No matter where it happens on your body, a dog bite can result in long-lasting physical, mental, and emotional distress for you or your loved ones. While most bite wounds happen to your face or hands, if you try to run away, the dog’s chase instincts kick in and they may go for your feet and ankles.
At Maison Law, we’re dedicated to helping California residents with their injury cases. Our approach aims to secure a positive outcome for your case, whether it be recovering medical expenses, future needs, or the pain caused by a dog bite. If you’ve been bitten, contact us for a free consultation. We’re here to help you.
How Does California Law Handle Dog Bites?
The first question you probably have if you’ve been bitten by a dog in California is probably concerned with what your legal rights and options are. Thankfully, while a dog bite can be traumatic, the law is on your side when it comes to taking care of your injuries. Under Section 3342 of the California Legal Code, dog owners in California are held to “strict liability” when it comes to injuries or damage that their dog causes. This means that the owner:
- Is responsible for your injuries and damages, covering both physical harm and property damage.
Every dog bite case differs, and depending on the circumstances, your actions can influence the claim outcome. For example, if you were trespassing or provoked the dog, it might impact how your case is viewed through “comparative negligence,” which will ultimately reduce your result if you were partly at fault for the bite.
Common Foot and Ankle Injuries in California Dog Bites
Most often, a dog bite is going to affect your face and hands, as you’ll try to defend against the dog that’s biting you. With that said, there are certain scenarios where your feet and ankles could face the brunt of the attack:
- Walking or jogging, where the fast movement might be perceived as a threat
- Approaching unfamiliar or territorial dogs
- Protecting pets or children from aggressive dogs
In terms of the actual injuries that you could sustain to your feet and ankles in a dog bite, they’re pretty much in line with any other area of your body:
- Puncture wounds – Dog bites often lead to puncture wounds on the feet or ankles, which can be deep and prone to infection.
- Lacerations – Sharp canine teeth can cause cuts and lacerations, potentially damaging the skin, muscles, or tendons in your foot or ankle.
- Broken bones – The force of a dog bite can cause fractures in the bones of the foot or ankle, requiring medical attention and possibly rehabilitation.
- Soft tissue injuries – Dog bites may cause damage to soft tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Infections – Due to the bacteria in a dog’s mouth, there is a risk of infection after a bite, especially if the skin is broken. Infections can affect your foot and ankle region.
- Nerve damage – Severe bites may result in nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in your foot or ankle.
- Emotional trauma – In addition to physical injuries, dog bites can cause emotional trauma, impacting your mental well-being.
As with any injury, it’s important to not only take care of your immediate safety, but just as important to get swift medical care. This is even more true for dog bites, as infections can develop quickly if you don’t get treatment.
What Steps Should You Take After a California Dog Bite?
Despite strict liability laws for dog bites, certain steps must be taken if you’ve been bitten by a dog in California. These will not only take care of your health and safety, but will be very important if you decide to take legal action:
- Get medical help – Visit a doctor or hospital right away, even for minor bites, to prevent infections and complications.
- Document the incident – Take pictures of the injuries and where the dog bite happened using your phone or camera. This evidence is crucial, and if possible, gather details about the dog and its owner.
- Report the incident – Inform local animal control or authorities about the dog bite for documentation and potential investigation, ensuring public safety in case of future incidents involving the same dog.
- Collect witness information – If there were witnesses, get their names and phone numbers. Their statements can strengthen your case. Also, note essential details like the dog owner’s name or address if known.
Following these steps is vital for building a strong claim after a dog bite. However, it’s just as important to understand how the claims process can play out.
Filing a Claim For a Dog Bite Injury in California
Any time you’re injured by a dog in California, your best chance at getting what you’re owed from the dog’s owner lies in the claims process. The good news here is that a major hurdle in most injury cases–liability–is taken care of by California’s strict liability law. Consequently, when filing your claim, you’ll file against the dog owner’s insurance company. Here’s an overview of the process in a typical case.
- Filing a claim with the owner’s insurance company – The first step typically involves submitting comprehensive details about the incident, your injuries, and the resulting damages. The claim is commonly directed towards the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
- Negotiating a settlement – The insurance company may propose a settlement to resolve your claim. Our team can assist in assessing the offer and negotiating for a fair settlement that adequately covers all your damages.
- Filing a lawsuit – If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, taking legal action against the dog owner may become necessary to secure benefits and support for your injuries. Our team will advocate for your rights and represent you in court.
Damages
In the context of a foot or ankle injury that results from a dog bite, the damages that you can recover in a claim are very important. While every case is different, here’s a look at some of the more general damages that are available in a California dog bite claim:
- Medical bills and expenses, including rehabilitation or ongoing care
- Costs for surgeries, medical devices, and other future medical needs
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
The amount of financial support you may receive depends on how severe your injuries are. Keep in mind that, like other injury claims in California, dog bite cases have a time limit. You must file your claim within two years of the incident, or you may lose the chance to file a claim for your injuries.
Turn to Maison Law After a California Dog Bite
A dog bite is always unfortunate, no matter what the circumstances are. While most dogs you’ll come across are loving and well-trained, not every owner takes their responsibility seriously. So, if you’re bitten by a dog and suffer injuries to your ankle or foot, you can turn to our experienced California dog bite lawyers at Maison Law.
We’ll explain the legal process and give you a better idea of what your options are. Contact us today for a free consultation.
