Attacked by a dog in California? Under strict liability laws, owners are held accountable. Contact our personal injury lawyers to recover full compensation.
One of the most horrific experiences a human may have is being attacked by an animal. Bites by dogs, in particular, are extremely common in California. The dog owner is always responsible for ensuring that their dog does not bite or harm you. Some breeds, such as Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and German Shepherds, have been connected to attacks, the
owner can also be held liable if the dog is mistreated or abused. To help decrease dog bite injuries, owners must ensure that their dogs are properly trained and socialized. This includes ensuring that their dog’s vaccines are current and that they are properly controlled at all times. Because dog bite cases can be intricate, it’s vital to consult a knowledgeable and experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
When it comes to canine bites, California is one of only a few states that has a “strict liability rule.” In most cases, California Civil Code Section 3342, sometimes known as the dog bite statute, renders pet owners criminally accountable for injuries. Some laws give owners a pass if they didn’t know their pet was harmful, making compensation more difficult to acquire. The law in California, however, holds owners liable for their pets’ behavior even if they had no cause to know the animal was hazardous.
California’s dog bite statute states that the owner of any dog is liable for damages if:
The Defendant owned a dog
The dog bit the plaintiff while they were in a public place or lawfully on private property
The plaintiff was harmed
The defendant’s dog was a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff’s harm
For example, a homeowner named Peter hosts a party at his home, and one of the guests is a small child named James, who enjoys petting the homeowner’s Pitbull dog. While the family was eating supper, James was patting the dog when the dog abruptly turned around and bit James on the arm with a clenched jaw. James suffered a shattered bone in his arm and was gravely hurt with lacerations. As a result, James may file a dog bite lawsuit against the homeowner, Peter.
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