The Los Angeles Times used to refer to California as the Dog Bite Capital of the U.S.A due to the high number of dog bites reported each year. Although dog bites are not as severe as personal injuries or car accidents, they can cause serious injury.
Dog bite victims can file a personal injury case to seek compensation. Here are some things you need to know about California dog bite compensation.
Who is liable for dog bite injuries?
- California is a strict liability jurisdiction, meaning that dog owners are almost always liable for their dog’s actions.
- The dog owner is responsible even if it is the first time that the dog has injured someone.
- If the victim was trespassing onto private property at the time the dog bit, however, the owner of the dog will not be held responsible. The victim is responsible for being attacked by the dog.
- If the victim provoked the dog before the attack, the owner of the dog can avoid liability.
What should victims of dog bites do immediately after an attack?
- Safety should always be your first priority. If you have been bitten by a dog, call emergency medical help immediately.
- Apply pressure to the wound with a clean, dry cloth until you get medical attention.
- It is recommended that you have the wound cleaned by a doctor to avoid complications.
- You should not only get their contact information but also request the dog’s vaccination records.
- Ask for the contact information of anyone who saw the dog bite you. These witnesses will be interviewed by your attorney later to determine if any additional information can be used in your case.
- It is recommended that you seek medical attention and file a report to the local animal control agency.
- Dog bite victims must also keep track of their injuries during their recovery. Photograph the injuries as soon after they occur.
Dog bite victims must act fast to receive compensation. California law gives victims two years to file a personal injuries lawsuit. A lawsuit filed after two years will be thrown out by the judge who is in charge of the case.
Summarized from an article by Carpenter & Zuckerman.
