Dog bites or dog attacks can cause serious and disfiguring injuries. However, if you’ve been bitten by a dog in California, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced San Bernardino & Hemet dog bite lawyer today by calling (909) 885- 7190 to discuss your case. Your consultation is free at Albert E. Hirst – Workers’ Compensation Lawyer; handling dog bite cases in the Inland Empire for nearly 40 years. There are no fees if we do not win your case.
California Law Regarding Dog Bites
Under California law, when an individual is injured by a dog bite, the dog’s owner may be held liable for those injuries and other damages if the incident occurred in a public place or on private property where the injured victim was lawfully present. This law only covers dog bites and not instances where a dog might jump on a person and scratch or otherwise injure them.
California’s dog bite law is what is known as a strict liability statute. This means that the owner of the dog can be legally responsible for any injuries caused by their dog’s bite no matter whether the owner knew that the dog was vicious or had a history of viciousness. Dog owners also cannot assert that they used reasonable care to prevent their dog from injuring others. In other words, even if the owner had no idea that their dog would act aggressively, or they tried to make sure their dog wouldn’t bite anyone, they can still be found liable for the injuries their dog’s bite causes.
One exception to this law is if the dog bit someone while performing law enforcement or military duties. If an individual is injured by a dog bite in these instances, even if they were lawfully present on public or private property, they cannot sue for damages.
There are a lot of details and exceptions that should be discussed when you or a family member has been bitten by a dog in San Bernardino or Hemet. We understand that sometimes the dog may belong to a neighbor, and some people are hesitant to file a lawsuit against someone they need to live next to. These are delicate situations that we have handled countless times.
Other Injuries Caused By Dogs or Injuries Caused by Other Animals
There are other injuries that a dog or another animal might cause that are not covered by California’s dog bite law. For example, a dog might jump on and knock a person over, or scratch someone’s eye, causing a serious injury. In these instances, an individual could sue the dog’s owner in a regular negligence action. To receive compensation for your injuries, you would have to establish that the owner of the dog failed to use reasonable care when handling their dog and that this failure was the cause of your injuries.
It is important to note that depending on the circumstances of the bite or attack, some dog owners in California may be subject to criminal liability for the injuries their dog causes. But even if the State files criminal charges against the owner, if you were the victim, you will still be able to bring a civil suit against the owner.
Experienced and Dedicated Dog Bite Injury Attorney Serving the Inland Empire for 30+ Years
Dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe, and in some extreme cases, a dog bite can be fatal. If you’ve been injured as a result of a dog bite or attack in the San Bernardino, Hemet, or Inland Empire areas, it is imperative that you contact an experienced Inland Empire dog bite attorney at the Albert E. Hirst Law Offices right away in order to protect your rights to compensation. Albert E. Hirst, III, has extensive experience representing those who have sustained injuries as a result of a dog bite and he can help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve. We don’t get paid unless and until your case successfully settles or wins at trial, so be sure to contact us right away. Call us today at (909) 885-7190 to schedule your free consultation and learn what we can do for you.