Bringing an Animal or Dog Bite Attack Lawsuit in California
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a dog bite or animal attack in the state of California, you have legal options. Dog bites and animal attacks occur all too often in the U.S., harming millions of citizens annually. Worst of all, animal incidents can hurt children. The cost suffered includes medical bills, physical injuries, emotional trauma, and even permanent disabilities in some cases. Of course, it is not possible to hold the dog or animal legally responsible for a bite or attack. It is the owner that must be held responsible for failing in his or her duty to control the dog or animal and keep the public safe from harm. To hold an owner responsible for a dog bite or animal attack and recover compensation for your losses, reach out to an experienced California personal injury attorney.
In California, the law addresses dog bites and animal attacks in section 3342 of the state’s civil code. Under the law, the owner of any dog is legally responsible for damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while either in a public place or lawfully in a private place. Public places include public streets, parks, and other areas. Private places include homes, businesses, and other locations. Private places also include the property of the owner of the dog, and irrespective of knowledge of the dog’s past or present reputation for viciousness, so long as you are on the owner’s property with an express or implied invitation. As you might imagine, this caveat covers postal workers and other delivery-related persons.
California imposes its dog bite and animal attack law aggressively. In fact, it is what is known as a “strict liability” state with regard to dog bites and animal attacks. This law prevents the owner of a dog or animal from defending against criminal or civil charges by arguing that he or she was unaware of any dangerous propensities or the dog or animal. Regardless of knowledge, the owner will be held legally responsible for the attack and injuries suffered as long as the incident occurred in a public place or in a private place where the victim was legally present. This strict liability approach greatly helps victims of dog bite and animal attacks within the state of California.
Reach out to a skilled and experienced California personal injury attorney today if you or a loved one have been the victim of a dog bite or animal attack in the state of California. There is a limited time in which you may file suit, so it is important that you act in a timely fashion. With the help of a skilled attorney, you may be able to obtain the compensation you need and deserve for your personal injuries, medical bills, emotional trauma, and other losses. California is tough on dog bites and animal attacks, and a skilled attorney will put the law on your side.
