 and $500 and receive a written citation.
Dog owners who fail to leash their pets may also face legal liabilities. If an unleashed dog causes harm or injury to another person, their property, or another animal, the owner can be held legally responsible under the state’s strict liability rule. This means the dog owner may have to pay a victim’s medical expenses, property damage, or lost wages if they missed work due to injuries. If the dog attack victim suffers emotional damage, the dog owner may also be responsible for damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
How to Prove Dog Bite Injuries
You must provide sufficient evidence to support your claim when seeking compensation for dog bite injuries. Proving dog bite injuries involves gathering evidence to establish liability and demonstrate the extent of the damages suffered. Some ways to do this may include:
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention. Medical professionals can assess the injuries and provide treatment and documentation of the incident. Your attorney can use these documents to show the extent of your injuries.
- Document the incident: As soon as possible, get the name and contact information of the dog owner or witnesses. Your attorney can speak with witnesses after the incident to get their statements. This evidence can help prove you were lawfully on the property where the attack occurred and that you did not provoke the dog before it bit you.
Also, take photos of the scene, and record the details, such as the date and time of the incident as well as the circumstances and information on the dog.
- Report the incident: Report the dog bite incident to authorities, such as local law enforcement or animal control. This ensures that an official record of the incident is created and can support your claim. Request a copy of the incident report for your records.
- Speak with an attorney: Seek legal counsel from an experienced dog bite attorney specializing in dog bite cases. Our attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers can assist you through the legal process, help gather evidence, assess the strength of your case, and represent your interests in negotiations or court proceedings.
Schedule a Free Case Review with a Dog Bite Attorney
California’s dog leash and bite laws are in place to ensure public safety and hold dog owners accountable for any harm caused by their pets. When dog owners violate these laws, it can lead to severe injuries if their dog decides to attack an innocent party.
If you or someone you know has suffered a dog bite injury, seeking legal representation from a knowledgeable personal injury attorney is crucial. Berg Injury Lawyers has a strong track record in handling dog bite cases and advocating for the rights of victims.
Contact our legal team today to schedule a free consultation for your dog bite case. Our experienced team can provide guidance, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Dog Bites Are Painful, Expensive, and Traumatic
| November 18th, 2019
If you were bitten by a dog that wasn’t leashed in public or enclosed on private property, you may be eligible for compensation. That’s because cities throughout California have ordinances that require owners keep their dogs leashed or enclosed when others are around, including when they’re in public or when others, such as neighbors and guests, may be nearby. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable if their dogs bite. Dog bites are serious injuries that can cause victims to suffer severe complications. Dogs have long, sharp teeth, and when they bite, they can puncture deep into the skin and muscle, causing victims to suffer severe wounds that can result in:- Profuse bleeding—Dog bites can sever veins and arteries, resulting in potentially life-threatening bleeding
- Infection—Contrary to popular belief, dogs’ mouths are full of bacteria. When they bite, their teeth push bacteria into victims’ bloodstreams, creating a risk for local and systemic infection.
- Nerve damage—The size and shape of dogs’ teeth and their bite pressure means they’re capable of damaging skin, muscle, and even nerves when biting, which can result in disability.
We Fight for the Rights of Injured Dog Bite Victims
| August 26th, 2019
Dogs don’t pose a threat to most people and in most situations. But even the most well-trained and friendly dogs can bite under certain circumstances—and sometimes, those bites occur without warning or a history of aggressive behavior. If you were bitten by a dog, whether it was a dog owned by a stranger or someone you know, you may be hesitant to escalate the issue. However, dog bites aren’t just extremely painful, they can be disabling and even life-threatening. Dogs have long, sharp teeth that are capable of causing deep wounds that can result in profuse bleeding. They can also damage nerves and tendons, making it difficult for victims to move their arms, hands, fingers, and other affected body parts. The costs associated with dog bite injuries can be enormous. Victims may require hospitalization to monitor their bites for infection and other complications, and they may even need surgery to clean wounds and remove bacteria or to repair nerve damage. In addition, dog bites can make it difficult or impossible to work, leaving victims without the paychecks they and their loved ones depend on every week. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California dog bite attorneys know the effects that a single bite can have. Regardless of who owns the dog that bit you, it’s important to protect yourself and your rights to compensation by getting in touch with an experienced law firm. Contact us today—we’re ready to help you get the money you deserve.You Deserve Compensation After a Dog Bite
| June 17th, 2019
More and more public places in California are becoming dog-friendly. This means dog owners can bring their pets with them to restaurants, retail stores, and even work-places. While having dogs around can brighten up many people’s day, unleashed dogs can sometimes be dangerous—even if they don’t have a history of aggressiveness. All dogs are capable of biting, and some may do it without warning. That’s why cities in California have local ordinances that require dog owners to keep their pets leashed or enclosed. When they fail to do so, innocent victims may get bitten or attacked and suffer serious injuries. If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, you may have suffered a variety of complications, including blood loss, infection, and even nerve damage. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California dog bite lawyers believe that victims like you deserve maximum compensation for what you’ve been through. Dog owners are supposed to follow the law concerning their pets, especially when they bring them out in public, and they should be held liable when their animals cause harm to innocent people. When you call us, we’ll calculate how much money you’re owed based on your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Then, we’ll negotiate with the insurance company to get you a fair settlement. Contact us today for a free consultation.Bitten by an Unrestrained Dog? You May Be Eligible for Compensation.
