Dog bites can happen just about anywhere, even in pet-friendly communities like Beverly Hills. Residents can be seen walking their dogs along tree-lined streets or at local parks. But when a calm and friendly outing turns into a sudden attack, victims are left dealing with an overflow of emotions and lasting scars. Whether the dog bite took place near Rodeo Drive, Beverly Gardens Park, or even at a private residence in the hills, California’s strict liability laws will protect affected individuals by holding the at fault party accountable for their pet’s behavior.
Victims may be entitled to file a dog bite claim. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Beverly Hills dog bite attorneys know how devastating these cases can be both physically and emotionally. Our legal team will work diligently to help you rebuild your life through effective action. We will initiate an investigation into the incident, acquire critical evidence, and work with medical experts to accurately value the full extent of the losses you incurred.
To schedule a FREE consultation, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our easy online contact form.
What Are the Statistics on Dog Bites?
While there are no publicly available statistics relating to dog bites in Beverly Hills, nationwide data provides useful information covering the topic. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2011 and 2021, there were 468 deaths in the United States from being bitten or struck by a dog. The annual number of fatalities ranged from 31 in 2016 to 81 in 2021. The CDC further goes on to mention that nearly 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention.
The CDC also claims that 4.5 million dog bites happen nationwide each year. About 885,000 seek medical attention, with nearly 370,000 requiring emergency departments, and approximately 16 people dying annually from succumbing to their injuries. Children are the most vulnerable, representing a large portion of dog bite victims. They require medical treatment at much higher rates than adults and account for 70% of all bite-related deaths. Younger children, particularly those 5 to 9 years old, are met with the highest risk and sustain wounds to the head, face, and neck.
With all of this in mind, it further backs up the importance of seeking professional medical attention promptly while also having the incident reported to animal control. Acting quickly can help protect your health, along with your legal rights.
Beverly Hills Dog Park Laws and Regulations
Many people donโt actually know that puppies,ย primarily those that are under four months old, are not allowed in dog parks. This is to protect puppies from contracting vaccinable diseases. It is suggested for a puppy to be brought to the park once they are at least 17 weeks old and have gotten all of the shots necessary to protect them from diseases.
Below is a list of other additional dog park laws:
- Food, dog treats, and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
- Female dogs in a stage of heat are never permitted (LAMC 53.29).
- Dogs must be leashed at all times (LAM. 53.06.2).
- Defecation must be immediately removed (LAMC 53.49).
- Dogs four months of age and older must be vaccinated and licensed. (LAMC 53.21, 53.51 and 53.28) All dogs must also wear tags and collars.
- Vicious dogs are not allowed (LAMC 53.34).
- Dogs must be spayed or neutered (LAMC 53.15.2).
- If a dog bite occurs, the dog owner must exchange contact information with the injured dogโs owner (LAMC 53.29, 53.38).
- Dogs cannot be left unattended inside a vehicle (LAMC 53.10 and 53.12).
- Alcohol is not allowed (LAMC 41.27).
- Dogs who are suffering from a communicable disease are not allowed in the park (LAMC 53.30).
What Should You Do if a Dog Bites You?ย
After a dog bite, you should get yourself to safety and assess the affected area. If blood is present, apply pressure while using a clean cloth. While at the scene, you should get the dog owner’s contact details, as well. Be sure to take a photo of your injury, where it took place, and get contact information from witnesses. It is also important to ask the dog owner if the animal is updated with their vaccination shots to know whether you are at risk of a serious infection.
You should contact animal control or police after a dog bite, as well. This can provide a legal basis for a personal injury claim. The authorities will investigate the situation, confirm the animal’s vaccination status, and take action against a potentially dangerous dog.
You should also get checked by a medical professional to get your wound cleaned. They will let you know if you need stitches and may start you on antibiotics, if needed. A tetanus or rabies shot may be suggested if the dog owner refuses to provide proof of vaccination. Doctors are generally on the side of caution and may assess your condition for rabies post-exposure treatment.
And lastly, consider a Beverly Hills dog bite lawyer. This especially applies if you were stitched up, have scarring, missed work, or were met with an uncooperative dog owner. Under California Civil Code ยง 3342, owners are strictly liable when their dog attacks someone in a public space or when lawfully on private property. This applies even if the animal has never harmed someone before. An attorney can communicate with the dog owner, negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Can I Leave a Dog Bite Untreated?
