Northern California Dog Bite Attorneys
If you are bitten by a dog in the state of California, the owner of the dog is responsible for your injuries. Under California Civil Code section 3342, "The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness."
A lot of times in dog attack cases, dog bite victims are hesitant to pursue a dog bite claim because of their relationship with the owner of the dog. It is common for dog bite victims to be friends or even relatives of the owner of the dog. In many cases, injuries sustained by a dog bite or animal attack are covered under the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. Insurance policies allow victims to be fairly compensated for injuries without subjecting the owner of the dog to financial hardship.
Dog Bite Statistics
Dog bites account for up to five percent of all emergency room visits. Small children, the elderly, and Postal Service carriers — in that order — are the most frequent victims of dog bites, according to statistics released by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Dog Bite Injuries and Children
Injuries from a dog bite, attack or mauling can have long lasting physical and emotional consequences, especially in young children, who are frequent victims of dog bites. The rate of dog bites and animal attacks is highest for children between the ages of 5-9. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recent research shows that the rate of dog-bite related injuries among children seems to be decreasing.
What to Do After an Animal Attack
If you or your child are bitten, attacked or mauled by a dog or any other animal, your first priority should be obtaining prompt medical attention to treat your injuries. This is essential not just for your health and well-being, but also for creating a documented medical record of the event. You should also obtain as much information about the dog (breed, age, vaccinations) and the contact information of the owner as well as any witnesses. Finally, as soon as possible, contact an experienced Northern California dog bite lawyer to discuss protecting your legal rights.
Experienced Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
The Northern California personal injury attorneys at Estey Bomberger have handled dozens of serious injury dog bite claims, including postal worker claims and children’s dog bite claims. From experience, we understand the serious physical and emotional effects of animal attack injuries; our attorneys are experts at obtaining maximum, full and fair compensation for dog bite injuries. We have the resources to consult with the best neurologists, psychologists and other experts to support your case and establish the extent of your injuries, resulting in the maximum possible financial recovery. If a dog has bitten you or your child, contact us today to discuss your case with a northern California dog bite attorney at Estey Bomberger. All consultations are free, and if we represent you in your claim, we will not charge any fees unless we recover money for you.