Placer County Dog Bite Attorney
Michael Rehm – (916) 233-7346
According to the CDC, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States every year. Of those cases, about one in five require medical assistance. California reports more dog bite lawsuits than any other state. While some states follow the “one bite” rule, whereby owners are only held liable if the dog has bitten someone before, California does not. If you or someone you know was the victim of a dog bite attack, you should consider speaking with a qualified dog bite attorney to discuss your options on receiving the compensation you deserve while also holding the negligent party accountable.
What To Do After a Dog Bite
If you were a victim of a dog bite, you should consider taking the following actions:
- Consider seeking medical attention
- Document the injury as soon as possible
- Get the dog owner/handler’s name, home address, and contact information
- Write down everything that happened in the encounter and where it occurred
Who is Liable for a Dog Bite?
The guidelines regarding liability for a dog bite vary from state to state. California’s dog bite statute states that the dog’s owner is liable for damages if:
- The damage was caused by a dog bite
- The bite occurred in a public place, or the victim was lawfully in a private place (such as the owner’s residence)
California is a “strict liability” state, which means that in incidents of a dog bite, the prior behavior of the dog is not taken into account, and it is not necessary to show that the owner was negligent.
Strict liability only applies to the owner of the dog. In cases where the defendant is not the owner, the person can be held responsible for any harm caused by the dog, but only if they had prior knowledge of the dog’s violent behavior. Additionally, injuries that were not caused by a bite require the victim to provide evidence that the owner was negligent in preventing harm, unless the owner or handler violated a state or local statute meant to ensure public safety.
There are exceptions which would make the owner not liable for damages. In California, the most common exceptions to owner liability include the following:
- The victim was trespassing
- The victim was provoking the dog through physical abuse
- The victim was committing a crime against the owner of the dog
- The victim was a veterinarian or a canine professional who was treating the dog at the time of the incident
- The dog was assisting the police or military at the time of the incident
Possible Compensation
People who were bitten by a dog may be entitled to compensation from the defendant for the following expenses:
- Medical expenses
- Physical or vocational therapy
- Psychological counseling for trauma or distress triggered by the attack
- Lost wages
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Payment for scarring or disfigurement from the wounds
- Monetary award for the loss of the use of limbs
Victims can also seek punitive damages if they can prove the defendant’s actions amounted to oppression, fraud, or malice.
The statute of limitations for dog bites is two years, which begins on the date when the bite occurred. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time, you will be unable to receive compensation.
Find a Dog Bite Attorney at The Law Office of Michael Rehm
While a dog can be a man’s best friend, they can still be capable of acting out even under the care of the most responsible of owners. Biting injuries can vary in their severity, but victims may be eligible for damages regardless. The Law Office of Michael Rehm can help you get started on getting the compensation you deserve. Attorney Michael Rehm has been handling dog bite lawsuits for more than a decade. If you or someone you know has suffered from a dog bite, don’t wait. Call today at (916) 233-7346 for a free consultation to discuss your accident and compensation options.