At Maison Law, we offer representation to victims of dog bite attack incidents throughout California. We understand that a dog bite attack could cause you to face a long road to recovery and many finances to pile up against you. Contact us to find out how we can hold a landlord or another party liable for the harm that you have sustained in one of these traumatic incidents.
When You Are Bitten by a Tenant’s Dog: Is the Landlord Also Liable?
When you consider liability in a dog bite attack, you almost always consider the owner of the dog first and foremost. However, there could be other parties liable for the incident as well – including the tenant’s landlord.
Under California Civil Code 3342, a dog owner is held liable for the losses that a victim sustains in a dog bite attack no matter where the incident occurred, whether public or private. When considering this, it is important to remember that many dog owners are renters and do not actually own their property. This also means that they might not have an insurance policy that covers damages that are necessary to help you to get back on your feet. Where does this leave you when it comes to moving forward financially after an attack?
The truth is, there could be more than just one party liable for the attack and the injuries that resulted. A landlord could actually be held liable for the damages that their tenant’s dog caused, including a dog bite incident. However, there are some factors that must first be present for them to be held liable in one of these situations:
- The landlord must have known about the dog’s vicious tendencies
- The landlord should attempt to prevent any harm, such as exercising caution to prevent an attack when possible
An example is a landlord knowing that a dog is dangerous but still allowing it to take residence on the property. The landlord has the right to explain to a tenant that they are required to remove the dog from the property because it is dangerous and causes hazards. Even though a landlord does not have to warn tenants about a dangerous dog on a property, they do have the responsibility to remove a dangerous dog from their property by speaking with the tenant and enforcing it.
If You Have Been Bitten by a Dog on Someone’s Property
If you have been hurt in a dog attack on a California property, there are some steps that you should take to protect your rights. These include the following:
Report the Attack: Always report the attack to authorities and the animal control department where necessary.
Receive Medical Attention: If you have been injured, it is important that you seek immediate medical assistance. Not only will this protect your health and well-being, but it will also help you in the future of your claim as you prove how serious your injuries are. Follow what your physician orders you to do and take care of yourself following a dog bite.
Collect Information: You should always obtain the dog owner’s name and address, as well as contact information for witnesses.
When you have covered all of these bases, it is beneficial to speak with a lawyer who has handled these types of cases in the past. You want to ensure that you are taken seriously when it comes to your dog bite claim.
Damages Available in Your Dog Bite Claim
No matter who is liable for your claim, from a dog owner to a landlord, you may be entitled to several types of damages for your injuries. These include some of the following:
- Medical bills you have incurred and those that you may incur in the future
- Lost wages and future lack of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional pain and suffering caused by the attack
- Rehabilitation services
The losses that you suffer from can continue to pile up for weeks, months, and even years depending on how severe your injuries are. This is why you want to act sooner rather than later, as you do not want to miss out on financial opportunities. In California, you only have two years to file a claim under the statute of limitations before you are barred from bringing a claim. Meeting these deadlines is incredibly vital.
Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you have sustained injuries in a dog bite attack, filing a personal injury claim is worth considering for the best results possible. A dog owner, the owner of a property, or a landlord could be held liable for the harm that a dog causes you depending on the circumstances of your claim. Speaking with a California dog bite lawyer can ensure that you hold all responsible parties liable for harm.
At Maison Law, we are here to assist you every step of the way as you navigate the complex California legal system after a dog attack. You may find that you have the opportunity to receive many types of damages, which can help you get back on your feet. We are here for you every step of the way, so contact us today for a confidential and completely free consultation.
