Dog bite attacks are particularly traumatic as they are usually unexpected, especially from normally docile neighborhood dogs who act like they aren’t going to hurt a fly. However, even the most meek dog can suddenly change her attitude without warning and without provocation. Facial injuries account for nearly 77% of all dog bite injuries; therefore, plastic surgery is a common medical expense incurred. If you, or a loved one, have been bitten by a dog, you should immediately report the incident to your local police department and nearest animal control center.
Seek medical attention immediately; even if you feel that your injuries do not justify the trip and are merely minor; infection can set in and exacerbate your wounds, resulting in, in some cases, life-threatening septicemia (blood poisoning); therefore, always seek medical advice. After seeking medical advice, consult with a qualified dog bite attorney who will defend your rights and treat your unique case with the personal attention it deserves.
The California Dog Bite Law clearly establishes who is at fault in a dog bite attack. The owner of the offending dog is responsible for the conduct of the dog at all times. The owner is responsible for damages claimed by a victim, in the event that his animal inflicts injuries on that victim. California Civil Code §33421 3342. (a) The owner of any dog is liable for damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the owner’s property . of the dog, regardless of the dog’s prior wickedness or the owner’s knowledge of such wickedness. A person is lawfully on the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed by the laws of this state or by United States postal laws or regulations, or when you are on said property at the express or implied invitation of the owner.
“Special rules apply when the victim is a child under the age of five. Children within that age group are, by law, deemed incapable of negligent acts. In People v. Berry (1991) 1 CA 4th 7782 on the Defendant’s dog killed a young child, he was charged with having a mischievous animal which caused death, a felony under California Penal Code section 399. Defendant’s defense was that there was no evidence that the child acted with due care was required when the child is under the age of five, because children of that age are not legally capable of acting with reasonable care towards a dog.” Where, in the case of any wild dog attack on an adult or child, psychological counseling may be needed to deal with the mental trauma of the incident. Nightmares, depression, personality disorders, atypical behavior, hysteria, violent outbursts, and withdrawal are all signs that professional psychological counseling may be needed.