No matter how well-behaved or trained a dog is, it can become aggressive in certain situations. When a dog behaves aggressively, it usually results in a bite incident. Not surprisingly, this can have serious consequences. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III) data from 2022, California had the highest number of dog bite incidents in the United States with 1,954 reported incidents.
When a dog bites you or someone you care about, it can cause long-lasting physical, mental, and emotional harm. That’s why it’s crucial to have a skilled and dedicated team of lawyers that knows how to handle dog bite cases in Orange County.
Experienced Orange County Dog Bite Lawyers
At Maison Law, our team of experienced Orange County personal injury lawyers is here to support you throughout your dog bite case. We have a proven approach that focuses on getting you fair compensation for your medical expenses, future medical needs, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured due to the dog bite.
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation as soon as possible.
How To Reduce Dog Bites in Orange County
Unfortunately, a dog can still act on its natural instincts to protect its owner or territory, even if it’s normally well-behaved and gentle. This is among the common causes of dog bites in Orange County. With that said, there are other common causes of dog bites, like:
- Feeling scared or threatened
- Being in pain or unwell
- Not being familiar with different people or situations
- Being provoked or teased
- Getting startled or surprised
- Guarding their food or toys
- Lacking proper training or obedience
- Mothers protecting their puppies
- Having a strong instinct to chase and bite smaller animals or moving objects
Again, understanding the causes of dog bites is the first step to at least minimizing them. However, there are further steps you can take to reduce the risk of finding yourself in such unfortunate situations:
- Know the warning signs – It’s crucial to recognize the warning signs that indicate a possible dog attack. These signs often include snarling, a rigid posture, or the dog’s ears laid back with the fur on its back standing up.
- Stay calm and avoid running – Dogs are naturally inclined to chase and catch things. Most dog bites occur when a person is running or jogging past a dog. If you come across a potentially aggressive or agitated dog while out for a run, it’s important to remain calm and walk past it. This typically counteracts the dog’s curiosity.
- Be aware of leash laws – In Orange County, dogs must be leashed when in public areas such as streets or parks. Although a dog may exhibit more aggression while on a leash with its owner, it’s essential to stay alert when encountering a dog that is not leashed. Dog bites can occur when they are roaming freely without restraint.
- Encourage spaying and neutering – Hormones are a primary cause of aggression in dogs. Therefore, owners are encouraged to have their dogs spayed or neutered at an early age. In addition to health benefits, this procedure significantly reduces the dog’s natural aggression and energy in a healthy manner.
It’s worth noting that while these measures can lower the risk, it’s impossible to completely prevent dog bites. However, in the event you are bitten, it’s important to understand what your next steps should be.
What Should Your Next Steps Be After an Orange County Dog Bite?
Like any accident that causes an injury, the immediate aftermath is crucial to not only your health but any potential claim you may have. A dog bite is somewhat unique in this respect, in that you will likely need immediate medical attention to take care of the bite wound and head off any potential infection, which is common in dog bites. That said, there are some other things you need to do after suffering a dog bite in Orange County:
- Document the bite and what happened – Once you’re in a safe place, make a note of your injuries. Dog bites usually happen on the upper body, arms, and hands to protect yourself. Check how deep the bite is because deeper bites can hurt your nerves. Also, remember where the bite happened and if the dog was properly controlled.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning the wound – After a bite, the biggest danger is infection from the dog’s saliva. Your doctor will give you specific instructions for cleaning the wound. Infections like rabies, tetanus, and cellulitis can cause muscle tightness, permanent skin or tissue damage, and other health problems. It’s really important to follow these instructions.
- Report the incident to local animal control – Let the local animal control know about the dog bite. They need to keep records and deal with dangerous dogs. Even if the dog is not already known to them, reporting the incident helps them stay aware of potentially aggressive dogs.
- Find witnesses – Dog bites often happen in residential areas where other people see what happens. After you’re bitten, try to find anyone who saw it. They can help with your immediate medical care and can also talk about what happened. Get their contact information so you can reach them later if needed.
Remember, taking these steps can help protect your health and provide essential information for potential legal or insurance claims following a dog bite incident in Orange County.
Dog Bite Law in Orange County
Legally speaking, Orange County follows the same laws and regulations regarding dog bites as the rest of the state. Under the law, dog owners are fully responsible for any bites their dogs cause. This means that in legal terms, California follows “strict liability” when it comes to dog bites. Strict liability means that:
- Owners are held accountable for injuries caused by their dogs, even if they didn’t intend for it to happen.
There are other considerations when it comes to dog bites that you need to be aware of. While a dog’s owner becomes responsible for compensating you for your injuries and any damage to your property, claims can vary depending on the circumstances and where the bite took place. For example, if the bite occurred in a dog park in Orange County, you might have a premises liability claim to pursue as well.
However, it’s important to note that even with strict liability, your damages could be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident. This is called “comparative negligence.” In California, comparative negligence applies to all injury cases, including dog bites. If you were trespassing on the owner’s property or provoked the dog, you may not be able to pursue your claim fully.
Damages in an Orange County Dog Bite Claim
Dog bites can be very serious and cause significant harm. The nature of the bites involves the dog’s strong jaws tearing at the skin and muscles, which can lead to severe injuries. Additionally, dog bites often result in infections due to the bacteria in the dog’s saliva. Apart from physical injuries, these traumatic events also cause emotional and psychological damage that can last long after the incident.
All of these factors contribute to the damages that can be claimed in an Orange County dog bite case, which include:
- Medical expenses – This includes the cost of emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and other related expenses for your injuries.
- Lost wages – If your injuries make you miss work or reduce your ability to earn money, you may be compensated for the wages you have lost and any future earnings you might miss out on.
- Pain and suffering – Damages call also be awarded for the physical pain and mental and emotional distress you experience from the dog bite.
- Disfigurement and scarring – If the dog bite causes permanent scars or changes your appearance, you may be eligible for additional compensation to account for the impact on your physical appearance and self-esteem.
- Property damage – If the dog damages your clothes, eyeglasses, or other personal belongings during the attack, you may be able to receive compensation to repair or replace these items.
- Punitive damages – In certain cases, a court may award punitive damages to punish the dog owner for extreme negligence or intentional harm.
Dog bite cases can be complicated, so it’s a good idea to get help from our team of experienced personal injury lawyers. We can explain your legal options and guide you through the best steps to take for your specific situation.
Dedicated Support From Orange County Dog Bite Lawyers
Dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma from a dog bite can be challenging, but having our experienced team of Orange County dog bite lawyers by your side can make a big difference. Our team understands these cases and will protect your rights while helping you get the support and benefits you deserve.
Don’t wait to take action. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
