Even though dogs are an essential part of many people’s lives, they can sometimes be aggressive and even dangerous. K-9 police dogs are an important part of the police workforce, being specifically bred to complete police tasks. There are many breeds known for their working ability, such as Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Bloodhounds, and more. If you have been bit in a police dog incident, you may wonder what options you have for recovery.
At Maison Law, we offer representation to those who have been injured in California dog bite incidents. If you have been hurt by a police dog or any other type of dog and believe that an owner or another party is liable, we are here to listen and answer any questions you have. Contact us for representation and a free case consultation.
Understanding Liability in California Dog Bite Incidents
If you have been injured in a dog bite incident, one of your first major concerns is likely identifying any negligent parties. You want to be able to hold an owner or another related party responsible for the harm that their dog caused you so that you can receive damages in a personal injury claim. Because California is known as a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bite laws, this means that pet owners are generally liable for related injuries. However, special rules apply when it comes to police and military dogs.
Under Cal. App. 4th 229, an injured person is unable to sue if they were bitten by a police dog while the dog was working in law enforcement or defending somebody. However, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim if you were an innocent bystander and you were not involved in a crime.
For example, if you are a robbery suspect who was running from the police, you may not have a claim if you were bitten by a police dog. However, if you were just walking in the area when you were randomly bitten by the dog, you may have the right to bring a claim.
City of Huntington Beach v. City of Westminster
In 1997, a court dispute known as the City of Huntington Beach v. City of Westminster was presented after an innocent victim was bitten by a police dog. In this incident, a robbery victim was attacked by a police dog and received severe bite injuries. The dog did not loosen its grip until police arrived and forced the dog to let go of the victim. The victim received a total judgment of $250,000 for the claim.
Can I Receive Damages in a Dog Bite Claim Against Police?
If you are hoping to receive damages related to your dog bite incident and resulting injuries, you may be feeling alone and confused in regards to your options. Under California law, you are explicitly banned from bringing a lawsuit against a government agency, such as the police, if the dog:
- Was provoked by you
- Was carrying out its law enforcement duties
If the bite was somehow related to the dog’s work, a government agency will probably not be liable. However, if you were an innocent bystander who just so happened to be bitten by the dog, then you may have a case.
In a dog bite injury claim, you may find that you are eligible for various types of damages, which include the following:
- Medical bills related to your bite injuries
- Lost income due to missed time at work
- Pain and suffering damages due to trauma caused by the attack
- Rehabilitation costs
- Loss of quality of life damages
Because bringing a claim against a government agency such as law enforcement can be incredibly complex, you should act quickly. You may have time limitations and liability can also be difficult to prove.
Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer Today
A dog bite can be a terrifying experience, no matter how it occurs. At Maison Law, we understand California dog bite laws and will help you answer any questions you have, as well as provide you with the resources you need to get back on your feet. We offer you a no-obligation and completely free consultation, helping you to walk through all the details of your claim. You have options and should never have to face a claim alone, which is why our California dog bite lawyers are here for you. Contact us today for more information.
