Dogs are without a doubt, one of the most popular pets to own in the United States, as a result, there are an estimated 19,321 dogs living in the city of Pasadena. With that in mind, it is absolutely vital that a dog owner take the time to train their dog and ensure others that their dog is well behaved in any situation. Failing to do so can increase the likelihood of a dog bite occurring which can cause the owner to face a series of personal injury lawsuits.
To understand whether or not you need to report dog attacks, you must have been seriously harmed to the point where you needed medical treatment to heal your wounds. If you suffered injuries as a result of a dog bite, it is recommended that you contact an experienced Pasadena dog bite attorney. They will help you take legal action against the dog owner and recover any damages owed to you for your injuries.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of personal injury attorneys are ready to represent you and serve as your personal legal representative. With over 20 years of legal experience, our team of dog bite attorneys handle every case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves and they are confident that they can get you the full and fair compensation you deserve for your losses. We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation to our clients, and should you have any questions or concerns regarding your case our legal team is available 24/7 to address them in full detail.
We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.
Dog Attack Statistics
According to a veterinary health report from the Los Angeles County Department of Health, about 20,000 people are bitten by dogs every year. Within the past 16 years, there have been a total of 568 fatal dog attacks in the United States, and from what is commonly found in these incidents, two of the most common breeds that contributed to 76% of these deaths were pit bulls and rottweilers.
While every dog bite accident is different and the breed is not indicative on whether the dog will definitely bite people, there is a higher likelihood that certain breeds are more prone to bite and attack people. With that in mind, the dog’s owner has a duty to ensure those around them that their dog will not bite and attack them out of the blue.
California Dog Bite Laws
Section 3342 and 3342.5 of California’s Civil Code of Procedure outlines the state’s stance of all dog bite injuries and dog bite attacks. According to the sections, a dog’s owner is liable for any damages and injuries that are suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog. In fact, the only instances where a dog can legally bite a person is unless the dog is part of a government agency that was acting in accordance with proper investigative procedures, executions of warrants, and in the defense of a peace officer or another person.
While some state laws have โone biteโ laws which protects a dog owner’s liability for the first bite unless they were aware of their dog’s aggressive behavior prior to the attack, California does not have a one bite law. So if you have suffered a series of dog bites from a negligent owner, it is highly recommended to consult with a dog bite attorney to recover damages such as medical bills and lost wages.
Can You Sue for a Minor Dog Bite in California?
In California, you are able to sue for a minor dog bite injury despite any minimal damage it may or may not have caused. This is largely due to the fact that even minor bites can produce a level of emotional distress and physical trauma and dog owners have a responsibility to properly train their dogs.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a California Dog Bite Case?
According to California Civil Code 3342, the owner of a dog is liable for any damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully private place. Regardless of any former viciousness of the dog or the ownerโs knowledge of such viciousness, and, as a result, the dog bite victims should be able to prove negligence with the bite mark as well as any evidence that showcases the time leading up to the incident.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims?
According to section 335.1 of California Code of Civil Procedures, all personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the incident date in order for the dog bite victim to recover damages for their losses. Any attempts to file a claim after the two year mark will run into the statute of limitations and the claim will be immediately dismissed in the court.ย
Potential Damages in a Dog Bite Claim in Pasadena, CA
Canine injuries can be devastating for a person, especially if they have sustained serious injuries such as puncture wounds and psychological trauma. With that being said, depending on the nature of the accident, many dog bite victims can potentially recover either economic or non-economic damages for their injuries. Economic damages are defined as calculable losses that a victim can recover for a specific sum. For example, medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and reconstructive surgery are all unexpected costs where a victim has to pay out-of-pocket as a result of the accident.
Meanwhile, non-economic damages are referred to as incalculable losses that are considered to be subjective by nature and will vary widely in terms of value. For instance, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all subjective and will vary from person to person. As a result, injury victims and their attorney will need to prove that the dog attack has had a profound emotional impact on the victim.
West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one were a victim of a dog bite injury, you may be eligible to pursue compensation against the dog owner and recover damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of dog bite attorneys are ready to take on your case and fight for your rights. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of legal experience and our Pasadena dog bite lawyers handle every case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves.
We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue our duty to guide them throughout the legal process. As dog bite cases can be a complex legal process for those who are not familiar with the legal system, should you have any questions or concerns regarding your dog attack case, our legal team is available 24/7 to address them in full detail.
We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE initial consultation today, we welcome you to reach out to our legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by completing our easy online contact form.
