Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores has a significant presence in California, operating 112 stores throughout the state. When you go shopping for hardware or home items at one of these stores, you may encounter other customers with their dogs. Unfortunately, any encounter with a dog can also end up with a bite incident.
Dog bites in California, whether they happen at Lowe’s or any other store, can have severe and unfortunate consequences, leading to various injuries due to multiple factors. Such incidents can be traumatic, causing lasting physical and emotional scars for the victims.
Protect Your Rights With Maison Law
At Maison Law, our team of California dog bite lawyers is dedicated to protecting the rights of victims bitten at Lowe’s anywhere across California. We know how upsetting these incidents can be, and we’re here to provide excellent legal help. We have a track record of dealing with dog bite cases effectively, and we’re prepared to support you and your family. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Are Dogs Allowed at Lowe’s in California?
Lowe’s, like many other retail stores, has a pet policy that varies by location. In general, most Lowe’s stores in California allow dogs inside, including service animals that are specially trained to assist owners with disabilities. While Lowe’s is not necessarily designed with pets in mind, you should still prepare yourself for encountering a dog if you shop at one of these stores. Thus, it’s important to understand some of the underlying causes of dog bites:
- Dogs that haven’t received adequate training or socialization might display aggression or defensiveness when faced with unfamiliar people or situations.
- If dogs are not properly secured or leashed, they have a higher chance of escaping or engaging in aggressive behavior.
- Certain dogs may show aggression or defensiveness based on their breed, temperament, or past experiences.
- In some instances, dog bite incidents can occur when humans provoke or harass the dog, such as through teasing or taunting.
- Dogs that are unfamiliar with people, including children, or have a fear of certain types of individuals may be more prone to biting or attacking.
While it’s not possible to completely prevent dog bites, it’s crucial to take steps to reduce the risk. This includes doing things like:
- Educating yourself about dog behavior
- Avoiding unfamiliar dogs
- Reporting dangerous dogs to Lowe’s management or employees.
By far the most consequential outcome of a dog bite is the injuries you can suffer. When one of these incidents happens at Lowe’s, it only adds to the potential confusion. However, understanding how California law works and what you need to do can clear up a lot of this.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in California
Even if it happens at a California Lowe’s, each dog bite incident is unique, with different causes and resulting injuries. That said, many injuries from dog bites can vary, ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Bite wounds – Dogs’ sharp teeth can puncture the skin, causing deep wounds that may lead to infection.
- Infections – Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the wound, potentially causing infections like cellulitis, sepsis, or tetanus.
- Scarring – Even minor dog bites can leave permanent scars, especially if they occur on visible parts of the body like the face.
- Emotional trauma – Dog bites can be traumatic, especially for children, leading to fear, anxiety, and emotional distress.
- Nerve damage – In some cases, dog bites can result in nerve damage, causing numbness, weakness, and other neurological symptoms.
- Broken bones – A forceful dog bite can break bones, often in the hands, arms, and legs.
- Loss of limbs or life – Though rare, severe dog bites can lead to the loss of a limb or even death.
No matter where the bite incident happens, but esepcially if it happens at a Lowe’s, it’s very important to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, report the incident to the store and consider consulting our team of dog bite lawyers to understand your legal rights and options fully.
California Dog Bite Law
When dog owners bring their pets into a Lowe’s or any other store, they’re accountable for their pets’ actions. According to California law, dog owners are “strictly liable” for any injuries caused by their dogs to another person. This means that the dog owner:
- Can be held responsible for your (or any victim’s) damages, regardless of whether they knew their dog was dangerous or not.
However, establishing liability is only one aspect of the process. To seek the available benefits and support for a dog bite injury at a California Lowe’s, you need to demonstrate the following:
- You were lawfully on the premises where the dog bite occurred.
- The dog bit you while you were on the premises.
- You suffered damages as a result of the dog bite.
To safeguard your health and legal rights following a dog bite, California law also allows you to file a claim for your damages. However, the process can be complex, especially when it happens at Lowe’s. Luckily, our experienced dog bite lawyers are here to assist you throughout the legal journey and ensure that your rights are upheld.
Filing a Dog Bite Claim in California
Once you decide to proceed with a dog bite claim, it’s essential to understand the process. Regardless of where it happens, a dog bite claim in California follows the same steps as any other injury claim, such as those resulting from car accidents or slip-and-fall incidents.
The significant difference in these cases involves liability. With California’s “strict liability” law, the dog owner will always be responsible for covering any damages or injuries. However, when the bite happens at Lowe’s, the store itself will share responsibility, and as such, will also be partly responsible for covering your injuries and damages.
With that established, here are the general steps in filing a dog bite claim in California:
- Filing a claim with the insurance company – Typically, you’ll submit your claim to the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company, as well as Lowe’s insurance company. In both of these claims, make sure to provide detailed information about the incident, your injuries, and the damages you’ve suffered.
- Negotiating a settlement – The insurance companies may offer you a settlement to resolve your claim. Our team can assist you in evaluating the offer and negotiating for a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
- Filing a lawsuit – If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance companies, you may need to file a lawsuit against both the dog owner and Lowe’s to pursue compensation for your injuries. Our team will represent you in court and protect your rights.
Damages
The ultimate goal of any dog bite claim is to recover certain damages relating to your injuries. This is especially important in a dog bite case, as the injuries can be quite severe and long-lasting, on top of any other physical and psychological effects from the incident. In a typical California dog bite claim, the following damages are available:
- Medical bills and ongoing care, like physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost income due to missed work
- Property damage related to the incident
- Punitive damages, if the dog owner’s negligence was particularly severe
The extent of your injuries will determine the compensation you may receive. It’s crucial to remember that dog bite claims in California have a statute of limitations, which means you must file your claim within two years from the date of the incident. Missing this deadline could result in forfeiting your right to seek damages for your injuries.
Experienced Legal Support After a California Dog Bite
A dog bite incident can be tragic, despite the fact that dogs are usually loving and protective pets. Whether the incident happens on a street or in a store like Lowe’s, your injuries can lead to substantial challenges for you and your family.
If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite at a Lowe’s in California, Maison Law and our team are here to help. We can provide the experienced legal support you need to get back on the road to recovery. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