You should never leave a dog bite untreated even if it may appear minor. Such attacks can happen abruptly, but bacteria from the animal’s mouth can trigger deep puncture wounds and serious infections that may arise within 24 to 48 hours. Without medical care, an untreated bite can result in:
- Tissue damage
- Sepsis
- Scarring
Dog bite victims should seek medical attention immediately to prevent infection from spreading and to document the incident for any future personal injury claim. An untreated wound can also weaken your case, making it difficult to prove you suffered injuries and medical costs later.
Does California Have a One-Bite Rule?
California’s dog bite law follows a strict liability system (CIV ยง 3342), not the one-bite rule. This means that liability will not depend on the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s past behavior. If the dog bite incident occurred in a public space or while lawfully on private property, the owner will be strictly liable for your injuries regardless of whether the animal had a history of aggression. You are not required to prove negligence to secure compensation. You will only have to demonstrate that the bite happened and it caused you harm.
What Is the Penalty if Your Dog Bites Someone?
Under California law, dog owners may face civil liability for the victim’s losses, like medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. In serious cases that involve repeated or aggressive attacks, the animal may be perceived as a dangerous dog.
This can lead to fines, mandatory training, or even euthanasia. Owners who do not follow safety orders could also be presented with misdemeanor charges. In civil court, victims can file personal injury lawsuits, especially if they suffered serious dog bite injuries and related losses.
Is it Worth Suing for a Dog Bite?
Oftentimes, it is worth it to sue for a dog bite. If you suffered harm, like deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, or even psychological injuries, you may be entitled to receive financial recovery. Dog bite injury claims can help you acquire compensation for the losses you sustained. Since California’s strict liability law favors victims, you will not be required to prove that the owner was negligent, only that the dog bit you and caused you to experience some form of bodily injury. An experienced dog bite attorney can help collect evidence, speak to witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies.ย
Most dog bite lawsuits are done on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you are not required to pay any legal fees unless your lawyer wins your case. They will take on all legal aspects, from filing your claim to securing a reasonable dog bite settlement or taking the case to court, if needed. Suing will not only help victims receive financial compensation, but will also hold negligent parties accountable under strict liability laws.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Dog Bite?
The value of a dog bite settlement will be based on:
- The extent of bodily harm
- Recovery time
- Current and future financial losses
Victims who sustained severe injuries, like nerve damage or traumatic brain injuries from falls during the attack, may be given higher compensation. Settlements may include economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are expenses that cover the actual money you lost because of the dog bite, like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, refer to intangible, non-financial harm, including emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment of life. Each dog bite case has its own unique factors involved. A Beverly Hills dog bite lawyer can take a look at your claim and help you get the compensation you deserve through a personal injury lawsuit.
If you would like to get an estimate of what you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by inputting the losses you suffered as a result of the dog bite.
What Kind of Attorney Do I Need for a Dog Bite?
If you were attacked by a dog, you will need a dog bite attorney who knows how California’s strict liability rules work. Under CIV ยง 3342, owners can be held responsible even if the dog has not had a history of attacking anyone before, as long as the incident occurred in a public place or while lawfully on private property. A skilled attorney will know how to document common dog bite injuries, like infections or scarring.
They will also be able to establish the dog owner’s liability and collect important evidence to strengthen your claim. Your lawyer will also be able to calculate your medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages to ensure you are given a settlement that accurately reflects your actual losses. Having experience with the negotiation process is also beneficial as they will push to ensure you are given the compensation you deserve.
Bitten by a Dog? Get Legal Assistance From Our Beverly Hills Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Dog bites can leave physical, emotional, and financial scars that can last what seems like a lifetime. From deep puncture wounds and infections to PTSD and permanent disfigurement, the aftermath can feel overwhelming for many. Affected individuals should not have to deal with the mounting expenses or emotional distress of recovery all on their own.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Beverly Hills dog bite attorneys are readily available to provide guidance and support. We will help you recover fair compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Our team will investigate matters pertaining to the dog bite incident, gather evidence, and negotiate directly with insurance companies to defend your rights and secure the best possible outcome on your behalf.
To book a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.
