Maison Law and our team of dog bite lawyers represents runners who fall victim to dog bite injuries throughout California. We understand how impactful these incidents can be, and can explain the legal process to you in a way that provides you with some measure of comfort and support. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.
Can You File a Claim If You’re Bitten by a Dog While Running?
Getting bitten by a dog while you’re running in California is highly unfortunate, but due to the fact that many dogs see running as either a threat or react to the movement with their chase instincts, it’s quite common. And while many of these dog bites happen on a sidewalk or some other type of public property, it doesn’t prevent you, the victim, from being able to file an injury claim against the dog’s owner.
That’s because California law holds dog owners “strictly liable” for any injuries or harm their dog causes.
This includes a dog bite incident that happens to you while you’re running. While there are certain exceptions to the law–so much that strict liability doesn’t apply if you’re provoking the dog to attack you or trespassing on private property. However, it’s vital that you take certain steps in the aftermath of this incident:
- Get to a safe area – Move away from the dog to make sure of your safety and prevent further bites. Try to remain calm and assess the severity of the bite. If it’s a minor wound, you may be able to handle it yourself.
- Try to identify the dog and its owner – If possible, note the details of the dog and its owner. This information may be useful later for reporting purposes. Sometimes it’s helpful if you remember the house number or area where you’re running.
- Clean your wound – Wash the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection. After cleaning, put some antiseptic on and cover the wound with a clean bandage.
- Seek medical attention – Regardless of the bite’s severity, you should always seek further medical attention. Some bites may require stitches, and you may need a tetanus shot if it’s been a while since your last one. A doctor can also check for any potential infections and can provide a record of your treatment.
- Report the incident to animal control – Report the dog bite to local authorities and animal control. They can take appropriate action to prevent future incidents.
- Document the incident – Take photos of the bite, the dog, and the surrounding area. This documentation can be helpful if legal action is necessary.
Should You Work With Our Team?
Again, the severity of the bite is going to determine the best path forward for you. If it’s a minor bite or incident, you can probably take care of it yourself with some quick medical care. However, if your injuries are more severe or if the incident is traumatic, you should look into meeting with our team. We have extensive experience with these types of claims and can provide you with dedicated legal support as you make your way through the claims process.
Here’s how we can help you in a dog bite case:
- We’ll provide you with an explanation of your legal rights and what the claims process will look like.
- We can help you gather important evidence, like medical records, animal control reports and documents, and the dog owner’s insurance information.
- We can put together a strong claim for you with this evidence and other documentation, submitting a formal demand to the dog owner’s insurance company.
- Once a claim is submitted, we’ll keep you up to date on how it’s progressing and what, if any, the settlement offer is.
Damages Available in a Dog Bite Claim
Not surprisingly, filing a claim after a dog bite is an important step in the recovery process. This is because it allows you to recover much-needed “damages” from the dog’s owner, which is the legal term for the harm and other financial losses you suffered because of the incident.
In a typical dog bite claim, recoverable damages include:
- Medical costs – If a dog bites you and you need medical help, this covers all the financial support for things like going to the hospital, getting surgeries, buying medicine, doing rehab, and any ongoing treatment. It’s there so you can get the care you need without worrying about your finances.
- Lost income – If a dog bite stops you from working, you might not get paid. This part helps make sure you still get financial support for the work you missed because of the bite.
- Pain and suffering – Besides the physical pain, dog bites often result in a great deal of mental anguish. These damages provide financial support for the emotional pain and hard times you go through. In the same vein, you can also get separate damages for the emotional distress caused by the incident.
- Property damage – Sometimes, dogs can break or ruin your things during an attack. These damages make sure you get financial support back for what you lost.
- Scarring and disfigurement – Dog bites can leave marks or change how you look, which can in turn leave you feeling emotionally and psychologically scarred. These damages are meant to address these changes.
- Punitive damages – In certain cases, the owner might have to pay extra if they were really careless or reckless. This is to punish them and make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Dealing with insurance and making claims can be challenging, especially because they’re overall goal is to pay as little as possible. That’s why it’s a good idea to have our experienced lawyers on your side. We know how to approach and negotiate with insurance companies and make sure you get the full extent of your damages. This way, you can focus on getting better without worrying about the legal responsibilities of your case.
Can You Prevent a Dog Bite While Running?
The threat of a dog bite is always present in California, even with the most well-behaved and trained dog. The fact is, any dog can fall victim to its instinctual drive to chase after you as your moving along. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go running if you want to. Rather, it’s more helpful to be prepared and make a plan if you know you’ll be encountering dogs on your run. Even though it’s not always possible to prevent a dog bite, you can do this by:
- Stay calm and alert – If you encounter a dog, try to remain calm and avoid direct eye contact. Staring is considered by some dogs to be threatening.
- Don’t run toward the dog – Running towards the dog might trigger its instinct to chase. Instead, try to move away slowly and maintain a safe distance.
- Stop running – If a dog is approaching you, stop running. Running can activate a dog’s prey drive and make them more likely to chase.
- Carry deterrents – Consider carrying dog deterrents like spray or an airhorn. It’s a safe way to deter an approaching dog without causing harm.
- Consider your route – If you’re aware of certain areas where there are dogs that might pose a risk, try to avoid those routes. Choose paths with fewer loose or unrestrained dogs.
- Know how to react – If a dog becomes aggressive and you can’t avoid a bite, try to protect your face, neck, and chest.
- Report any aggressive or unrestrained dogs – If you encounter a consistently aggressive or unrestrained dog on your running route, report it to local authorities or animal control.
Remember, each dog is different, and these tips might not work in every situation. The key is to stay aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of a dog bite while running. From there, you can turn to our team of California dog bite lawyers for help.
Contact Our California Dog Bite Lawyers Today
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it can be a confusing and stressful experience, especially if it happens suddenly during a run. Dog bites come with serious medical and legal implications. In such situations, having an experienced team of dog bite lawyers is essential to your financial and physical recovery.
Maison Law has a proven record of winning claims for clients throughout California. To learn more about how we handle dog bites and other personal injury cases, contact us today for a free consultation.
