At Maison Law, we offer assistance and representation to victims of serious dog bite accidents in California. If you were bitten by a Rottweiler and know that the dog’s owner acted in a negligent fashion, you have options for recovery. As you focus on your physical healing, our attorneys will provide you with the knowledge and resources that you need to get back on your feet during these difficult times. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a completely confidential and free legal consultation to get started.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite Attack?
Some types of personal injury cases can be handled without a lawyer’s assistance. For instance, if you have sustained only property damage or minor injuries, you may not need legal help. However, dog bite injury cases are sometimes very serious and lead to devastating consequences. The injuries that a victim faces could be long-lasting and even life-altering. Because of this, speaking with an attorney may be necessary and beneficial.
Here are some of the things that we can do for you at Maison Law in the event of a personal injury claim:
- Investigate the circumstances of your accident to determine liability
- Comply with deadlines and the state’s statute of limitations
- Negotiate with the insurance company to help you get the best outcome
- Answer any legal questions you have along the way
- Take your claim to trial if it needs settled through court
Most People Have Rottweilers for Protection
The American Kennel Club describes Rottweilers as “a calm, confident and courageous dog.” The breed has been known to attack people though, even their owners. In Virginia, a 7-year-old-girl was killed in a Rottweiler attack. In Illinois, a 57-year female jogger survived an attack by two Rottweilers, but it took six feet of stitches to sew her back together again, at least for the time being. One of the dogs was shot and killed by a neighbor while still attacking the victim. The other dog ran home after getting scared off by the sound of the gun blast. It was euthanized by county animal control officers the next day.
Rottweilers aren’t noted for aggression toward their owners or other dogs. But they’re wary of strangers and protective of their human families, especially if there’s somebody new in a Rottweiler’s territorial realm. In the past l0 years, Rottweilers have bitten, mauled or mangled more people than any other dog breed than pit bulls. For example, some homeowners or renter insurers even exclude Rottweilers from coverage because they pose a higher risk of biting and causing serious personal injuries by tearing through skin, muscle, tendons, ligaments, nerves and crushing bones.
Why Some Rottweilers Attack
The true temperament of a classic Rottweiler isn’t vicious in any way. When a Rottweiler does attack, it’s almost always for one of the following reasons:
- The owner trained the dog to attack people, other dogs or animals.
- There was an utter lack of training, especially if the Rottweiler is running in a pack with other dogs.
- The dog was intentionally or accidentally provoked.
- The victim caused the dog some type of anxiety like making a sudden loud noise or a quick and unexpected movement toward a family member that the dog interpreted as aggression.
Breed Specific Statutes and Ordinances
There are no state laws in California that specifically target certain breeds of dogs. A potentially dangerous or vicious dog can only be kept inside of a residence or an adequately fenced yard. If it’s taken out of its confines, it must be muzzled and leashed. As per section 399 of the California Penal Code, the owner or keeper of a dog can be charged criminally if a person is attacked by a dog that was known to be vicious by the owner or keeper. In a civil context, California is a strict liability dog bite state. If a dog bites a person, the general rule is that there are no defenses unless the victim provoked the dog or was a trespasser.
To date, several California counties and municipalities even have breed specific ordinances in place. Those include Lake County and Ventura County along with the municipalities of Sacramento, Santa Monica, Point Mugu, Point Hueneme, Ripon and Naval Base Ventura County. If you live in or are contemplating a move to one of those counties or municipalities, you’re encouraged to inquire with local government about acquiring or owning a Rottweiler. Therefore, you’re also encouraged to inquire with any other city or county that you might be relocating to.
Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer
Rottweilers don’t realize the strength that they possess in their jaws and teeth. With a bite of up to 328 pounds per square inch, Injuries from Rottweiler attacks can be horrifying. This can result in hospitalizations and multiple surgeries. If you were the victim of a Rottweiler attack anywhere in California, you’re likely entitled to pursue a claim or lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
The dog bite lawyers at Maison Law are here to help. We start when you contact us for a free consultation and case review. You can tell us how the attack on you happened and what it did to you. We want to answer your questions too. Upon being retained to represent you, our objective will be to obtain the highest settlement or award that you deserve. Remember that California is a strict liability dog bite state. There’s no reason not to contact us after being the victim of a Rottweiler attack anywhere in California.
