Given its ideal weather, vast resources, and strong entrepreneurial spirit, California has a growing amount of breweries throughout the state. In fact, data from the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) shows that there are more breweries in California–over 1,100–than in any other state in the country.
At many breweries, you can bring your dog to enjoy the company and atmosphere. However, there is always the chance that you or someone you’re with can fall victim to a dog bite in these situations.
Experienced Support From California Dog Bite Lawyers
When you or a loved one suffers a dog bite, it can be extremely traumatic. This is true whether it happens at a brewery or any other public store in California. Not only will you likely be facing injuries, but you also might be wondering who is responsible. At Maison Law, our team of experienced California dog bite lawyers can answer any question you may have and help you through this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experienced support work for you.
Is a California Brewery Responsible For a Dog Bite That Happens on Its Property?
In the past, breweries operated as simple production sites for beer or other alcoholic beverages. However, especially in recent years, many California breweries not only have production facilities but operate restaurant and bar areas as well. Under these conditions, these places are like any other business or establishment in California in that they have an overriding responsibility to provide an environment free of hazards for their patrons.
Part of this responsibility comes into play if the brewery allows dogs to tag along with their owners. In these instances, the brewery has to take steps to regulate the behavior of both patrons and their dogs, all of which can influence the brewery’s level of liability in a bite incident. Usually, this involves whether the brewery:
- Had policies in place for controlling dogs
- Was aware of a specific dog’s aggressive tendencies
- Took steps to ensure the safety of their customers
While all of these factors go into the brewery’s responsibility for a dog bite that happens on their property, California law still holds dog owners “strictly liable” for any injuries or damage their dog causes. This means that the primary responsibility for a dog bite falls on the owner, not the brewery or place of business where the bite happens.
Establishing responsibility for a dog bite is only one part of the equation. If you’re a victim of a dog bite, you should understand what can result–and what you can do about it.
What Injuries Can Result From a Dog Bite in California?
No matter where it happens, every dog bite incident has certain consequences. The most pressing of these are the injuries that you or a loved one can suffer. Dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe, and the extent of the injury often depends on factors like the dog’s size, the force of the bite, the location of the bite, and the victim’s age and health. Some common dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture injuries – These are typically the result of a dog’s teeth penetrating the skin. They can vary in depth and severity.
- Lacerations – These are cuts or tears in the skin, which can be quite serious if they damage underlying tissues, muscles, or nerves.
- Bruises – Blunt force trauma from a dog’s mouth can cause bruising and tissue damage.
- Abrasions – Scrapes or abrasions can result from the friction between the dog’s teeth and the skin.
- Infections – Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to infections that may require medical treatment.
- Nerve damage – If the bite affects nerves, it can result in numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the affected area.
- Fractures – A strong bite can cause bone fractures, especially if the bite is on a limb.
- Tissue loss – Severe bites can result in tissue loss, where parts of the skin or underlying tissue are torn away.
- Facial injuries – Dog bites to the face can cause significant damage, including lacerations, fractures, and potential scarring.
- Emotional trauma – In addition to physical injuries, dog bite victims may suffer from emotional trauma, especially if the incident was particularly traumatic or if the victim has a fear of dogs.
- Scarring and disfigurement – Even after wounds heal, dog bites can leave scars that might require medical attention or cosmetic procedures to minimize their appearance.
- Psychological impact – Beyond physical injuries, victims of dog bites may experience anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other psychological effects due to the traumatic experience.
Steps to take after a dog bite at a brewery
One of the crucial things about a dog bite, regardless of where it occurs, is knowing how to react. Even when a dog bite happens at a Walmart, there are still steps you can take to ensure your well-being is addressed and your legal rights are upheld. Here’s what you should do:
- Get medical help right away to check for injuries and potential infections like rabies or tetanus.
- Take pictures of the bite wound and remember details about the incident, like where it happened and whether the dog was restrained.
- Follow your doctor’s advice for cleaning the wound to prevent infections.
- Inform the brewery’s management and local animal control authorities about the incident for proper documentation.
- Note any witnesses who were present during the incident.
With our team’s help, you can gather all this evidence and then proceed to file a claim for compensation that addresses your injuries and other harm resulting from the bite. Moreover, our group of California dog bite lawyers can aid in determining the responsible parties and the extent of the brewery’s involvement in the situation.
What Can You Expect From the Legal Process After a Dog Bite at a California Brewery?
Each dog bite incident at a brewery in California–or anywhere else–comes with its own unique circumstances, from the cause to the extent of the injuries. However, what remains consistent across cases is how the law addresses these situations. California law handles dog bite cases with clarity: the dog owner is held “strictly liable” for all resulting damages. However, it’s important to remember that if the bite happened at a brewery, they can also be on the hook for some of the damages.
Naturally, the severity of your injuries can lead to considerable damages. Typically, these damages encompass the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Costs for scarring or disfigurement
- Compensation for emotional distress
While these damages are applicable to every dog bite case in California, it’s essential to comprehend that you need to file a claim to access them. This entails entering the claims process, usually involving the dog owner’s insurance or the brewery’s liability insurance company. Our team has extensive experience guiding clients through this potentially complex process, which generally involves the following steps:
- Investigating the incident – After our initial consultation with you, our legal team will assist in investigating the circumstances surrounding the dog bite. This includes collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.
- Writing a demand letter – Once we’ve accumulated all the necessary information, we’ll craft a demand letter to the insurance companies. This letter will outline the damages you’re seeking, such as medical costs, lost income, pain, and suffering, and any other losses stemming from the dog bite. It will also present a formal settlement offer.
- Negotiating with the insurance companies – The dog owner’s and brewery’s insurance companies might respond to your demand letter with a counteroffer or not respond at all. Our seasoned team will negotiate with these companies on your behalf, aiming for a just settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit – If negotiation doesn’t lead to a settlement, we might initiate a lawsuit on your behalf. The case could be resolved through mediation or a trial, and we will manage all case-related responsibilities associated with a lawsuit.
Trustworthy Representation by California Dog Bite Lawyers
At Maison Law, our skilled and knowledgeable team of California dog bite lawyers is ready to assist you or your loved one following a dog bite incident at a brewery in California. We can guide you through the intricate claims process, gather evidence to bolster your case, and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
By working with us, you can be confident that your rights are safeguarded, and that you’re getting the benefits and support you are owed under the law. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more.
