A level 4 dog bite is defined by the severity of the dog bite. A level 4 bite consists of one to four deep punctures of a person’s skin with at least one puncture deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. The deepness of the wound is a determining factor between dog bite levels. A level 4 injury is a significant injury requiring serious medical treatment and a high risk of infection, especially if the attack was done on a sensitive part of the body such as the neck, face, eyes, or chest.
To receive financial recovery for your medical bills, time missed at work, and your mental trauma after a dog bite, it is recommended to speak to a Dog Bite Lawyer to see what legal options are available to you.
Who is Liable for a Level 4 Dog Bite?
California Civil Code Section 3342(a) states the owner of any dog is liable for damages caused by a dog bite. Even if the dog has not shown any aggressive behavior in the past, the owner is still liable. California is a strict liability state, so it does not matter whether the dog owner was careless or not, they are still liable if their dog bites another person.
At a level 4 dog bite, the dog owner can face severe consequences because the dog may be considered a “dangerous animal” due to the severity of damage it has inflicted. California defines a dangerous animal as any animal that, when unprovoked, inflicts severe injury on or kills a human being who is conducting himself or herself peacefully and lawfully.
California Penal Code 399 makes it a crime to own or keep a dangerous animal in California. Owners can suffer penalties if they fail to take steps to control it, which results in somebody getting seriously injured or killed. Under this law, owners can be criminally charged for injuries or damages caused by their animals. In addition, injured victims are also entitled to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the animal owner.
How is a Person Convicted of Violating Penal Code 399 After a Level 4 Dog Bite?
For a person to be convicted of violating Penal Code 399 after a level 4 dog bite, a prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the animal owner:
- Had custody or control of the animal
- Knew it was dangerous
- Allowed the animal to run free
- Failed to exercise ordinary care to control it
- As a result, the animal caused serious injuries or death to another person
The penalties a person might face for this violation will be dependent on whether the victim suffered serious bodily injury, or was killed by the animal. Serious bodily injury would be considered a “wobbler,” meaning it could ruled a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the prosecutor’s discretion. If the victim is killed or dies at a later time due to the severity of their injuries, then it is an automatic felony. Felony charges for failure to control a dangerous animal can include up to three years in jail and a $10,000 fine. If the careless animal owner is charged with involuntary manslaughter, then they could face even harsher penalties.
Dangerous Animal Bites and Rabies
According to the Center for Disease Control, nearly 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States each year with almost one million of these bites requiring medical care. However, some bites can result in more than just a flesh wound. Rabies can be transferred through an animal’s saliva and into your bloodstream if you are bitten. Since there can be no obvious sign of rabies for several months, it is important to get checked by a doctor immediately after a bite from an aggressive animal. If you seek medical treatment, doctors may start you on a series of anti-rabies shots.
Treatment for a Level 4 Dog Bite
Like most dog bite injuries, a level 4 dog bite requires immediate medical attention. However, a level 4 dog bite will have deeper wounds, which will inevitably lead to a more significant loss of blood than lighter injuries if not treated the moment the incident happens. The first step to treating a deep, level 4 dog bite is to stop the bleeding. Blood loss happens quicker than most people think and if it is not stopped in a timely manner, the dog bite can lead to even more health complications.
Next, clean the wound with water and non-scented soap. Risk of infection is high with open wounds and it is important to clean the wound before dressing it. Once the wound is cleaned and covered, seeking immediate treatment at an emergency room or urgent care is recommended.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, you may be able to claim damages from the liable party. The personal injury attorneys at Maison Law take dog bite injuries very seriously and we understand the financial, physical, and mental trauma a dog bite can cause. Our firm has years of experience aggressively pursuing compensation for innocent victims and ensuring the liable party is responsible for the full extent of their damages. These damages include:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Loss of income, as well as the reduction in your earning capacity you’ve suffered from your injuries
- Cost of living with your injury
- Damage done to your property during the accident (if applicable)
The next thing would be to include your non-economic damages. These include:
- Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Stress and anxiety due to the severity of the incident
- Your mental state after enduring a life-changing event
At Maison Law, we offer all victims and their family members a free, no-risk consultation. No upfront money is required for our legal services and we only get paid if we win your case. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
