Millions of people suffer dog bites each year in the U.S., and hundreds of thousands of those victims seek emergency care for their wounds. Dog bites can be traumatic events that lead to serious and costly injuries.
Dog owners have a duty to ensure others aren’t bitten or attacked by their pets. To help prevent dog bite injuries, owners have a responsibility to trained and socialize their dogs. This includes keeping their dog’s vaccinations up to date and making sure they are properly restrained in public and around guests.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we are committed to protecting your rights if you’ve been the victim of a dog bite injury. With experience going back to 1981, we have the resources and knowledge to help you get the compensation you need. Fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bites can lead to severe injuries, including immediate physical harm and long-lasting emotional and psychological effects. Here are some of the most common types of injuries dog bite sufferers experience:
Physical Injuries
- Puncture Wounds, Lacerations, and Fractures: Dog teeth can puncture deeply, causing significant soft tissue damage or even breaking bones, especially in vulnerable areas like the hands or arms.
- Nerve Damage and Scarring: A severe bite can damage nerves, leading to chronic pain or loss of function in the affected area. Scarring, particularly on visible parts of the body like the face, can have both physical and emotional impacts.
- Infections: Dog bites pose a high risk of infection due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth. Serious infections, such as tetanus and rabies, can occur without prompt medical treatment.
Emotional Trauma
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Victims may experience flashbacks, nightmares, or heightened fear of dogs following an attack.
- Anxiety and Fear of Dogs: Many victims, especially children, develop a lasting fear of dogs or a heightened sense of vulnerability in public spaces.
Long-Term Effects
- Permanent Disfigurement: Scarring or significant tissue loss may require reconstructive surgery and can affect a victim’s self-esteem.
- Chronic Pain: Nerve damage and other complications may result in ongoing physical pain, requiring long-term treatment.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a dog bite, seek medical care immediately and consult a legal professional to explore your options for recovery.
California Dog Bite Laws
California has specific laws to protect dog bite victims and ensure dog owners are held accountable for their pets’ behavior. These laws emphasize public safety and provide clear guidelines for victims seeking legal relief.
Strict Liability for Dog Owners
California operates under a strict liability law for dog bites, which means that dog owners are generally responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or has bitten anyone before.
The victim does not need to prove negligence on the part of the owner. It is enough to show that the bite occurred and that the victim was in a lawful location (not trespassing).
Owner Responsibility After a Dog Bite
Under California law, dog owners are required to take reasonable steps to prevent future attacks if their dog has bitten someone.
- Preventing Danger: Owners must address the risks their dog poses to others, which may include securing the dog or keeping it away from public spaces.
- Repeated Bites: If a dog bites a human on two separate occasions, legal action can be taken to evaluate the dog’s confinement or treatment. A court may order the dog removed from the area or, in extreme cases, humanely euthanized to protect public safety.
Aggressive or Dangerous Dogs
Special rules apply to dogs that are trained to attack or have caused substantial physical injuries:
- Severe Cases: Legal actions can be brought by victims, district attorneys, or city attorneys to determine whether conditions surrounding the dog’s confinement or treatment need to be changed to prevent future harm.
- Court Orders: The court may issue orders, such as relocating the dog or euthanizing it, if deemed necessary to ensure safety.
Exceptions to Liability
California law outlines specific situations where strict liability may not apply:
- Trespassing: If the victim was trespassing at the time of the attack, the owner may not be held liable.
- Military or Police Dogs: Bites inflicted by military or police dogs performing official duties are typically exempt from liability, provided the bite occurred during active duty.
Local Regulations
California law allows cities and counties to enact additional regulations regarding dog control. This means that local ordinances may provide further protections or impose stricter requirements on dog owners. Victims should consult an attorney to understand how state and local laws apply to their specific case.
Why This Matters for Dog Bite Victims
For victims of dog attacks, these laws provide a clear path to seeking justice and holding negligent owners accountable. However, navigating the legal process can be complex, especially when dealing with repeat offenders, dangerous dogs, or exceptions to liability. Consulting an experienced attorney can help victims:
- Evaluate their case under California’s strict liability rules.
- Understand the implications of local ordinances.
- Ensure they receive fair compensation for their injuries.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we have the knowledge and experience to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve after a dog bite injury. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims may face significant financial, physical, and emotional challenges after an attack. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation to help you recover and rebuild your life. Below is an overview of the types of compensation available to dog bite victims in California.
Medical Expenses
Dog bite injuries often require immediate medical attention and ongoing care. Compensation can help cover:
- Emergency Care: Costs for initial treatment, including ER visits, wound cleaning, and stitches.
- Surgery and Rehabilitation: Expenses for necessary surgeries, physical therapy, or occupational therapy to regain mobility and strength.
- Infection Treatment: Coverage for antibiotics, vaccinations (like rabies or tetanus), and follow-up visits.
- Specialized Care: Costs associated with seeing specialists, such as plastic surgeons for scarring or neurologists for nerve damage.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost Income: Reimbursement for the time you missed work during your recovery.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: Compensation for diminished ability to earn income if your injuries result in a long-term disability.
Non-Economic Damages
Dog bites can leave victims with lasting emotional and psychological scars. Non-economic damages account for these intangible losses, such as:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain endured during and after the attack.
- Emotional Distress: Damages for anxiety, PTSD, or depression resulting from the incident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries limit your ability to participate in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
Future Damages
Severe dog bite injuries can have long-lasting effects, requiring ongoing care or adjustments to your lifestyle. Compensation may include:
- Long-Term Medical Care: Coverage for future medical treatments, including physical therapy or additional surgeries.
- Reconstructive Surgery: Costs for plastic surgery to repair scarring or disfigurement caused by the attack.
- Home Modifications: Expenses for making your home accessible if the injury results in mobility limitations.
Why Seeking Compensation Is Important
The financial, emotional, and physical toll of a dog bite can be overwhelming. Getting full compensation through a dog bite claim will not only ease the burden of your medical bills and lost income, but it can also help you regain your quality of life. By pursuing a claim, you can hold negligent dog owners accountable and secure the resources you need to move forward.
Contact our California Dog bite lawyers Today
Berg Injury Lawyers has served clients in Northern California since 1981, and we are available around the clock—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—to help injured victims. Thanks to our No Fee Guarantee®, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. If you’ve been attacked by a dog, the choice is clear—contact our team now for a free review of your case.