| April 22nd, 2019
Dog owners in California are supposed to keep their pets leashed and restrained in public and on their properties. When they fail to do so, they can injure innocent victims—even if they have no previous history of aggression. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California dog bite lawyers know how serious dog attacks can be for victims. Dogs can have sharp teeth that can damage skin, blood vessels, muscles, tendons, and nerves. Victims often experience debilitating effects after bites, including reduced mobility, disability, and even life-threatening infections and blood loss. If you or someone you love was bitten by an unrestrained dog, you deserve maximum compensation. You may be facing expensive medical bills for everything from overnight hospital stays and surgeries to prescription medications and physical rehabilitation. We believe that innocent victims like you shouldn’t have to pay for dog bite-related expenses out of pocket when owners are negligent and allow their pets to roam freely. In addition to serious health complications, dog bites can also result in permanent disability. Victims may have nerve damage and lose the use of affected digits and limbs, making it difficult or impossible for them to do their jobs. That means they miss out on wages both while they’re in the hospital and long after they get released. Get in touch with us to find out how we may be able to help you get the money you deserve. Call today for a free consultation.Don’t Let a Dog Bite Slide
| February 11th, 2019
It’s becoming more and more common to see dogs in public throughout the Bay Area and the rest of California. Whether you’re at work, at the store, at a restaurant, or at the park, you may encounter multiple dogs. And while most of those dogs will be leashed and well-behaved, some may be improperly restrained or roaming freely—and they may lash out and bite without provocation or a previous history of aggression. If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, you may be experiencing debilitating pain and even disability. Dog bites aren’t just painful—they can also result in severe complications, including nerve damage and infection. In some cases, victims lose feeling or movement in affected limbs, while others may face life-threatening complications due to systemic infections that spread throughout their bodies. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California dog bite lawyers stand up for the rights of victims like you. We know that many victims initially dismiss bites as unavoidable accidents, but it’s important to view them for what they are: negligence on the part of dog owners. In California, dog owners are required to keep their pets restrained in enclosures or on leashes. When they fail to do so and their dogs bite, they can be held liable for any damages. You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for your dog-bite related expenses, including your medical bills and lost wages. Let us help you recover maximum compensation for what you’ve gone through. Call us today for a free consultation.How Dog Bites Can Cause Disabilities
| November 19th, 2018
Dog bites aren’t just painful—they have the potential to cause victims to suffer debilitating and even life-threatening complications. To make matters worse, some dog bite victims are left unable to work for long periods of time. And when they’re not able to go to work, they’re not earning the paychecks their loved ones depend on. There are three common ways that dog bites can put victims out of work for long periods of time, and they include:- Nerve damage—Dogs have sharp teeth that can penetrate the skin and muscles and damage or sever nerves. Nerve damage can result in temporary or permanent loss of feeling and movement in affected body parts, making it difficult or impossible for victims to go back to work.
- Pain—The injuries inflicted by dog bites can be extremely painful. Because of the damage that dogs’ teeth can do to victims’ skin, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, victims may be unable to use their hands, arms, feet, or legs for weeks or even months while they heal.
- Infection—Dogs’ mouths are filled with potentially harmful bacteria that can enter victims’ bloodstreams when they’re bitten. In addition, victims also may be at risk of secondary infections from environmental sources. Dog bite-related infections can cause serious complications locally and throughout the body—some of which can be life-threatening.
You Shouldn’t Have to Pay out of Pocket for a Dog Bite Injury
| August 20th, 2018
Dogs are becoming accepted and allowed in more and more public places. It’s not uncommon to see dogs in stores, restaurants, and even at workplaces. While most dogs are friendly, any dog can bite without warning—even if they’ve never acted out in an aggressive manner in the past. That’s why local ordinances throughout California require that dog owners keep their pets on leashes or in enclosures when other people are around. Unfortunately, some dog owners either fail to abide by those requirements or they allow their dogs to get too close to others. When that happens, the risk of an attack increases, especially when dogs are frightened or stressed. If you or someone you love were bitten by a dog, you know how painful the injury can be. Dogs have long, sharp teeth that can severely damage skin and nerves and cause severe blood loss. The puncture wounds their teeth inflict can also result in severe infection. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California dog bite lawyers believe that innocent victims like you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for their own dog bite-related expenses. That’s why we do everything we can to help our clients get full compensation for medical bills and lost wages after dog bite injuries. You didn’t provoke the attack, and you shouldn’t have to suffer the financial consequences of it. Call us today for a free consultation to find out how we may be able to help you.Why do you need a lawyer after a dog bite?
| April 30th, 2018
Getting injured by a dog is a shocking and traumatizing experience. Most people expect dogs to be friendly and docile, but even the most well-trained dogs can attack without provocation and without a history of biting. People who are bitten by dogs often experience severe pain, and they may be at risk of serious health problems due to common complications associated with dog bites. Bleeding, nerve damage, and infection are all possibilities after dog bites, and in severe cases, victims may even experience life-threatening complications. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California dog bite lawyers are here to help people who were hurt by dogs. Bite-related injuries can be expensive and disabling, and victims may require weeks or months of medical care and rehabilitation—all while being unable to work. If you or someone you love was hurt by a dog, it’s our goal to help you:- Prove the dog’s owner didn’t follow local ordinances—Whether the owner neglected to leash or enclose his or her dog, we’ll collect evidence that proves negligence was a key factor in your injury.
- Calculate your bite-related expenses—Surgery, prescription medications, and physical rehabilitation can be expensive, especially when you’re disabled and not earning the paycheck you depend on. We’ll make sure the insurance company knows how much the bite has cost you and your loved ones.
