Target is one of the most popular shopping destinations for families throughout the country, particularly in California. According to internal company data, there are 314 stores in California, which is the most of any state in the country.
While each Target has a strict “no pets” policy, every store allows service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Moreover, while the store itself doesn’t allow pets, you can still run across a dog in a parking lot area of the store. Regardless of where you encounter a dog while shopping at Target, the possibility of a dog bite always looms.
Get the Help You Need After a Dog Bite in California
You don’t have to handle a dog bite injury in California alone. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you have the right under California law to seek support and compensation from both the dog’s owner and the store where the bite occurred.
Our experienced California dog bite lawyers at Maison Law are here to assist you. Consulting with us will help you explore all legal options thoroughly. Despite any attempts by insurance companies to devalue your claim, our expert team will ensure your potential claim remains strong.
Contact us today to take the first step towards receiving the benefits and support you deserve. Schedule your free consultation now.
Dog Bite Incidents at a Target in California
Again, just because Target has a no-pet policy doesn’t mean you won’t encounter a dog at one of their stores. While most dogs, especially service animals allowed inside stores, are reasonably well-behaved, there’s always the chance that a dog can fall victim to its natural instinct to protect its owner and may bite at you or a loved one. That’s why it’s important to understand how these incidents can occur:
- Dogs may bite when they feel afraid or see someone as a potential danger, especially if they lack socialization.
- Dogs in pain due to illness may react by biting, becoming more irritable and aggressive.
- Some dogs may bite to protect their territory, food, toys, or family members, perceiving strangers as threats.
- Insufficient training and exposure to different situations may make dogs more prone to biting.
Understanding these causes is essential for your safety. Knowing these factors will also help you respond appropriately if you encounter a dog bite incident, whether at a California Target or any other location.
Can Target Be Liable For a Dog Bite in California?
Liability for a dog bite that happens in a Target store can be complicated and depends on the situation. In California, the dog’s owner is usually responsible for any injuries or damage caused by the dog, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or didn’t mean to bite.
However, Target is ultimately responsible for the safety of its customers. Thus, just because they don’t allow dogs in their store doesn’t mean they can escape liability if a dog bite happens on their property. So, Target’s level of liability may depend on a few factors:
- If Target or its employees didn’t take proper care to ensure a safe environment for customers and their pets, they might be held responsible. This includes not supervising dogs properly, not handling dangerous situations well, or not enforcing their own pet rules.
- Target, as the owner of the store, has a duty to keep the place safe for customers. If they didn’t do enough to prevent dog bites on their property, they could be held responsible.
- If Target knew a certain dog was dangerous but didn’t take enough precautions, they might have more liability.
- If Target didn’t put up enough signs warning about the dogs in the store and the risks, it could affect their liability.
- How well Target’s employees are trained to deal with dogs and emergencies could impact their liability. Proper training can help prevent incidents or handle them better if they occur.
Remember, dog bite cases can be complex, and the details of each incident matter. California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning if you were partly at fault, your compensation might be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Regardless of the situation, if you or someone you know had a dog bite incident at Target, it’s a good idea to talk to our team of experienced California dog bite lawyers. We can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
By far the most urgent result after a dog bite, no matter where it happens, are the potential injuries. Dog bite incidents at Target can vary widely in terms of the injuries they cause. So, victims may experience a range of physical and emotional injuries in these incidents, including:
- Wounds – Dog teeth can cause puncture wounds that may lead to infection if not properly treated.
- Cuts – Dog bites can result in deep cuts or lacerations that may require stitches or surgery to repair.
- Bone breaks – A forceful dog bite can cause bone fractures, possibly requiring medical intervention or surgery.
- Damage to nerves – Dog bites can damage nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or other neurological symptoms.
- Emotional distress – Victims, especially children, may suffer from fear, anxiety, and emotional distress due to the incident.
Your health should always be the top priority after a dog bite, so getting immediate medical attention is crucial to your recovery. However, you’ll also want to gather as much evidence as you can and make sure to report the incident to store management. That way, they can take the necessary steps to document the incident and then take action.
Legal Options for Target Dog Bite Victims in California
Dog bite incidents at Target can occur in various scenarios, which could affect the legal options available to you or a loved one.
As it relates to the actual law, dog owners are “strictly liable” for any injury or damage their dog causes. Still, Target may share some responsibility if the bite happens on their property under California’s premises liability laws.
Overall, California personal injury law allows you to recover damages from the dog’s owner or Target in the following ways after a bite incident:
- Filing an insurance claim with the dog owner’s homeowners’ policy – Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites, allowing you to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Filing a lawsuit against the owner of the dog – If the insurance company denies the claim or offers insufficient compensation, we can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the owner that would seek damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and potentially punitive damages.
- Filing a claim with Target – If the dog bite occurs at Target due to a failure to enforce its policies or regulations, you could file a premises liability claim against the company. This would be a separate claim but would allow you to use the same basic evidence and recover related damages.
While these options are available, it’s always important to remember that dog bite cases can be complex, so seeking assistance from experienced personal injury lawyers can be crucial to your overall claim. Our team at Maison Law can help you understand these legal options and pursue the best course of action for your individual cases.
Legal Guidance From Experienced California Dog Bite Lawyers
In the aftermath of a dog bite at a California Target store, you need legal guidance and experience you can rely on. At Maison Law, our team of dedicated California dog bite lawyers will be there for you and your family as you try to recover from your injuries and will make sure to hold Target or any other responsible party accountable. Don’t wait to get the legal guidance you deserve. Contact us today to set up your free, no-obligation consultation.
