Of all the different types of accidents that happen in Long Beach, dog bite incidents are among the most unfortunate–and dangerous. Dogs can be loyal companions, but they can also pose a serious risk if they bite or attack humans. Dog bite accidents can cause physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses that can have far-reaching implications as you move forward with your life.
In California, there are specific laws that handle what happens when a dog bites a person. Thus, you have legal rights and options when you’re attacked by a dog in Long Beach. In order to better understand what your options are, though, consider working with our team of experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyers.
Guidance and Support For Long Beach Dog Bite Victims
To protect your legal rights and maximize your chance of recovering the available benefits and support, it’s important to seek the advice of our team at Maison Law. We can help you understand your legal options, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court, if necessary.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a Long Beach dog bite accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Long Beach dog bite lawyers. We’ll help you understand your legal rights and options and work with you to build a strong case.
What Causes Dog Bite Accidents in Long Beach?
Unfortunately, being bitten by a dog is often a traumatic and painful experience. No matter how experienced you are with them, and how docile the dog seems to be, the reality is that any dog can give in to the impulses of their nature and bite you. That said, dog bites in Long Beach aren’t always random. In fact, there are several common causes that can lead to these accidents:
- Lack of proper training or socialization – Dogs that are not properly trained or socialized may become aggressive or defensive when they encounter new people or situations.
- Negligence or recklessness – Some dog owners may fail to properly supervise or control their dogs, or may knowingly allow their dogs to behave in a dangerous manner.
- Failure to properly secure or leash the dog – Dogs that are not properly secured or leashed may be more likely to escape or attack.
- Aggressive or defensive behavior – Some dogs may display aggressive or defensive behavior due to their breed, temperament, or past experiences.
- Provocation or harassment – In some cases, dog bite accidents may be the result of humans provoking or harassing the dog, such as by teasing or taunting the animal.
- Unfamiliarity or fear – Dogs that are unfamiliar with you or other people, or that have a fear of certain types of people (such as children), may be more likely to bite or attack.
While there is no way to totally prevent a dog bite from happening, especially if you encounter one of the above scenarios, it’s important to take steps to at least mitigate the risk of a dog bite accident. This includes taking measures to educate yourself about dog behavior, avoid unfamiliar dogs, and report dangerous dogs to the appropriate authorities. There are many factors that can contribute to dog bite accidents, but you also need to be aware of how California law handles these incidents.
California Law and Dog Bite Accidents
In California, dog bite accidents are governed by strict liability laws, which hold dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous.
Under California Civil Code section 3342, a dog owner is liable for:
- Any damages suffered by a person who is bitten by the owner’s dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the owner’s property.
To fully establish liability, you’ll need to show the following:
- The defendant is the owner of the dog.
- You or a loved one were bitten by the dog.
- You or a loved one were in a public place or lawfully on private property.
- The bite caused injuries to you or a loved one.
- The dog was not provoked into the attack.
Under California’s strict liability laws, if you were bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to benefits and support for your injuries, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or history.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Long Beach?
Even with liability established, you still need to make sure to take the necessary steps after a dog bites you in Long Beach. Ultimately, your ability to recover the available benefits under the law still comes down to the strength of your claim, usually filed with the dog owner’s insurance company. Thus, it’s important to make sure that protect your rights and health by doing the following after a dog bite:
- Seek medical attention immediately – Dog bites can cause serious injuries and may become infected if not treated promptly. Even if the wound appears minor, it’s important to seek medical attention to prevent complications.
- Identify the dog and its owner – If possible, obtain the name and contact information of the dog owner, as well as any witnesses to the attack. This information may be important in establishing liability and recovering compensation for your injuries.
- Report the incident – Report the dog bite to the local animal control agency or police department. They can help locate the dog and determine if it has a history of aggressive behavior.
- Document the incident – Take photos of your injuries and the location where the attack occurred. Write down a detailed description of what happened, including the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as any relevant details about the dog and its owner.
By following these steps, you can protect your health and legal rights after a dog bite in Long Beach. Remember, California’s strict liability law holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, and you’re entitled to bring a claim for your damages. But the process is sometimes complicated. Fortunately, our skilled dog bite lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Filing a Claim After a Long Beach Dog Bite
After you’re able to make the decision to move forward with a dog bite claim in Long Beach, it’s important to understand what the process looks like. Legally speaking, a dog bite is the same as any other injury claim in California. Thus, the process for filing a dog bite injury claim is the same as a car accident or slip and fall.
The major difference is the strict liability law, which makes it much easier to determine who is liable–the dog owner. As a result, when you file your claim, you’ll file against the dog owner’s insurance company. Still, the claims process in a Long Beach dog bite claim includes the following:
- Filing a claim with the owner’s insurance company – Most likely, you’ll be filing your claim with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company. Be sure to provide detailed information about the incident, your injuries, and your damages.
- Negotiating a settlement – The insurance company may offer you a settlement to resolve your claim. Our team can help you evaluate the offer and negotiate for a fair settlement that covers all of your damages.
- Filing a lawsuit – If you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit against the dog owner to recover available benefits and support for your injuries. Our team will represent you in court and stand up for your rights.
Damages Available
Generally, the following damages are available in a Long Beach dog bite claim:
- Medical bills and ongoing care, like physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost income
- Any property damage related to the incident.
- Punitive damages, if the dog owner was particularly negligent.
Ultimately, your damages will depend on the extent of your injuries. But it’s important to remember that, like any other injury claim in California, a dog bite accident has a statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is the deadline to file a claim. In California, the statute of limitations on dog bite accidents is two years from the date of the incident. Missing this deadline could mean you miss out on recovering damages for your injuries.
Contact Maison Law Today For a Free Consultation
A dog bite incident is nearly always tragic because dogs are loving and dependable pets that provide our families with unyielding love and protection. Most of the time, these animals are simply acting within their nature to protect their territory.
But the unfortunate reality is that a dog bite usually results in serious injuries with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If this has happened to you or a loved one in Long Beach, Maison Law and our team can help. Don’t wait to take action, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and start pursuing the justice you deserve.
