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How Do You Establish Liability in a Fresno Dog Bite Case?
The state of California follows strict liability which means that the owner of a dog is responsible for any injuries caused by their dog. This includes any situations where a trespasser is on the property of the owner of the dog. The strict liability statute comes into play if you as the victim:
- Is in a public place
- Are lawfully on the dog owner’s property
California Civil Code Section 3342.(a) states that the dog owner is liable for any harm caused if the victim is there legally. Even if the dog has never shown any aggression in the past, the dog owner is still liable. California law also states that any dog must be on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet.
California law does not allow for the owner of the dog to dispute who was at fault for your or your loved one’s dog bite. The dog owner is automatically responsible to pay for any damages you or your loved one suffered from a Fresno, California dog bite attack.
What is the Definition of a Vicious Dog in California?
In Fresno and throughout California, a ‘vicious’ dog is considered to be any dog that has attacked someone when unprovoked, and a dog that has bitten someone or another domestic animal off their property on two or more occasions within a 36-month period.
If your dog is defined by California law as being vicious, it could be quarantined by animal control and euthanized in the interest of public safety.
A vicious dog who bites you can cause serious injuries and in some cases death. Under California law, a severe injury is defined as a muscle tear or disfiguring lacerations that require multiple stitches or corrective surgery.
What Are the Most Common Injuries from Fresno Dog Bites?
In addition to the variety of injuries a dog bite can inflict on a person, it can also cause severe emotional and/or psychological problems for the dog bite victim. Some of the most common injuries as a result of dog bites in Fresno and throughout California include, but aren’t limited to:
- Amputations
- Avulsions
- Bone Dislocation and/or broken bones
- Cosmetic Disfigurement
- Death
- Infections
- Lacerations, Contusions, and Abrasions
- Puncture Wounds
- Psychological Problems
- Scarring – Dog bites can lead in disfiguring scars that could stay with you for the rest of your life.
How Long Do I Have To File A Dog Bite Claim in California?
In the state of California, the statute of limitations i.e. time limit to file a claim on a dog bite is two years. If you don’t file your dog bite claim against the owner of the dog within the two-year period, you will lose your right to file a lawsuit and collect any compensation for your damages. The sooner you claim the better due to the fact the evidence will be fresh.
Because of the strict time limit in which to file a Fresno, California dog bite lawsuit, it is important to contact the dog bite lawyers at AttorneyJeff Car Accident Lawyer so we can act fast to collect all the evidence and protect your rights.
What Kind of Compensation Am I Entitled to After a Dog Bite in California?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite accident, you could be entitled to monetary compensation for the following:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses Including Mental Health Treatment
- Lost of Past and Future Income and Earning Capacity
- Emotional Distress
- Pain and Suffering both Past and Future
- Other Expenses Associated with your Fresno, California Dog Bite Attack
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in California?
Being bitten by a dog can cause you to go into a state of shock, however, you should do your best to act in a proactive manner. There are certain steps you can take after a Fresno dog bite attack. They include, but aren’t limited to:
- Get to a safe place away from the dog
- Call for medical attention
- Call the police or animal control
- Try to determine who owns the dog that bit you or your loved one
- If possible, take pictures of the dog, your location, and any injuries
- Get the dog owner’s name, address, and if you can, their homeowner’s insurance information
Our final piece of advice on what to do after a Fresno, California dog bite attack is to contact one of our skilled and experienced dog bite attorneys at AttorneyJeff Car Accident Lawyer. If you or a loved one was injured in a dog bite attack, time is of the essence, and we will act quickly to protect your rights.
Hire a Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer
No one should have to suffer from a Fresno, California dog bite attack. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a German Shepherd, Doberman, Boxer, Pit Bull, Siberian Husky or any other breed of dog in California, don’t hesitate to contact AttorneyJeff Car Accident Lawyer. Our knowledgeable and experienced dog bite attorneys are prepared to aggressively protect your right when the dog owner has allowed their dog to injure you or a loved one.
If the dog owner refuses to take responsibility for their actions and the actions of their dog, we have the litigation skills necessary to hold them accountable. Fresno, California dog bites are a serious matter, even in the smallest of accidents.
The dog bite attorneys at AttorneyJeff Car Accident Lawyer are fully committed to assisting you in receiving all the fair monetary compensation for your dog bite claim.