Although brick-and-mortar bookstores aren’t as popular as they once were, there are still a number of these stores spread throughout California. One of the most well-known is Barnes and Noble, which is the nation’s number one book retailer. Many of the company’s nearly 600 locations are located right here in California.
At many of these California stores, shoppers are allowed to bring their dogs. While the vast majority of these dogs are well-behaved, any one of these dogs may bite you in situations that come up when shopping at a Barnes and Noble–or any other store. When that happens, you or a loved one can be left facing significant physical and financial challenges.
Dedicated California Dog Bite Lawyers
If you’ve experienced a dog bite at a California Barnes and Noble and want to recover damages, our dedicated team of dog bite lawyers at Maison Law is here to help. We’ll thoroughly assess your claim and guide you on the best way to get the rightful benefits and support for your losses.
To begin the process, contact us for a free consultation today.
California Law and Dog Bites at a Barnes and Noble
In California, premises liability and dog bites are closely related when it comes to holding property owners responsible for dog bite incidents that occur on their property. Like many situations, the answer as to what California law applies to a particular situation depends on the circumstances. Thus, it’s important to understand the two applicable laws at play when you’re bitten by a dog at Barnes and Noble: dog bite law and premise liability law.
Dog bite law
Under California law, dog owners are typically held:
- Strictly liable for any injuries resulting from their dog biting a person.
However, this liability is subject to certain exceptions, such as when the person provoked the dog or was trespassing on the owner’s property.
Thus, if a dog bites you at a Barnes and Noble or nearby, the owner of the dog is usually responsible for the injuries and damages that result. Further, you don’t need to show that the owner was careless or did something wrong. Just proving that the dog bit you and caused injuries is usually enough to make the owner liable for what happened.
Premises liability
Even though the dog’s owner is primarily responsible for your injuries if you’re bitten at a California Barnes and Noble, the store itself doesn’t escape liability in the situation. Under California’s premises liability law, every business has a duty to:
- Protect their customers from dangerous or hazardous conditions.
Thus, when they allow shoppers to bring their dog into the store or onto the property, they may be held partially responsible for failing to take appropriate measures to prevent the dog bite, such as not warning visitors about the dog’s presence or not properly securing the dog.
Overall, these two laws closely intertwine in these situations. That said, a dog bite brings very real issues that you’ll have to deal with in the short term before you’re able to explore your legal options.
What Injuries Can Result From a Dog Bite at a California Barnes and Noble?
Probably the most urgent need you’ll have in the event of a dog bite at a California Barnes and Noble–or any other location– is the resulting injuries. These injuries can vary depending on the severity of the attack, but typically include the following:
- Puncture wounds – Dogs possess sharp teeth that can result in puncture wounds and lacerations.
- Infections – Infections may occur when dog bites introduce bacteria into the wound, leading to conditions like cellulitis or sepsis.
- Scarring – Even minor dog bites can cause lasting scars, especially if they happen on visible parts of the body, such as the face or hands.
- Mental and emotional trauma – Experiencing a dog bite can be a terrifying and traumatic event, leading to fear and anxiety.
- Nerve damage – Severe dog bites have the potential to damage nerves, causing numbness or weakness in the affected area.
- Fractures or broken bones – Powerful dog bites can result in fractures, particularly in the hands, arms, or legs.
- Defensive wounds – Attempting to escape or defend against a dog attack can lead to sprains or strains in muscles and ligaments.
- Psychological damage – Dog bite incidents can have long-term psychological consequences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or phobias.
It’s important to remember that any dog bite incident, regardless of where it occurs, should be taken seriously. Seeking immediate medical attention and reporting the incident to the store management or relevant authorities are essential steps to address the situation properly. If you experience a dog bite at a Barnes and Noble or any other public place, this is even more important. With that taken care of, you can begin to assess your legal options.
Legal Options After You’re Bitten By a Dog at a California Barnes and Noble
Obviously, being bitten by a dog is a traumatic event. This is true if it happens to you or to someone you care about. But it’s also a time to be practical about your options and what you need to do to recover from the injuries and damage.
Legally speaking, you should consider at least consulting with our team of experienced California dog bite lawyers to get a better idea of what a claim entails. While your health is always the first priority, you’ll need to take certain steps to protect your claims. Insurance companies might try to minimize what you can get, so it’s important to be careful. Here’s what you should do if you can:
- Get medical help immediately.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning your wounds.
- Report the incident to the Barnes and Noble store management and local animal control.
- Find and get contact information from any witnesses.
- Identify the dog owner and get their insurance details.
- Take pictures or videos of the bite wound and other details of the accident.
From there, we can help you navigate the claims process. As covered earlier, when a dog bite happens at a store, both the owner and the store itself share liability. Thus, you’ll not only have to file an insurance claim against the owner of the dog but a separate claim against Barnes and Noble. It’s here that our team’s guidance and support can be vital. We have extensive experience in dealing with insurance companies and can take the burden off of you.
Usually, both insurance companies will perform their own investigations into the incident and will eventually offer you a settlement. Here it’s important to remember that an insurance company’s ultimate goal is to pay you as little as possible, so the offer may not cover the full extent of your damages. In the event that happens, our team can help you file a lawsuit.
What Damages Are Available in a California Dog Bite Claim?
Whether you choose to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, there are specific procedures to follow. Like any lawsuit, there is a time limit, or statute of limitations, for filing a claim. In California, you have two years from the date of the injury to make both a dog bite and a premises liability claim.
If your dog bite claim is successful, you could receive various types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Property damage
- Punitive damages (in certain cases)
Even with California’s liability laws, each case is different. So, there’s no guarantee of a positive outcome. However, our team of experienced and skilled California dog bite lawyers will be with you every step of the way to make sure your case is as strong as it can be.
Experienced Legal Support From California Dog Bite Lawyers
A Barnes and Noble is meant to be a safe place for you to shop. However, when you encounter a dog in an unfamiliar place, there’s always a risk of biting accidents. Regardless of the circumstances, though, both the owner and store management have a responsibility to take care of your injuries.
Our experienced California dog bite lawyers at Maison Law can help you through the claims process. We understand the law and how it applies to your specific situation. To schedule a free consultation with our office, contact us today.
