California dog bite law imposes “strict liability” on owners. This means the owner of a dog who bites someone is liable in a civil lawsuit for the victim’s injuries. The owner cannot escape liability for a dog bite by claiming that he or she had no idea the dog would act aggressively. If you were bitten, you need only to demonstrate that the bite occurred while you were in a public place or lawfully in a private place.
A few steps to take if you have been bitten by a dog:
1. Seek medical attention even if the bite is minor due to the risk of infection. Take pictures of the injuries sustained from the bite to properly document the harm done. Try and document as much as possible right away including visible injuries, pain, decreased mobility, and the scene of the incident.
2. Identify the dog and its owner and exchange information such as name, address, and contact information. Also request proof of rabies vaccination.
3. If there are witnesses from the incident, make sure to exchange information with them as well. Eyewitnesses can provide a more accurate picture of what happened if needed.
4. File a dog bite report so everything can be legally documented and help with future dog bite claims.
5. Lastly, contact an attorney right away. Dog bite cases tend to be more complicated, so having an experienced attorney deal with the nature of the case including the other party’s insurance company will help you successfully obtain the compensation you are entitled to.
Disclaimer: While we always seek to establish accuracy when publishing articles, this piece is not intended to provide legal advice, and should not be used as such. Each individual case will differ and should be discussed with an attorney or legal expert. If you would like to inquire about pursuing a claim, please contact us at (858) 252-0781 or email brett@acclaimlaw.com
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