Dogs can be incredibly protective of their areas and their owners. Even though you like to believe that this protectiveness is always a good thing, sometimes it can lead to devastating results if a dog bites somebody. Owners and bite victims in California alike may have the same question after a dog attack occurs: What will happen to the dog?
At Maison Law, our experienced and knowledgeable California dog bite lawyers are here to help you after you have been hurt in a dog bite incident. With our team standing by your side, we will help you better understand your legal rights and options during this difficult time in your life. Contact us for the guidance that you need and a completely free case consultation.
If a Dog Bites an Individual in California
After a dog bites somebody in California, there is a question of what happens to the dog. Many individuals have heard of rumors that a dog is always “put down” after it has bitten another person but this is not always the case. In fact, it is almost always circumstantial.
In California, a dog owner must quarantine their dog for at least ten days in either their own home or a county animal care center to ensure that a dog does not have rabies or other diseases that make it dangerous to the general public. If a dog bit someone, the owner may also need to conduct training to reduce the aggressiveness of the dog. However, different circumstances apply to dogs that are dangerous or vicious in nature.
Dangerous Dog Hearings
There are procedures put in place for what happens when a dog is deemed dangerous or vicious in California under California Civil Code 3342.5. If a dog has bitten someone, a civil hearing could take place against the owner. This can be done if the dog has bitten a human at least twice in separate incidents, or if they are a trained attack dog that has seriously injured at least one person. These hearings are meant to do the following things:
- Hear evidence related to the bite incidents
- Issue orders so that no further attacks occur
Some of the orders that a court may issue include removing the dog from the area due to the nature of its aggression around others, or having it euthanized in the most severe cases.
Steps Owners Should Take After Their Dog Has Bitten Somebody
After a dog bite attack, the victim should immediately seek medical attention for their injuries. But what steps should the owner of a dog do immediately after an attack?
Remove from Area: A dog should be removed from the area by being placed in a crate or inside a home so that the situation cannot be made any more dangerous after a bite.
Attend to Victim: The bite victim should receive immediate care for their injuries, which could include going to the emergency room. Seeing any type of medical professional is important, as a bite can quickly become a serious matter even if it is seemingly minor.
Exchange Information: Provide insurance information with the victim and any witnesses, which can be useful later on.
Speak with Veterinarian: Seek medical records from a veterinarian, especially if the victim or the authorities request it.
Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer Immediately
California law can sometimes be confusing regarding what happens to victims, owners, and dogs after a bite incident occurs. Luckily, there are options for you if you have suffered due to a dog attack.
As you focus on your physical recovery from your bite injuries, you should not have to worry about how you will move forward on a financial level. Our California dog bite lawyers at Maison Law are here to help you protect your rights during one of the most traumatic things you have ever endured. By working with our team, you can confidently assure that you are being taken seriously when you need it the most. Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation regarding your case.
